Oak Ridge Military Academy founded in 1852 is recognized as the oldest pre-college military boarding school in the United States.
It was the first military school to accept women in 1854.
In 1926 Oak Ridge was designated a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Starting in August 2021, the JROTC program will be offered to our 8th-grade cadets.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 120 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $35,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $20,000
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Oak Ridge Military Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with < 200 students (out of 82 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
Grades Offered
7-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1852
1907
Campus Size
110 acres
125 acres
School Motto
TENDIMUS IN LATIUM
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
120 students
319 students
% Students of Color
20%
27%
% Students Boarding
75%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
5
18
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
10%
72%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$35,000
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$20,000
$36,000
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$30,000
$49,300
Summer Program Cost
$4,500
Admissions
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
80%
64%
Director of Admissions
Major Robert Forde
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
12
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
5
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Aeronautics, Cyber Security, Drum Corps, Recondo - Raiders Team, Speech and Debate
Aeronautics, Cyber Security, Drum Corps, Recondo - Raiders Team, Speech and Debate
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- Oak Ridge Military Academy accreditations: Association of Military Schools and Colleges of the United States, The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS)
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- George, alumnus who stated ORMA helped make him a better person. -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Oak Ridge Military Academy cost?
Oak Ridge Military Academy's tuition is approximately $35,000 for boarding students and $20,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Oak Ridge Military Academy?
The acceptance rate of Oak Ridge Military Academy is 80%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Oak Ridge Military Academy?
Oak Ridge Military Academy famous alumni include: George, alumnus who stated ORMA helped make him a better person..
What sports does Oak Ridge Military Academy offer?
Oak Ridge Military Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country Running, Drill Team, Intramural Sports Only, Markmanship, Mountaineering, Riflery, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Volleyball.
Does Oak Ridge Military Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Oak Ridge Military Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Oak Ridge Military Academy's ranking?
Oak Ridge Military Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Oak Ridge Military Academy?
The application deadline for Oak Ridge Military Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Recent Articles

Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.

Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
We compare and contrast the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement. We also explore their distinct educational philosophies, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and global recognition to help students and parents make informed decisions about which rigorous academic program best suits their educational goals and learning preferences.

Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.