Military's First High School for Soldiers Accredited by IN Department of Education

By CPT Kyle Key August 28th, 2009

MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Education granted an accreditation to the military’s first and only high school program for US service members.

The National Guard Patriot Academy at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, Ind., is designed for qualified applicants from around the nation to enlist, complete basic training and earn their high school diploma while receiving additional military training and giving back to the community.

Indiana Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett said the accreditation marks a first for Indiana. “This is the first time that the Indiana Department of Education has accredited a traditional 9-12th grade high school for uniformed service members, operated by the military,” said Bennett.

Dr. Bennett said he welcomes the options that the school brings to Indiana’s youth. “The National Guard Patriot Academy will provide an important education option to Indiana students,” Dr. Bennett said. “It will not only keep at-risk students in school, but also offer second chances to some who have dropped out. This is an important initiative for our state and nation and we’re fortunate to have the Patriot Academy in Indiana.”

According to the Indiana Department of Education, the accreditation process ensures that a school meets the minimum standards in student performance, legal standards and school improvement planning.

Patriot Academy Principal Col. Teran Armstrong, Ph.D. said the accreditation gives students a sense of pride that their diploma is not just another piece of paper. “This ensures a basic level of quality and provides graduates with the assurance that other institutions recognize and honor this quality,” said Armstrong. “Earning a diploma from an accredited high school is a feat worthy of great pride and satisfaction for the students. They have set the bar high, and in achieving this goal, they have bragging rights, just like their contemporaries back home.”

National Guard Patriot Academy Commandant Col. Perry W. Sarver, Jr. said while the approval by the Indiana Department of Education is no surprise, it marks a momentous and significant milestone for the National Guard’s new pilot program. “We’re not only the first but we’re the only accredited high school program by the military for the military,” Sarver said. “We are ensuring that student Soldiers of the National Guard Patriot Academy are trained for the challenges of the military, and are competitive as applicants to colleges around the country.”

The National Guard Patriot Academy enables students to receive college credits for some 12th grade level courses. Students who complete the program early are encouraged to enroll in college courses and prepare for College Level Examination Program tests where students can earn additional college credits.

For additional information or to schedule interviews with the Patriot Academy staff or students, contact First Lieutenant Kyle Key at [email protected] or (317) 247-3300, ext. 41825.