{"id":13997,"date":"2019-04-30T14:07:55","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T19:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mma-tx.org\/blog\/?p=13997"},"modified":"2020-12-03T12:43:34","modified_gmt":"2020-12-03T18:43:34","slug":"how-military-school-motivates-teens-to-succeed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mma-tx.org\/blog\/13997\/how-military-school-motivates-teens-to-succeed\/","title":{"rendered":"How Military School Motivates Teens to Succeed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I think you will agree when I say:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Military<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Raising teens today is difficult and making them interested in the value of their own education can be a herculean task.  For many teens, spending time studying and focusing on realistic goals is secondary to the immediate satisfaction of computer games and their social media accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHow\ndo you get a teen to focus on what is truly important \u2013 their character and\neducation?   What can you do to help them\ndevelop the maturity, independence, self-confidence and team skills required to\nbe successful in today\u2019s world?  \n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It turns out, you can dramatically change a teen\u2019s perspective (and prospects) by challenging them to live up to high expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will discover how military schools have been helping teens redefine their lives and awaken their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the real story about military schools? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Contrary to popular opinion, military schools are not reform schools where kids in trouble with the law are sent to be straightened out.  In fact, at our school, those individuals are quickly weeded from the applicant pool.  Most military school students are normal teens each with a unique reason for attending.  There are a few broad categories of students. Some are the classic underachiever \u2013 smart but not getting good grades. Others need a change in their environment either because of stress in the home, toxic friends, or a negative culture at their current school. Rarer, but present, are those students who desire a military career and see military school as a stepping stone toward acceptance to one of the military academies like West Point.  All have one thing in common, they (or their parents) recognized that they could be better or do better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the primary benefits of a military school?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In terms of education, military schools are not that different from traditional high schools.  The curriculum and courses are the same. The teachers are certified by the state. The schools are accredited by the same regional agencies.  What differs are the institutional values and culture.  The military ethos enshrines character, tradition, duty, self-discipline, selflessness, hard work, and the development of the individual.  Private military schools take those values and apply them to the school setting.  Student life centers upon high expectations, teamwork, and the achievement of goals which then drives the individual\u2019s development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do military schools focus upon?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Character building <\/strong>\u2013 This includes honesty, loyalty, accountability, and many other attributes that are important in establishing individual trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elimination of learning distraction<\/strong>s \u2013 Access to cell phones, social media, TV, and other distractions may be highly curtailed during the school week when a student\u2019s attention should be focused on their studies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Development of teamwork and leadership skill<\/strong>s \u2013 Being able to work with or lead others is important in most professions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhance social and emotional skill<\/strong>s \u2013 Interacting with groups of people in a constructive way develops the ability to manage one\u2019s own emotions and those of others which then improves social behavior, decreases conduct issues, lowers emotional stress, and improves academic performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A structured day<\/strong> \u2013 A daily routine helps to build healthy habits.  It reinforces good time management skills and ensures that important tasks are accomplished \u2013 think hygiene, studying, fitness, and accountability.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Instilling self-discipline<\/strong> \u2013 Success is built upon doing what needs to be accomplished when it needs to be accomplished.  Having this skill is necessary for both learning and achieving goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mandatory participation in extracurricular activities<\/strong> \u2013 This allows students to improve their social skills, pursue interests, and think beyond themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical fitness<\/strong> \u2013 Building one\u2019s fitness has profound physical and mental health benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

College preparation<\/strong> \u2013 Completing a rigorous curriculum is the single most important academic element in preparing one\u2019s self for college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Establishing Camaraderie<\/strong> \u2013 Humans are a social being and having strong friendships offers both support and enjoyment. This underlies group cohesion and the ability to successfully work together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instill ambition and direction in life<\/strong> \u2013 Having a dream or direction can give meaning to life and provide reasons to do the things to propel us in the right direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building self-confidence by earning it<\/strong> \u2013 Confidence is contagious and is often the starting point on the journey toward a goal. You must be able to face your fears and have faith in yourself. Confidence is built through successfully negotiating challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developing tenacity and grit<\/strong> \u2013 This underlies commitment and the will to overcome obstacles to achieve a goal. Small failures often underlie personal growth and future achievement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do Military Schools turn teens into successful students?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A student\u2019s transformation does not depend upon draconian rules or hazing students into submission.  Instead, the focus is on creating a culture that follows traditional values, creates positive peer pressure, and expects achievement.  Students who suffered academically because of poor study habits or who have lost interest in school find themselves in an environment with a clear direction and rewards that motivate improvement. Success is celebrated, and failure is identified and remediated. The goal is to produce a capable, confident, hardworking, well-rounded citizen of good character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do military schools do that can\u2019t be done at home?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Students are mentored by adults who have extensive and successful military leadership experience. They are unyielding in their expectations and the consequences for poor performance are well understood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Little is received that is not first earned.  Personal status is gained through real\nachievements and not doled out superficially.  \nRecognition and advancement are a product of an individual\u2019s hard work\nand achievement in academics, sports, or leadership activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each day is structured to ensure required tasks are accomplished (assigned duties (chores), meals, exercise, classes, sports, study time, and bedtime) and to teach responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A student can\u2019t \u201cslip between the cracks\u201d or hide in the\ncrowd. Small schools and small class sizes translate into individualized\nattention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What types of teens benefit most by attending a military school?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all students are a good fit for military school.  Temperament and a willingness to adapt to a more regiment lifestyle are important.  Those who recognize the value of self-improvement fair the best, but this is not a necessary quality. Students who are initially skeptical will often change their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the nature of military schools, students with one\nor more of the following attributes may find such schools helpful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n