ARMY AND NAVY ACADEMY ADMISSION
Army and Navy Academy offers a one-of-a-kind military boarding school education that combines the use of boy brain science and virtue development. The result is an exceptional experience that is better for every boy, from top scholar-athletes to students who are striving to find success in academics, athletics, and personal development. Begin your journey with our Office of Admission.
WHY A MILITARY BOARDING SCHOOL?
Families often have misconceptions about military boarding schools. Exposure to movies like TAPS has left behind the impression that military schools are grueling, boot camp-style environments meant to break cadets down and build them back up. This couldn’t be further from Army and Navy Academy’s approach to forging virtuous young men. We are a military boarding school for one simple reason: the military’s structure is the single most efficient and effective environment in which to educate boys.
Boys fight against systemic issues that hold them back in education and life. Even young men who are exceptional learners are achieving in spite of how schools are structured, not because of their learning environment. We believe that all boys deserve an environment designed to help them perform to their personal best. The military boarding structure is the foundation of that environment.
A FOCUS ON BOY BRAIN SCIENCE
Boys learn differently than girls do. Army and Navy Academy is the solution to challenges facing boys worldwide: distractibility in the classroom, lower academic achievement, accelerating dropout rates in high school and college, poorer mental health, and less desirable life outcomes. These problems often begin in elementary and secondary education, where boys are punished for habits and behaviors seen as disruptive to traditional educational settings.
As one of only two Gurian Centers for Excellence in the United States, the Academy uses evidence-based teaching techniques to engage with boys. We take a holistic approach to nurturing boys, from our unique military structure to the use of innovative boy-friendly techniques in the classroom. These include hands-on, kinesthetic projects, regular movement and brain breaks, flexible seating, organizational and executive skill development, and masculine mentorship.Â
These efforts result in higher grades and test scores, fewer disciplinary issues, and cadets who are better equipped to face the challenges of the world beyond high school than their peers.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Your family’s journey at Army and Navy Academy begins with the application process. After you submit your student’s application to the Academy, you’ll work with one of our admission counselors to gather crucial information needed for us to assess your student as a future member of the Corps of Cadets.
This process involves a tour, patron and student interview, and collection of essential documents such as academic transcripts, disciplinary history, teacher references, and other key information.
Our ideal candidates are boys who are ready to put in the hard work necessary to graduate from the Academy as a virtuous young man. Being a cadet is an experience as challenging as it is rewarding.
LEARN ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The best way to learn more about Army and Navy Academy is through our podcasts. The Academy produces a regular video podcast for current and future community members. You’ll meet members of our exceptional educational community and learn about how an all-boys military boarding school can set your student on a path to success.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Applying to Army and Navy Academy is a significant step for both candidates and prospective families. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about the enrollment process and the Academy.
What makes the Academy unique?
Our beachfront campus is home to the only college preparatory military boarding school west of the Rockies, but what makes us truly unique is our focus on our evidence-based approach to academic and whole-person growth.
The needs of boys are not being met in the average classroom, as evidenced by the fact that boys make up two thirds of the bottom 10% of academic achievers in high schools. The Academy uses scientifically proven techniques in classrooms based on studies of boys’ brains to help our students rise to new levels of success.
We seeking to instill and cultivate virtue in our cadets through a holistic approach to character development and leadership training that is unique among secular schools.
What qualities do you look for in applicants?
Our overarching admission philosophy is to identify mission-appropriate candidates and help them to integrate into an environment tailor-made to help them excel. Ideal applicants are young men who will bring unique talents, skills, and achievements to the Corps of Cadets and student body. We understand that there are some systemic pressures against boys in elementary and secondary education, and we keep an eye open for candidates who have the drive to find new success at the Academy, as well as those who are already thriving. The Academy does not expect perfection from applicants; only the potential and drive to improve incrementally every day.
Why is the Academy an all-boys school?
Army and Navy Academy is an all-boys school because research in boy brain science shows that boys often learn differently than girls do. We embrace these differences by providing an environment that leverages specialized teaching methods to ensure that instruction engages boys and supports how they absorb and process information.
Our evidence-based approach has led to our use of the Gurian Model: a comprehensive instructional method designed specifically for the education of boys that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. This model emphasizes active learning, emotional development, and a structured yet flexible framework, all of which work together to help boys thrive in academics and their personal lives.
What are the criteria for admission?
Applicants to Army and Navy Academy must be boys entering grades 7-12. We assess a candidate’s academic capability, maturity level, desire to attend, and capacity to thrive in a highly structured military boarding school environment with rigorous academics.
What is the cost of tuition?
Does the Academy offer financial assistance?
The Academy offers limited financial assistance in order to help families close the gap between what they can afford and the cost of an Army and Navy Academy education. To help us assist as many deserving families as possible, we expect families to contribute to their cadet’s education to the best of their financial capability. We assess candidates for financial aid based on need, academic and disciplinary history, commitment to attend, and personal achievements.
The Academy partners with Clarity Financial Aid to ensure that every request for financial assistance is reviewed in a fair, thorough, and timely manner. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend Army and Navy Academy, you should submit an application through Clarity only after your student has been accepted to the Academy. Please speak to your Admission Counselor for more details.
SCHEDULE A SHADOW DAY
The best way to experience what the Academy has to offer is to become a Warrior for a day. Your student is welcome to join us for a day of exciting classes and athletics, including breakfast and lunch at our dining hall. If you would be interested in a Shadow Day for your student, please contact your admissions counselor after submitting your application to the Academy.