Southern Preparatory Academy is a private military school located in Camp Hill, Alabama for boys in grades 6-12. The Academy emphasizes academic achievement, leadership, and character development. It was formerly known as Lyman Ward Military Academy. History Dr. Lyman Ward founded the Academy in 1898 as a non-profit, non-denominational, all-male institution for the rural youth of Alabama. The school is located about 20 miles from Auburn. The original purpose was to provide a secondary education for those with the ability to learn, the willingness to work, and in turn better themselves. In 1901, the State of Alabama granted Ward a charter incorporating the school with the name, The Southern Industrial Institute, Inc. In 1948, Ward's passing led to the establishment of a military department. The school then changed its name to Lyman Ward Military Academy in honor of its founder. At this time, the school also ended its elementary and co-ed programs. In 1966, the school became a member of the JROTC program and is currently assigned a retired officer and NCO by the Department of Army. In 1972, the school received its first accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which it maintains to this day. In 2019, Lyman Ward Military Academy changed its name to Southern Preparatory Academy and remains a JROTC honor unit of distinction. The Academy is focused on college preparation and has added new programs to include drone certification and private pilot training and a flight simulator, scuba, and wielding. Campus Southern Prep is located on on land, and contains two athletic fields, a parade field, two lakes (Lake Mary & Lake Ann), one tennis court, three dormitories, an administration building, a dining hall, indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor rifle ranges, supply building, JROTC building, infirmary, administration building, library, auditorium, chapel, and canteen. The historic Tallapoosa Hall is constructed of wood. Interesting Events In March 2005, Lyman Ward Military Academy was sued for alleged abuse. There were eight lawsuits alleging brutal hazing and abuse by senior cadets and school officials. In August 2006, lightning struck and destroyed the Dixon All-Faith Chapel. The chapel was rebuilt it in 2014. In October 2007, Tallapoosa Hall was added to Alabama's Historic Landmarks register by the Alabama Historical Commission. The AHC certificate is currently displayed in Tallapoosa Hall's reception room. Admissions The Academy accepts middle school and high school students preparing for college and other