Broward Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie announced at a news conference today (March 29, 2012), plans for Broward County Public Schools first military academy program. The first public military academy in South Florida is scheduled to open this fall at Hollywood Hills High School (5400 Stirling Road, Hollywood), with up to 400 ninth grade students in its first year.

Just five months into his tenure, Superintendent Runcie unveiled plans to utilize a new 36 classroom building addition on the campus of Hollywood Hills High School to house the new military academy program. The classroom building has the capacity to accommodate 900 students. The military academy will open as a magnet program and be known as Hollywood Hills High School Military Academy. Students will be considered for acceptance into the program through an application and interview process.

The application process is similar to the magnet programs process. Students who apply to the military academy must have a grade point average of 2.0 and level 3 or greater FCAT score in reading and math and must reside south of Sunrise Boulevard. There is also an interview process to review the components of the military academy program to ensure that parents and students understand the requirements of the program. If the number of qualified applicants exceeds the first year capacity enrollment, the District will conduct a lottery as also occurs with magnet programs.

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"When I began conducting listening tours throughout the county and participating in town hall meetings, parents, students and community members expressed a very strong interest in additional educational opportunities," said Superintendent Runcie. "The time has come to offer these types of options to our students and their families."

The military academy offers students the opportunity to engage in rigorous academics, while developing leadership skills and personal discipline guided by a team of teachers, mentors and dedicated retired military instructors who will bring unparalleled experiences to the classroom. The District has partnered with the U.S. Army, which is contributing resources for cadet uniforms, all curriculum needs, program specific equipment, training and half of the salaries for the JROTC faculty members.

While offering this type of innovative program, the District will also seek to minimize costs, where possible. Transportation costs are still being finalized and will depend on student enrollment. The Hollywood Hills High School location was chosen to house the first military academy because of its fairly central location and facility capacity. This plan is consistent with the District's strategy to utilize space and provide opportunities within existing facilities.

Superintendent Runcie expects to open the Hollywood Hills High School Military Academy in August 2012. A formal proposal will be brought before the School Board for approval in the coming weeks.

Applications will be available beginning early next week through the District's Innovative Programs Department. A hotline has been established for parents and students who may have questions at 754-321-1881.

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