Founded by Frederick T. Kemper in 1844, Kemper Military School grew from a one-room academy into a noted military preparatory school in Boonville, Missouri. Its 19th-century campus later appeared in films and produced graduates who pursued military and civilian leadership. Financial problems forced closure in 2002; the city of Boonville now owns the campus, and portions are leased for community use, including to a YMCA.

Founding and early years

Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri, opened in 1844 when Frederick T. Kemper established a small school that grew out of a one-room classroom. Kemper had studied with private tutors and at small schools in Virginia before continuing his education at Marion College near Palmyra, Missouri, where he later taught. The school began as a family-run academy and expanded quickly as boarding and classroom space were added.

Evolution into a military academy

Through the mid-19th century the institution operated under several names - including New Boonville Academy, Boonville Boarding School and Teacher's Seminary, and the Male Collegiate Institute - before becoming known as Kemper Military School. By the late 1800s most of the campus core was in place. The school emphasized organization, discipline, leadership and academic work, preparing young men for military service and civilian careers.

Campus, culture and appearances on film

The historic campus, with buildings dating from the 19th century, served as a dramatic backdrop for a number of film productions. The campus and its cadets appeared as extras in feature films; for example, the property was used as a filming location for Child's Play 3. Sources also cite Combat Academy using the Kemper campus as a location. 1

Alumni and reputation

For more than 150 years the academy graduated cadets who went on to military service, business and public life. The school promoted self-discipline, time management, duty and leadership as core values. Some sources list Will Rogers among those who attended or passed through Kemper at some stage; that claim requires confirmation. 2

Closure and the campus today

Financial pressures and enrollment declines led Kemper Military School to close in 2002. The city of Boonville subsequently acquired the campus; parts of the property have been repurposed and leased to community organizations, including a local YMCA branch. Reports about the campus's current uses and any historic-register listings vary and should be checked for the latest status. 3

Why Kemper matters

Kemper Military School represents a common arc in American education: a 19th-century local academy that evolved into a military preparatory school, influenced generations of students, and left a built legacy that the local community continues to adapt. Its story touches on educational change, small-town economic shifts and historic preservation.

  1. Confirm that Child's Play 3 used Kemper Military School campus as a filming location.
  2. Verify whether Combat Academy filmed at the Kemper campus.
  3. Confirm whether Will Rogers attended or was otherwise formally associated with Kemper Military School.
  4. Verify details about Marion College attendance and Frederick T. Kemper's teaching there.
  5. Check current (2025) ownership, usage, and any National Register of Historic Places status for the Kemper campus.

FAQs about Kemper Military School

When was Kemper Military School founded?
Frederick T. Kemper founded the school in 1844 as a small academy in Boonville, Missouri.
Why did Kemper Military School close?
Kemper closed in 2002 after sustained financial difficulties and declining enrollment, pressures faced by many small private military academies.
What happened to the campus after closure?
The city of Boonville acquired the campus. Parts of the property have been repurposed and leased to community groups, including a local YMCA; the campus has also been used for film shoots and other activities.
Did any famous people attend Kemper?
Kemper produced many graduates who served in the military and public life. Some sources list Will Rogers among those associated with the school, but that claim needs confirmation.
Was the Kemper campus used in movies?
Yes - the campus served as a filming location for productions such as Child's Play 3. Some accounts also cite Combat Academy; that item should be verified.