Frequently Asked Questions
The Orion Military Scholars program helps eligible active-duty military families explore boarding school opportunities for their teens through merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and ongoing support.
1. Who is eligible to apply, and when should we apply?
The Orion Military Scholars program is open to students in grades 8 and 9, and sometimes grade 10, from active-duty U.S. military families of any rank who need educational stability during high school. Eligibility is limited to active-component service members. Reserve-component service members are not eligible, even if activated. Families should plan for the active-duty parent to remain on active duty throughout their child's boarding school years. Because the boarding school application process takes time, families should apply the year before their child plans to enroll. For example, a student hoping to begin boarding school in Fall 2028 should apply during Orion's Fall 2027 application season.
2. When does the application process begin, and what are the important deadlines?
Orion's application season opens annually on August 1. Important dates include:
November 1: Deadline to submit the Orion Eligibility Form.
November 15: Deadline for eligible applicants to complete the Standard Application Online (SAO).
Mid-December: Orion scholarship awards are announced.
On or before January 15: Orion submits the SAO to member boarding schools.
March 15: Traditional boarding school Decision Day, although some schools notify applicants earlier.
We encourage families to start early to allow time to explore schools and complete all required steps.
3. How do we apply for Orion Military Scholars program?
Two-step Process: Families begin by submitting an Orion Eligibility Form by November 1. If eligible, applicants must complete the Standard Application Online (SAO) by November 15. The SAO is accepted by all Orion member boarding schools, so families do not need to complete a separate SAO for each school. Orion applicants agree to apply to multiple Orion member schools. This broadens their opportunities to find the right fit, gives them more admission options, and allows multiple schools to consider them. There is no fee to apply to Orion, and member boarding schools waive their application fees for Orion Military Scholars who apply.
4. How much are Orion scholarships, and how can families afford the remaining tuition?
Orion currently awards selected Orion Military Scholars annual merit scholarships of $5,000 or more. Awards are announced in mid-December. Families must also apply for need-based school financial aid through Clarity. Based on the Clarity assessment, Orion member boarding schools offer accepted Orion Military Scholars financial aid packages designed to significantly reduce or eliminate the remaining cost of boarding school. Together, merit scholarships and need-based financial aid help make boarding school more accessible to eligible military families of any rank. Orion scholarships are paid directly to member boarding schools and cannot be used at non-member private schools.
5. Are there any additional costs associated with applying?
Orion's application is free, and member schools waive their application fees for Orion Military Scholars. However, some additional costs may apply.
Some schools require SSAT admissions test scores, and others are “test-encouraged” or “test-optional”. SSAT registration generally costs $175–$330, depending on the testing format and location. Orion offers a limited number of test fee waivers for military families demonstrating eligible financial need, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Orion also provides unlimited fee waivers for SSAT test-preparation materials.
The Clarity financial aid application fee is automatically waived for families who meet its financial-need threshold. Otherwise, the fee is $65 per household, regardless of how many children or schools are involved.
6. What happens if we start the process and decide boarding school isn't right for us?
Exploring boarding school does not automatically mean your family has committed to enrolling. The application process gives you and your teen an opportunity to learn about schools, ask questions, understand the financial picture, and decide whether boarding school is the right fit. We encourage families to communicate with Orion if their plans or circumstances change so they can understand and navigate any applicable deadlines or commitments.
7. What support does Orion provide after a student is selected?
Orion's support extends well beyond the scholarship award. Orion serves as a mentor, advisor, and advocate for Scholars and their families throughout the boarding school journey, from the application process through graduation. After each Orion Scholar is notified of scholarship decisions, Orion helps each Scholar apply to the boarding schools, assess decisions that come in the spring, and enroll in the child’s chosen school. Each August, new Scholars and their parents participate in Orion Boarding School Boot Camp, a live, interactive, half-day webinar that helps families prepare for boarding school. Orion's team also remains available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the boarding school years. Scholars and their families are asked to complete two update forms each year so Orion can monitor progress, check on student well-being, and celebrate accomplishments.
8. How often can we communicate with or visit our teen at boarding school?
Parents can communicate with their Orion Scholars by phone and text, subject to school policies and student schedules. Orion recommends establishing a regular weekly call to maintain family connections while helping teens develop independence. Member schools welcome parent visits and host Parents Weekend events. Traditional school breaks are longer for boarding school students, and include Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, providing opportunities for families to reconnect.
9. What if my child needs to fly to school, or our military circumstances change?
Many Orion member schools accommodate students who travel by air and offer shuttle services or ride-sharing arrangements to and from nearby airports, train stations, and bus terminals. Families should confirm transportation options directly with their prospective schools.
Orion's eligibility requirements assume that the active-duty parent plans to remain on active duty throughout the child's boarding school years. However, unexpected circumstances beyond a parent's control may require separation from military service before graduation. In such cases, Orion does not cancel the family's annual scholarship payments.
10. Who can we contact if we have more questions?
Orion is here to help families navigate eligibility, applications, financial aid, school selection, and the boarding school experience. If you're considering the Orion Military Scholars program for your teen, reach out to Orion to learn more about the process and get guidance on the next steps. Email us at information@orionmilitary.org.