Initially known as Carver High School, Carver Military Academy (CMA) is a public high school located on the far south side of Chicago, Illinois, in Riverdale, Illinois.  Students must be from the surrounding area.

In August of 2000, Carver Area High School underwent a massive change when it became the first existing public high school in the nation to convert to a public military academy. The newly designated Carver Military Academy (CMA) welcomed about 250 freshmen cadets in August of 2000 and almost 300 in September of 2001. When the freshmen entered in 2003, the conversion was completed and all of the students were JROTC cadets. For the first time in two decades, the enrollment is on a rise, the scores are improving, and the future of Carver is exciting.

In June of 2004, Carver Military Academy graduated its first class of cadets. Approximately eighty percent of the enrolled cadets successfully completed the four year integrated academic and JROTC curriculum. In addition, in May 2006, Carver Military Academy earned its first “Honor Unit of Distinction” recognition. Which it then upheld in all subsequent formal inspection, most recently earning a 597 points out of 600 possible.

This institution strives to excel in education and in athletics while instilling a sense of pride, honor and accomplishment in its cadets while nurturing public service. The Military Model is the essence of how teaching and learning is conducted, which creates a positive culture that is more cohesive and challenging. In a structured and safe environment self-respect, leadership and partnership are promoted. This model is the uniformed standard of conduct, discipline and academics that all stakeholders are expected to comply.

Admissions

The Carver Military Academy maintains an early enrollment schedule. The deadline for applying via apply.csu.edu ends near December of the preceding school year. Complete the online application form and list CMA as your first choice in secondary schools.

Ensure all transcripts and current and complete shot records are available.

Although CMA is maintained in a military style, cadets are under no obligation to enroll in the military upon graduation. The academy does offer a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp or JROTC for cadets, and the students find easier acceptance into the college-level ROTC programs later, should they so desire for the financial aid and an army commission after college graduation.

Athletics and Clubs

JROTC isn’t the only extracurricular activity academy cadets are offered. Basketball, football, track and field, baseball, softball, volleyball and wrestling are only part of the sports programs the academy has available for boys or girls.

For the academically minded, cadets can join the Spanish club or become an academic decathlete. Among the JROTC offerings, cadets can learn about orienteering or fencing as well.

• Soccer – Men and Women
• Wrestling
• Volleyball – Men and Women
• Softball
• Baseball
• Basketball – Men and Women
• Band
• Cheer
• Pom-pom
• Track Team
• Archery
• Fencing
• Rifle Team
• National Honor Society
• Raiders
• Dance Groups
• Spanish Club