Over the past six months, the Sussex Military Academy Board of Directors and the Laurel School District have worked collaboratively to explore all possible options associated with establishing a military academy in the Town of Laurel, one which would be accessible to all Sussex County high school students.
The initial option studied involved the proposed military academy being organizationally structured as a charter school-a publicly funded independent school system established by teachers, parents, or community groups under the terms of a charter contract with a state or local authority.
However, after much research and consideration, it was collectively determined forming the proposed military academy as a charter school was not the most viable path forward.
The Sussex Military Academy Board of Directors and the Laurel School District agree the most advantageous option would be to explore the potential for developing a military magnet school, which would be managed by-and a part of-The Laurel School District.
A magnet school is an extension of a currently existing school system and offers special instruction and programs not available elsewhere and is designed to attract a diverse student body with shared interests.
The Laurel School District will pursue this military magnet school option with the Sussex Military Academy Board of Directors acting as an advisory group in this endeavor.
The next step forward is the completion of a feasibility study to determine the viability and cost associated with restoring Laurel’s historic 1921 Building as the potential home of this shared vision.
