Military schools in Texas offer structured academic environments that combine traditional coursework with military-influenced programs.
These institutions vary in size, governance, and educational focus, and they may operate as boarding schools, day schools, or a combination of both.
Some military schools emphasize college preparation, while others incorporate leadership development, discipline, and optional military training elements.
The schools listed on this page are located across Texas and are evaluated based on institutional characteristics such as academics, enrollment, student-to-teacher ratios, and historical background.
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#1 – TMI Episcopal
- Location: 20955 W Tejas Trail, San Antonio, TX 78257
- Founded: 1893
- Grades: 6-12
- # of Students: 630
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Official Website: https://www.tmi-sa.org/
Texas Military Institute is among the best military schools in Texas.
The private school is located in San Antonio, Texas, and is often referred to by the abbreviation TMI (or TMI Episcopal).
Texas Military Institute offers full-time boarding and a day program for students in grades 6-12.
Classroom sizes remain small and students get more personal interaction with faculty compared to public education.
TMI Episcopal was founded in 1893 and is the oldest Episcopal college preparatory school in the American Southwest.
The military boarding school originally only accepted male students but has since expanded to include female cadets.
The school is sometimes informally referred to as the ‘West Point on the Rio Grande’ and is known for its college preparatory focus.
Several notable public figures have visited or been associated with the school, including President John F. Kennedy.
The Corps of Cadets (JROTC) is optional for male and female cadets at Texas Military Institute.
The JROTC program is affiliated with the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
The institution offers guidance and preparation for students pursuing federal service academy appointments, subject to standard admissions requirements.
Average Tuition / Boarding
The school reports that graduates commonly continue to post-secondary education.
According to the official TMI webpage on tuition and fees, tuition is more affordable at TMI Episcopal for day school middle school students ($28,320 per year) compared to high school students ($31,730 per year).
Moreover, TMI has different tuition rates for Boarding and International students.
For example, High School students that board 5 days per week pay $57,410 per year.
Alternatively, high school students that board 7 days per week and international students, pay $62,960.
The cost of tuition includes funds that cover boarding expenses such as housing and meals.
The current location for the TMI campus is rich in modern architecture as most of the buildings are constructed almost entirely in limestone.
TMI Episcopal has operated on 3 different campuses, including the most recent one northwest of San Antonio.
The campus features several famous traditions like Chapel Talks, Daunt Lectures, Founder’s Day, and the Military Ball.
Texas Military Institute has an extensive alumni network including many notable names.
Students generally are from Texas and nearby states though TMI also accepts international students from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Colombia, Russia, and South Korea.
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#2 – San Marcos Academy
- Location: 2801 Ranch Rd 12, San Marcos, TX 78666
- Founded: 1907
- Grades: K-12
- # of Students: 333
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Official Website: https://www.smabears.org/
San Marcos Academy (SMA) is a coed elementary and college prep school that is sandwiched nearly halfway between Austin and San Antonio.
The private, Christian military school was previously known as the San Marcos Baptist Academy.
The institution is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and students earn accreditation through the Southern Associate of Colleges and Schools.
San Marcos Academy has a long tradition as the military school dates back to 1907.
It is one of the oldest military schools in Texas along with TMI Episcopal.
The academy accepts students that commute to campus for grades K-12.
Meanwhile, students between the grades of 6-12 have the option of living and eating on campus.
The minority of cadets board on campus (approximately 21%) with a total enrollment of a little over 300 students.
San Marcos Academy is governed by a 15-member board of trustees selected by the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of campus events and activities, as well as the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Cadets are not required to serve in the Army JROTC program, though many decide to take advantage of this phenomenal opportunity.
Average Tuition / Boarding
San Marcos Academy (SMA) is one of the oldest boarding schools in the state.
San Marcos Academy is a long-established military preparatory school within Texas.
Unfortunately, the prestige of attending SMA does come with expensive tuition.
Day students in elementary grades pay approximately $8,684 to $10,262 a year for tuition.
Older day students pay approximately $12,750 for middle school and $14,500 for high school tuition per year.
Students in grades 6 to 12 boarding 5 days per week pay $42,740 per year and those boarding a full 7 days a week pay $53,264.
International boarding students pay approximately $63,240 per year.
Younger students (K-6) are not allowed to live on campus and many others choose to commute to save money.
The school reports consistent post-secondary enrollment outcomes for its graduates.
Cadets that live on campus reside in dormitories and are required to attend religious services throughout the week.
However, you do not need to consider yourself a Christian, as SMA accepts students from a variety of religious beliefs.
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#3 – Marine Military Academy
- Location: 320 Iwo Jima Blvd, Harlingen, TX 78550
- Founded: 1965
- Grades: 7-12
- # of Students: 240
- Student / Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Official Website: https://www.mma-tx.org/
The Marine Military Academy is a private school in Harlingen, Texas.
It is a well-established military preparatory school within the state.
The college prep academy features a challenging curriculum for boys between grades 7-12.
Additionally, students have the option of pursuing a year of post-graduate study after high school before joining the military or advancing to a four-year institution.
The Marine Military Academy does not have quite as long of a tradition as some of the other top military schools in Texas but has remained in operation for more than a half-century.
The school incorporates Marine Corps–influenced traditions and leadership principles into its academic program.
While Marine Military Academy is not officially associated with the USMC, it does follow many of the same ideals and traditions.
Furthermore, the Marine Military Academy JROTC program is affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps.
The academy is one of the first in the nation to establish a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (MCJROTC).
All students at the school are members of MCJROTC as participation is not voluntary.
Marine Military Academy offers general high school classes along with honors courses.
Additionally, students may consider Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment courses.
Most classes at the Marine Military Academy last a year and are extremely challenging.
Cadets are also required to participate in at least one extracurricular activity.
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Average Tuition / Boarding
The Marine Military Academy exists at the former Harlingen Army Airfield.
The airfield was established in 1941 during World War II and has historical value even if most of the original buildings have been replaced.
It is one of the most expensive military schools in Texas to attend based on tuition.
Reports indicate that the average tuition for students attending the Marine Military Academy is $53,900.
Furthermore, the institution only accepts male applicants.
Students that are fortunate enough to attend Marine Military Academy are part of a small enrollment of less than 250 cadets.
The academy reports that graduates routinely pursue post-secondary education.
Students live on campus like most military boarding schools and are expected to participate in a variety of events.
Those that struggle with underperforming grades have additional requirements and expectations.
Moreover, a summer camp for boys between the ages of 11-18 offers new challenges for students.
What People Get Wrong About Military Schools in Texas
A common misconception is that attending a military school in Texas automatically requires students to join the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation. In reality, most military preparatory schools do not impose any service obligation, and participation in military-related programs such as JROTC is often optional depending on the institution.
Another misunderstanding is that all military schools in Texas operate under the same structure or standards. These schools differ widely in curriculum design, religious affiliation, boarding requirements, and disciplinary approach. Some are private institutions, others are charter or public schools, and tuition costs can vary significantly.
There is also confusion about the role of military traditions at these schools. While some institutions follow military customs or uniforms, they are not official branches of the U.S. military. Training programs are educational in nature and are designed to support academic development rather than active-duty preparation.
Finally, military schools in Texas are sometimes assumed to be exclusively for students pursuing military careers. In practice, many graduates use the structured academic environment as preparation for college, civilian professions, or other post-secondary opportunities unrelated to military service.
See also:
41 Questions To Ask A Military Recruiter
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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