VIDEO: The Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy is gearing up for its second year of school.
Lt. Col. Jason Smedley, commandant of the AMFRA, said they’re expanding this upcoming school year, going from 70 student cadets to now 250.
“Last year we had 9 to 10th grade and this year we will have 9th, 10th, and 11th grade so we will continue to grow our school,” Smedley said.
He said the growth is also reflected in other parts of the school beyond the classroom.
“Our school is unique in a few ways, one that always stands out is that we are the first full JROTC program in the state.” Lt. Col. Smedley goes on to say, “we have a new brand new gym, brand new weight room and brand new marksmanship range.”
Smedley said the academy recently partnered with Arkansas Tech University to be able to provide more courses.