Well....If you have money to blow, you COULD attend a "Modeling School or Academy".....but they are not always what they are cracked up to be. In fact...I would venture to say that MANY of the best, well known professional models have NOT attended a modeling school. The problem is that MANYYYY of them are nothing but a "front" for a photographer or his business. Of course the Modeling School or Academy will insist that all of your photos come from this ONE photographer...so it's all about money, money, money. Many modeling agencies won't ask the model if she was "schooled" by a professional Modeling School or not.
Since experience is more important than school, it doesn't really make THAT much difference if he or she was or not formally trained. I have gotten some excellent results from many of the models I have used who have NEVER attended a Modeling School. Some of the best models are children. They don't have too many bad habits, but they can be impatient at times. Most models can do well if they are given 10-15 minutes of coaching and instructions they usually catch on well.
What is also important in the whole process is your ability to make a GREAT portfolio...that is....a decent album of your best shots in a variety of settings. That includes swimsuit photos, head shots, formal wear, product promotions, you name it. The portfoilio must display the model in a variety of settings and backgrounds to display to a potential advertiser that she is versatile and capable of promotion the product or merchandise in the way that best reflects the image of the company and appealling to their clientele. I have used many models who never show their face....so good looks don't ALWAYS carry a lot of weight either. Many times I am taking photos of their hands, back profile or some other body part.
If you are over age 14-15 you are considered to be "late starter" in THIS business.....many models are starting at around age 12, 13 or 14. If you have waited until age 15 or 16, you have already lost a lot of time on the competitors. Many models are finished by age 28 or sooner.
I suggest that you find a good photographer who is capable of helping you make a portfolio. Some photographers (such as new photographers or college students) may work with you on what is known as TFP...(Trade for Photos)...in other words.... you sign a Model Release allowing the photographer to use your photos for FREE and he/she supplies a good selection of photos for you to keep (for FREE) in your portfolio. One hand washes the other in this kind of agreement.
Also....your BEST choice of Modeling Agencies WILL be in the larger cities...New York, Boston, L.A. , San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Houston, etc.....but I don't necessarily suggest that you move, until you are better established. Also...don't be afraid to post a few photos HERE for us to see as well. Be sure to have an online presence at websites such as modelmayhem.com, onemodelplace.com or other such sites. Making your OWN site featuring YOU (and ONLY YOU) is also a great idea. You need business cards with your face on them and your website address. You'll need to also print flyers with 3 or 4 great shots of you. They need to be mailed to modeling agencies (not the schools), ad agencies, and anyone else you can find who could use you in the promotion of their business in any way. Agencies DOOOO look at these sites from time to time to scout for new talent. There are probably some decent photographers in the YOUR area or some other nearby larger city.
I also suggest that you go to www.newmodels.com and read everything you see there for more information.
Good Luck