Each NJROTC program in the country is required to submit at least one academic team for the National Academic Exam. The academic team also compete during the regular season of competitions.The Academic Team is composed of cadets who are particularly interested in academics, and who are willing to devote extra effort in representing the unit in academic competitions against other NJROTC units locally and in the National Academic Examination.

In 2012-2013, PHNJROTC participated in 6 regional events and finished first in every meet.

The National Academic Exam is a rigorous 100 question exam covering math, science, history, military subjects and current events. The minimum number of teams required for participation is one but schools can have as many as five. Patrick Henry routinely has five teams competing.