Understanding Our Academy
Marine Leadership Academy is one of six public military academies in the city of Chicago operating under a military model. The military model as it is practiced here in Chicago provides the personnel, resources, and structure to teach, model, mentor, and coach our cadets in citizenship, character development, and leadership. This includes six military instructors. Every student is a cadet, assigned and accountable to a military instructor and assigned cadet leaders. Every cadet has a JROTC class (or Military Leadership and Character class for 7th and 8th grades) and a cadet leadership practical application period every day.
Cadets from 9th – 12th grade have rank and are expected to progress through the ranks to the best of their ability. Many events in the school are essentially cadet planned and led. To instill personal discipline, all cadets operate within uniform and grooming standards, must learn and follow military type protocols, must show dignity, respect, and obedience to all adults and cadets with higher rank, and must have 95% or higher attendance. Patterns of inadequate progress in these areas can result in probation, and if not improved, transfer from the military academy to the student’s neighborhood school.
Transformation Happens
From the inside out
For years, Military Leadership Academy has stood as a place where young men and women discover discipline, purpose, and the power of service. We also recognize that, like many schools, MLA has faced challenges. And we believe that real leadership begins with acknowledging where growth is needed — and having the courage and commitment to rise above it.
Today, under a renewed administration and a unified instructional and leadership team, MLA is entering a new era. One defined by transparency, accountability, and an unwavering dedication to the cadets and families we serve. We are strengthening systems, elevating expectations, and rebuilding trust through consistent action — not just words.
We are restoring MLA to what it was always meant to be:
A disciplined, service-oriented, college-preparatory academy where every cadet is known, supported, and pushed to become their best.
Marine Corps Values
Every MLA student is a cadet, guided daily by the Marine Corps values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
HONOR
This is the bedrock of our character. It is the quality that empowers Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior: to never lie, cheat, or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; to respect human dignity; and to have respect and concern for each other. It represents the maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability that commit Marines to act responsibly, be accountable for their actions, fulfill their obligations, and hold others accountable for their actions.
COURAGE
The heart of our Core Values, courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines that sees them through the challenges of combat and the mastery of fear, and to do what is right, to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct, to lead by example, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to take that extra step.
COMMITTMENT
This is the spirit of determination and dedication within members of a force of arms that leads to professionalism and mastery of the art of war. It promotes the highest order of discipline for unit and self and is the ingredient that instills dedication to Corps and country 24 hours a day, pride, concern for others, and an unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Commitment is the value that establishes the Marine as the warrior and citizen others strive to emulate.
MLA Core Values
With the Marine Corps values as the backbone of our school, our team embodies values that we believe are essential for our cadets' lifelong success.
Vision
Understanding the big picture, we always move forward.
Relational
Creating environments where authenticity thrives and community grows.
Integrity
We're committed to transparency, accountability and to follow through.
Student Centered
We educate, build, and empower our students holistically.
Professional Growth Mindset
We are knowledgeable, respectful, resourceful, and always learning.
Team Player
Motivated to participate at all times.
He's BACK!
Bulldog Bodega
The Bulldog Bodega is back—celebrating our cadets for their hard work, positive behavior, and outstanding achievements. This initiative honors their efforts in a meaningful and motivating way.
Every Friday during lunch, students can visit the Bulldog Bodega to exchange their earned Bulldog Bucks for a selection of items and supplies, rewarding the discipline and positive habits that strengthen our school community.
Explore Academic Opportunities at MLA
Excellence begins with rigorous training and a strong academic foundation. Step into our Academics to see how MLA forges disciplined, high-achieving cadets.