Junior Reserves Officers' Training Corp (JROTC)

At its core, JROTC is a high school leadership and citizenship program that focuses on whole-person education. While accredited and administered by the U.S. military, JROTC is not a military enlistment pipeline. Rather, it is a values-driven program that enriches Fenwick’s Catholic tradition of service, providing students with a holistic formation – mind, body and spirit. It delivers life lessons and camaraderie, plus the benefits of personal growth, altruism and skills exploration. A few of the key benefits:

• Acting with integrity and personal accountability as you lead others to succeed in a diverse and global workforce
• Engaging in civic and social concerns in the community, government and society
• Graduating prepared to succeed in post-secondary options and career pathways
• Making decisions that promote positive social, emotional and physical health
• Valuing the role service organizations, including government, military, first responders, faith organizations, etc.

Freshman Course Topics

• Is the program open to all students?
  Beginning with the class of 2030, all incoming students will take a year-long course called “The Emerging Leader,” which replaces a previously required computational competency course. While offered through the JROTC program, this meaningful addition to the curriculum enhances the coursework for all Fenwick freshmen. Leadership coursework beyond the initial required course is completely optional and opens the door for students to be involved in additional JROTC-sponsored leadership activities and opportunities.
  
  For the school year 2026-27, sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in enrolling in the first-year leadership course should contact their school counselor to discuss adding it to their academic schedule. They would not, however, be able to complete the full course of study for the entire JROTC program.
  
  
• Can parents view the curriculum for this initial course?
  Yes, the nationally-accredited JROTC curriculum can be found here. Information regarding Fenwick’s course description, which will include mission-specific content for our students, can be obtained by contacting the school’s office.
  
  
• Do students have to meet certain qualifications (academic, community involvement, physical) for participation?
  Fenwick’s JROTC program is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to lead, no matter their physical ability, learning style or individual need. Our team will work closely with students and families to build a program that can address individual needs, strengths and circumstances. Like involvement in any extracurricular activity at Fenwick, participation in the JROTC program requires that students maintain satisfactory academic performance.  
  
  
• Will students be required to wear JROTC military uniforms? Will they wear them every day or on certain days?
  Students electing to enroll in JROTC courses beyond the introductory leadership course will be issued a standard uniform (provided by the program) and will be required to wear it on designated class days, typically once per week.
  
  
• Will there be other guidelines that need to be followed in terms of hair, facial hair, makeup and jewelry?
  The general uniform requirements for students participating in JROTC programs do include grooming and appearance guidelines related to hair length and style, facial hair and accessories.  These requirements are commensurate with Bishop Fenwick’s current student policies.
  
  
• How is this program being funded?
  The JROTC program is funded by the federal government through an act of Congress. By participating in the program, Fenwick receives funds through the U.S. Army to cover any needed equipment, facilities enhancements and program-specific support. Fenwick will contribute general office and materials support and fund a portion of the instructor’s salary.
  
  
• If my child has an interest in a course offered through JROTC after his/her freshman year, is he/she able to take it without officially being a cadet?
  No, participation in JROTC electives requires enrollment in the program. Students may leave the program at any time.
  
  
• Are there ancillary programs offered for JROTC participants outside of school activities?
  Yes. The National JROTC program provides schools training, funding, and opportunities in academic, physical fitness, and STEM programs such as robotics, cybersecurity, academic competition, among others.

• To be considered a graduate of the JROTC program, is the student required to take a minimum number of program electives each year?
  A JROTC graduate is a student who takes all four years of leadership courses. However, students may still receive benefits from the program with three years of participation. For instance, a student who remains in the program for two years is eligible for the State of Ohio Military diploma seal.
  
  
• How can you ensure student safety in the program?
  Ensuring the safety and well-being of every student is a top priority at Fenwick, and our JROTC program will adhere to these same protocols and expectations. Fenwick strives to foster an environment in which students feel safe to learn, lead and succeed.
  
  
• Who will be providing instruction to students? Who will have ultimate oversight?
  JROTC instructors bring both military and teaching experience into the classroom. We have received interest from and are in active discussions with several retired military service members who are also Fenwick alumni. While Fenwick’s JROTC program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, Fenwick’s administration has full oversight of daily instruction, classroom observation and student engagement.
  
  
• What qualifications does this instructor have?
  JROTC instructors must be retired military personnel and must undergo a specific JROTC training program through the U.S. Army.  They must also be appropriately licensed to teach in the State of Ohio and undergo all relevant background and other safety checks required for teachers by the State of Ohio and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. All instructors will be employees of Bishop Fenwick High School and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 
  
  
• Will the JROTC course offerings be considered electives? Will they contribute toward students’ GPAs?
  The Emerging Leader course is foundational to the curriculum at Fenwick and is a requirement for all incoming freshmen. JROTC courses beyond this introductory leadership course are electives and can be scheduled alongside other academic requirements. Yes, all courses contribute toward a student’s GPA.
  
  
•  Will JROTC graduates receive special distinctions at graduation?
  JROTC graduates will earn the Military diploma seal granted by the State of Ohio.
  
  
• What benefits/competitive edge will JROTC students have when applying for college/scholarships?
  Graduates from the JROTC program in good standing will be able to compete for scholarships for college ROTC programs. They also will be eligible for admission to a National Military Academy without the recommendation of a member of Congress.