An important stage of schooling, primary or elementary education begins when the child is 5-7 years old and ends around age 13. These early years determine to a great extent what your child is going to be tomorrow. The main focus is the acquisition of a solid foundation in languages, mathematics and basic sciences. They develop skills and discover aptitude during this time period.

Most of the military schools are boarding schools, and are either privately owned or rather funded by the U.S. government. The military environment instills the virtues of honor, self-discipline, teamwork and other strong skills. Some schools have the famed Middle School Cadet Corps (MSCC) program. The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program oversees the MSCC. Both are funded by the Defense Department. The elementary school cadet corps is a voluntary after-school program. The young cadets are taught responsibility, first aid and character-building activities. Trips to bases are organized. They wear uniforms on certain days and have military-style training. But the recruitment to military services is still far from the set target.

A few military elementary schools in the US are West Point elementary school, US Military Academy (NY), Military Heights elementary school, Roswell (NM), Lyman Ward Military Academy, Camp Hill (AL) and Fork Union Military Academy (VA). Most military schools start from grade six.

There are conflicting views regarding the benefits of military recruiters visiting elementary schools. But battling myths, these educational establishments have a proven record in sharpening the mind and fine-tuning the body, in a positively nurturing environment.