Most Selective Boarding Schools

The average acceptance rate across the 12 ranked military boarding schools is 76% (2026-27).
Among military boarding schools, the one with the lowest acceptance rate is Fork Union Military Academy, with 55%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Military Schools Ranked: 12
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 55%–85%
  • Military Schools Avg.: 76%
  • National Avg.: 59%

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • # Military Schools Ranked: 12
  • Top 20 Range (Lowest Acceptance Rates): 55%–85%
  • Military Schools Avg.: 76%
  • National Avg.: 59%

National Average Acceptance Rate (Trends)

Showing 2016–2025. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

Total Growth: +9.7% (+5.2% since 2016)

Show school map — National (Acceptance Rate range: 55%–85%, avg 76%)
Acceptance Rate Range: 55% 85% Avg. Acceptance Rate: 76%

Lowest Acceptance Rates (2026-27)

Among Military Schools (out of 12 schools)

Sorted by range (alphabetically within range)
Fork Union Military Academy Photo - The cadets in parade formation. The first full dress parade of the year begins usually at the end of April and is on Sunday.
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys (Baptist)
PO Box 278, 4744 James Madison Hwy
Fork Union, VA 23055
(434) 842-4205
(7)
Missouri Military Academy Photo - Established in 1889, Missouri Military Academy has transformed young men into leaders who are well-educated, prepared gentlemen of character. Our long history and distinct traditions inspire a sense of pride and duty among the young men who seek to fulfill their potential at MMA.
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys (Non-denom. / Christian)
204 Grand Street
Mexico, MO 65265
(573) 581-1776
(7)
Army and Navy Academy Photo - Our 16-acre campus is bordered by the Pacific Ocean in the northern San Diego coastal town of Carlsbad, CA. State-of-the-art athletic facilities support ANA's 17 different sports teams, plus surfing, beach volleyball, and ice hockey.
Gr: 7-12
All-boys
2605 Carlsbad Blvd.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(888) 762-2338
(5)
Camden Military Academy Photo - A proud family!
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys
520 Hwy. 1 North
Camden, SC 29020
(803) 432-6001
(21)
Fishburne Military School Photo - Fishburne Military School is the smallest all-boys military boarding school in Virginia. Our cadets come from 18 different states and 4 countries. Located in Waynesboro VA, Fishburne continues to be a pillar of all-boys education since Fishburne's founding in 1879.
Gr: 8-12 | 6-12 (day)
All-boys
225 S. Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro, VA 22980
(540) 946-7706
(7)
Hargrave Military Academy Photo - Hargrave strives to develop well-rounded young men. Hargrave offers various opportunities for Cadets to be involved with music and the arts.
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys (Baptist)
200 Military Drive
Chatham, VA 24531
(800) 432-2480
(6)
Marine Military Academy Photo
Gr: 7-12, PG
All-boys
320 Iwo Jima Blvd
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 423-6006
(1)
New Mexico Military Institute Photo - Cadets forge lifelong friendships at NMMI.
Gr: 9-12, PG
101 West College Blvd
Roswell, NM 88201
(800) 421-5376
(7)
New York Military Academy Photo - New York Military Academy, established in 1889 in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, is a private, international boarding school serving grades 7 through 12. NYMA is dedicated to a comprehensive and substantive process of developing young leaders who are `Set Apart for Excellence`. Our goal is to prepare our cadets for success and fulfillment in college and in life.
Gr: 9-12, PG
78 Academy Ave.
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520
(845) 618-7335
(2)
Oak Ridge Military Academy Photo - Cadets gathering for the annual Corps Day Parade!
Gr: 7-12
2317 Oak Ridge Road
Oak Ridge, NC 27310
(336) 515-8040
Riverside Military Academy Photo
Gr: 6-12
All-boys
2001 Riverside Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501
(678) 696-2116
(5)
St. John's Northwestern Academy Photo - Students walking through campus.
Gr: 7-12, PG
Episcopal
1101 Genesee Street
Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-7199
(4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which military boarding schools have the lowest acceptance rates?
The military boarding schools with the lowest acceptance rates are Fork Union Military Academy, Missouri Military Academy and Army and Navy Academy.
How many military boarding schools are ranked for the lowest acceptance rates?
12 military boarding schools are ranked for the lowest acceptance rates.

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Did You Know?

Acceptance rates listed below reflect the average rate of acceptance for all applicants (boarding and day applicants) in the previous year.
Keep in mind that acceptance rates may be lower or higher than the average acceptance rate depending on: what grade you are applying for, whether you are a boarding applicant or day student applicant, and the time of year you are applying.
Schools typically have the most openings for freshmen and sophomores (many schools do not accept incoming seniors), so applying for entrance into 9th or 10th grade may improve your chances of admission.
Acceptance rates between boarding applicants and day student applicants may differ (i.e., schools in certain areas may a higher ratio of day student applicants to day student openings, versus boarding applicants to boarding openings; the acceptance rate of some schools will actually be lower for day applicants and higher for boarding applicants).
Many, but not all, schools will accept applications after application deadlines, but admission generally becomes more difficult.

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