Recruitment

The mission of Junior Reserve Officer Training is to motivate young people to become better citizens. The program of instruction includes courses on citizenship, leadership, human behavior, and communication skills, and involves a combination of formal instruction, practical skill training, and hands-on leadership opportunities. The program is designed so that learning processes as cadets develop at each grade level.

Additionally, cadets are involved in community service and outside leadership programs. Many cadets also participate in related extracurricular activities such as drill team, color guard, or other team competitions.

The following are scheduled to support the registration process held during the 2026-27 school year.

• Clarksville Middle School - TBD

• Dunloggin Middle School - TBD 

• Folly Quarter Middle School - TBD

• Hammond Middle School - TBD

• Harpers Choice Middle School - TBD

• Lake Elkhorn Middle School - TBD

• Lime Kiln Middle School - TBD

• Murray Hill Middle School - TBD

• Patuxent Valley Middle School - TBD

• Wilde Lake Middle School - TBD

Enrollment:  Enrolling into the program is completed in one of two ways depending upon your 'status' with the school.

In-District Students:  Students that are districted to Atholton High School enroll by selecting JROTC as an elective course for next year.   When scheduling is completed, the student will be assigned/enrolled in JROTC.

Out-of-District Students:  Students that are districted to a high school other than one of the JROTC-host schools (Atholton, Howard, and Oakland Mills) must apply to each JROTC program they desire to attend.  JROTC is an academic class offered to 'resident' students at the host schools, so accepted applicants will be transferred to the respective host-school as full time students.  It's important to note that out-of-district student transportation to/from school is the parent's/guardian's responsibility - HCPSS does not provide busing for out-of-district students.  

The memo outlining the Out-of-District JROTC Application Process for Atholton JROTC is below.

Out-Of-District Application

·   Window to request an interview – 11 November 2026 ‑ 5 January 2027

·   Final date for interviews – o/a 8 January 2027

·   Submission of approval/denial/waitlist list – NLT 13 January 2026

·   Distribution of approval/denial/waitlist letters (email) – NLT 15 January 2027

·   Deadline for approved candidates to contact registrar office – 26 January 2027