WNY Maritime Charter History

Western New York Maritime Charter School is a four year Public High School chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 2004. The school was commissioned and "got underway" with its first class of Freshmen in September 2004. Our first class of Seniors commenced classes in September 2004 and graduated in June, 2008. 

All of the students attending Maritime are also Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Cadets. NJROTC stresses leadership and citizenship and instills the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Cadets wear Navy-provided NJROTC uniforms and earn rank through demonstration of leadership ability and participation in advancement exams. All cadets are expected to adhere to a Cadet Honor Code which is summed up in the statement; a cadet will not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do. NJROTC extra-curricular activities include Color Guard, Armed and Unarmed Drill Teams, Orienteering, Marksmanship and Academic Teams. The school competes in Drill and Field meets with other JROTC programs throughout the region, state and country. 


While numerous graduates have chosen to serve their country, 2016 was a special year which saw the first Maritime graduates earn commissions as officers in the United States military including two Naval officers, one Marine Corps officer and one Army officer.