Downtown Miami, Florida

Florida is the 27th state in the United States of America. It is located in the southeastern region of the country, situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Straits of Florida in the south. Florida’s geography is distinctive from the rest of the contiguous United States, such that it has the longest coastline and the omnipresence of water brings constant threat of cyclones and hurricanes. The two great bodies of water at both sides also dictated the state’s climate. South Florida has a tropical climate while further north, in North and Central Florida, it becomes humid subtropical.

Native Americans had inhabited the peninsula as early as 14,000 years ago, before the first European contact came in the 15th century. The following century, Florida was settled by both the French and Spanish, then in the 18th century it became under the colonial rule of Spain before becoming an organized territory of the United States in 1822. Over the course of history, white settlers in Florida had clashed a number of times with the Native Americans, collectively known as Seminoles. Events led to the Second Seminole War in 1835 and ended in 1842, with the relocation of the natives to the reservation in southwest Florida. In 1845, Florida was admitted to the union ad the 27th state of the U.S.

In the American Civil War, Florida was among the Southern states that seceded from the Union. Its strategic location made it a significant battleground for both warring factions seeking to acquire it. Although numerous clashes had been fought on its lands, the only major battle was the Battle of Olustee near Lake City.

After the civil war, Florida experienced stunted growth and slow development, especially during the onset of the Great Depression. However, in 1920s, the construction of railroads opened up large areas for development, precipitating the Florida land boom of the 1920s. Other sectors soon followed and by late 19th century, Florida has become a global tourist hotspot, especially known for its stretches of white sand beaches, tropical sunshine, and amusement parts, earning the sobriquet “The Sunshine State”.

Florida is one of the American states that have a significant military presence. Currently, there are 24 military bases in the state, with the United States Navy having the largest presence. There are around 109,390 active U.S. military personnel stationed in Florida contributing, directly and indirectly to the state's economy.

Florida Military Boarding Schools

Due to a thriving economy, the educational system of Florida is very well developed and has been cited as among the best in the United States. The high military presence in the state serves as a major influence to the state’s credibility as a major provider of military education and training.

Currently, there are several military schools and programs offered by various private institutions all over the state. There are private military schools, college prep military schools, public elementary military schools, as well as military programs offered by state colleges. To find a military boarding school, just click on any of the links below.