The whole campus, consisting of the school compound, students' dormitories, and teachers' housing complex, occupied an 18.5 ha site, donated by the neighboring Indonesian Military Academy.

To be able to attract outstanding teenagers, the school, backed by the politically and financially strong Armed Forces, offered full scholarships to all students.

However, after the severe Asian currency crisis in 1997 and the change in the national political landscape thereafter, the school faced financial difficulties and withdrew its scholarship scheme in 2002 or when accepting its thirteenth batch of students.

To date, some needy students still receive the scholarship,[5] which is sponsored by private corporations,[1] state's departments,[6][7] local and regional governments,[8] or its alumni.

Contrary to many public opinions, students who graduated from the school do not have any obligation to attend the military academy and may choose to continue their higher education freely.

Extracurricular activities available at Taruna Nusantara include the Student Board Organization (Organisasi Siswa Intra Sekolah / OSIS), Student Representatives (Majelis Perwakilan Kelas / MPK), Ceremonial Platoon (Peleton Upacara / Tonpara), School Security Patrol (Patroli Keamanan Sekolah / PKS), Color Guard Section (Pasukan Tanda Kehormatan / Pataka), Gita Bahana Nusantara Marching Band (GBNMB), First Aid Club, Debating Society, Sports Team (Soccer, Tennis, Volley, Swimming, Athletic), Arts and Performances (Gamelan, Rampak Gendang and Band).

The principals: Top graduates of the school are awarded the 'Garuda Trisakti Taruna Tama' Medal, which has three classes: gold, silver, and bronze.