Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #7 - At Southern Preparatory Academy, we go beyond the classroom to develop well-rounded students prepared for success in college, careers, and life. With small class sizes and a supportive, structured environment, we provide a personalized education that fosters academic excellence, leadership, and strong character.

Southern Preparatory Academy

174 Ward Circle
Camp Hill, AL 36850
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Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #1 - Learn more about our all-male military boarding program. From reveille to taps, each day is structured to encourage personal growth, academic achievement, and character development. Cadets learn to embrace responsibility, respect others, and push themselves to excel-whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in their military roles.
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Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #1 - Learn more about our all-male military boarding program. From reveille to taps, each day is structured to encourage personal growth, academic achievement, and character development. Cadets learn to embrace responsibility, respect others, and push themselves to excel-whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in their military roles.
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #2 - Southern Prep Academy offers a college-prep curriculum with a focus on personalized learning and academic excellence. Our diploma options include Standard Diploma, Honors Diploma, College-Bound Diploma with ROTC Option, and Military Diploma.
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #3 - Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, Southern Prep is opening its doors to male & female day students who have the option to join the Corps of Cadets. Our boarding program will remain all-male and military-based.
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #4 - We fly planes too! We are partnered with a small, local airport to offer one-on-one flight training for students who meet the requirements. And, yes... that is a high school student flying that plane!
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #5 - Military schools can have fun too! Photo from our Summers at Southern Camp. Other activities from this summer: fishing, kayaking, camping, zip-lining, and more!
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #6 - Southern Prep's main school building, Tallapoosa Hall.
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #7 - Clubs and organizations are a vital part of Student Life at Southern Prep. Pictured above is our JROTC Color Guard. Other opportunities include Bible Study, Run Club, Media Club, Raiders, Drill Team, and more.
Southern Preparatory Academy Photo #8 - At Southern Preparatory Academy, we go beyond the classroom to develop well-rounded students prepared for success in college, careers, and life. With small class sizes and a supportive, structured environment, we provide a personalized education that fosters academic excellence, leadership, and strong character.
At Southern Preparatory Academy, we shape the next generation of leaders through a whole-person approach that develops the mind, body, and spirit. Rooted in faith-based values, we empower students to lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Our academy now offers both all-boys military boarding and co-ed day student pathways, providing a structured, challenging environment where students can thrive academically, physically, and morally.
Through innovation in STEM, honors courses, and rigorous academics, we prepare our graduates to lead meaningful, impactful lives and serve their communities with distinction.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 130 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $35,000
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Sep. 12 / Feb. 4
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Exciting New Initiatives at Southern Prep Academy - 03/28/2025
    Beginning in the summer of 2025 and the 2025-2026 school year, Southern Prep is expanding! We are opening our campus to male and female day students in grades 7-12. While ...moreboarding will remain male-only and military-based, day students (male & female) will have the option to participate in our military program-but it is not required. hide
  • Southern Prep Senior Appointed to West Point - 05/15/2024
    Southern Prep graduating cadet Sean Turner will be attending West Point this fall to pursue a future career in military intelligence in the army.

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Southern Preparatory Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
7-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1898
1907
Campus Size
320 acres
125 acres
School Motto
Rangers Lead The Way
School Mascot
Rangers
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 11, 2025
Last Day of School
Wed. May 13, 2026

Student Body

Enrollment
130 students
319 students
% Students of Color
20%
27%
% International Students
4%
20%
% Students Boarding
98%
70%
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform
Casual
Average Class Size
12 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
75%
72%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$35,000
(Please add $2,500 for out of state students. Contact our Admissions Team to receive information on our payment plans.)
$66,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
n/a
$36,000
Tuition international students
$42,000
$57,650
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Admissions

Application Deadline
Sep. 12 / Feb. 4
Jan. 15
Director of Admissions
Morgan Comolli
Associate Director of Admissions
Mindy Pate
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
14
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Aviation, Beta Club, Color Guard, Drill Team, Drone Demonstration Team, Ranger Team, Rifle Team, Robotics Team, Scholars' Bowl, Sword Drill

Arts and Music Programs:
Choir, Drum Corps, Yearbook Staff

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

School Notes

  • Starting in Summer 2025, Southern Preparatory Academy will open its doors to female students through our Summers at Southern camps, and in the 2025-2026 school year, we will welcome female and male day students in grades 7-12. Our all-male military boarding program will remain in place, with an even stronger emphasis on leadership, character development, and personal growth.
  • Day students, both male and female, will receive a rigorous, college-preparatory education in a structured environment with the option to add JROTC courses and/or fully immerse in the military program by joining the Corps of Cadets. Those who do not wish to participate in the military aspect will not be required to but will still benefit from small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, and leadership development. At this time, all boarding students will be required to participate in the military program and must be male 
  • Southern Prep remains academics-first, complemented by athletics and leadership training. With no current private school options in Tallapoosa County offering this unique blend of structure, discipline, and character-building, we are filling a much-needed gap for families seeking a challenging and values-driven education for their children. Through programs like the CHOOSE Act and Scholarships for Kids, tuition assistance may be available for eligible families. 
  • Our summer programs will offer female students the option to board on campus, with separate dorms for male and female students. Our Summers at Southern Camps have themes like STEM & Aviation, Nature's Wonders, Southern Survival, and Operation Leadership, that will provide hands-on learning and outdoor adventure, and are designed for students in rising 8-12th grades.
  • Our Academic Advancement Academy offers a four-week, in-class session where students can earn one (1) credit hour. Open to both boarding and day students entering grades 9th through 12th in Fall 2025, this program is designed for ambitious learners.
  • We also want to be clear-Southern Prep is a place for growth, not reform. We are a place where students challenge themselves academically, athletically, and as leaders. 
  • We are looking ahead in anticipation for this next chapter and invite families to learn more, schedule a tour, and explore all that Southern Prep has to offer! Visit our website to see the excited new changes already taking place.
  • Southern Preparatory Academy accreditations: AdvancED
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southern Preparatory Academy cost?
Southern Preparatory Academy's tuition is approximately $35,000 for boarding students.
What sports does Southern Preparatory Academy offer?
Southern Preparatory Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Drill Team, Football, Golf, Riflery, Soccer, Track, Track and Field and Wrestling.
Does Southern Preparatory Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Southern Preparatory Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Southern Preparatory Academy?
The application deadline for Southern Preparatory Academy is Sep. 12 / Feb. 4.

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2018
5.00
PHSC
The curriculum was definitively challenging, and the way courses were set up allowed for more teaching time than a normal school or prep. The class structure was 90 minutes per 4 classes and being all. . .

Class of 2020
5.00
N/A
In my opinion, I believe that our school is different from other schools in that everyone gets along at some point because we live together. We are brothers at Southern Prep Academy.Another reason we are. . .

Class of 2020
5.00
Middle tn state university
One or two aspects that I love personally is the hard work and dedication the teachers and staff of southern prep academy that they will never give up on you no matter what the second. . .
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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 7-12
  • Enrollment: 130 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $35,000
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Sep. 12 / Feb. 4
  • Source: Verified school update

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