FORGING VIRTUOUS
YOUNG MEN

For over a century, Army and Navy Academy has been a leading military school for boys in grades 7 through 12. While boys can and do excel academically in many types of educational institutions, the Academy is a unique environment that cultivates virtue in young men while propelling them toward excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.

group of students celebrating

FORGING VIRTUOUS YOUNG MEN

For over a century, Army and Navy Academy has been dedicated solely to the education and development of young men. While boys can and do excel academically in many types of educational institutions, the Academy is a unique environment that cultivates virtue in young men while propelling them toward excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.



APPLY NOW



REQUEST INFO



SCHEDULE A VISIT



APPLY NOW



SCHEDULE A VISIT

A MILITARY SCHOOL FOR BOYS

As one of California’s top boarding schools for boys, Army and Navy Academy offers a unique educational and developmental environment built exclusively for the needs of boys. We recognize that boys today are facing unprecedented challenges in life that begin while they are in school. The Academy employs evidence-based single-gender education techniques to help our students reach their maximum personal potential. Becoming an Army and Navy Academy cadet isn’t just stepping into another private school: it’s a transformative step toward lifelong success.

Middle school commandant speaks to Cadets at our military school for boys.

BOY BRAIN SCIENCE

Boys in middle school and high school have educational needs that are not being met in most public and private school settings. The current generation of boys is falling behind in school, resulting in a crisis in higher education and poorer life outcomes for young men. We address the needs of boys through relational teaching and highly structured classes that educate boys how they learn best.

VIRTUE DEVELOPMENT

Graduates of Army and Navy Academy are ethical, responsible, well-rounded members of society. We achieve this through virtue-based education that helps young men to develop resilience in the face of life’s many challenges. Our character development programs are proven to accelerate academic success while laying the foundation for a meaningful, fulfilling life.

OUR FUNDAMENTALS

Army and Navy Academy is a top private school for boys that is centered on a unique and singular mission: to forge virtuous young men for life. We feel that cultivating academic excellence and training exceptional scholar-athletes is the bare minimum of what a military boarding school should do. Our focus on virtue and character development makes us a unique opportunity for any young man looking to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.

Virtue is our priority in all that we do, a fact reflected in the environment of dignity and respect that pervades our beachfront campus. Our core values of Honor, Integrity, Respect, Commitment, Gratitude, and Courage don’t just guide our cadets: they are guidelines that motivate every member of our educational community uplift, serve, and inspire others. We teach our cadets to live these values every day and in every interaction.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS

Welcome back to our Throwback Thursday series, where each week we spotlight the people, places, and moments that helped shape Army and Navy Academy into what it is today.
Last week, we highlighted Colonel Thomas A. Atkinson, our longest-serving president and one of the most influential figures in Academy history.
This week, we honor his wife, Mrs. Mary Atkinson, who became a beloved and steady presence on campus from the 1940s through the early 1970s.
Though she held no formal title, Mrs. Atkinson was seen by many cadets as a maternal figure. Former cadets from that era remember her for her warmth, grace, and quiet support. She was often seen at parades, inspections, and chapel services- always taking a genuine interest in the young men who called the Academy home.
To recognize her decades of care and dedication, the Academy named the Virginia Powell Atkinson Chapel in her honor, established in 1957. The chapel remains a lasting tribute to her spirit and the values she represented.
Although she passed away many years ago, her legacy lives on in the chapel that bears her name and in the memories of generations of Warriors.

18

0

Welcome back to our Throwback Thursday series, where each week we spotlight the people, places, and moments that helped shape...

Just One Week Away and All Booked Up!
We look forward to seeing everyone Thursday, July 17th for a special evening in Los Angeles, hosted by Army and Navy Academy at II Fornaio where we will enjoy great food, meaningful conversation, and a chance to connect with our community!

While we are fully booked for this event, there are still spots left for our Las Vegas engagement in August. Look for more details coming soon.

#warriorprourwarriorstrong #militaryacademy #boardingschoolife #warriorstories #brotherhood

12

0

Just One Week Away and All Booked Up! We look forward to seeing everyone Thursday, July 17th for a special...

Please join us in celebrating two remarkable members of the Class of 2025: Alexander Standingwater and Spencer Lott.

✨ Alexander Standingwater has committed to serving our country in the United States Air Force. Over his four years at Army and Navy Academy, Alex stood out as an exceptional cadet and leader, rising to Platoon Leader for Charlie Company and always leading with kindness, compassion, and strength of character.

✨ Spencer Lott has committed to serving in the United States Army. Spencer’s dedication and growth earned him the roles of First Sergeant and Company Commander of Echo Company. His leadership, hard work, and contributions were recognized with the prestigious Silver A award this spring.

Thank you, Alex and Spencer, for your service to our Academy and to our country. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all you will accomplish. 🇺🇸🎓

#WarriorProudWarriorStrong #MilitaryAcademy #BoardingSchoolLife #Service #Leadership

192

8

Please join us in celebrating two remarkable members of the Class of 2025: Alexander Standingwater and Spencer Lott. ✨ Alexander...

25

0

Happy Independence Day, Warriors! Today we celebrate the freedom we’re privileged to enjoy—and the values of service, honor, and leadership...

Welcome to our very first ThrowbackThursday post, where each week we’ll take you back into the rich history of Army and Navy Academy. From past presidents and iconic traditions to unforgettable cadet moments, this series will be a weekly blast from the past that honors the legacy we continue to build on today.

“A boy will rise to the level of expectation.”
We begin with one of the most influential figures in our history: Colonel Thomas A. Atkinson, who served as president from 1943 to 1971. That’s 28 years of leadership, growth, and transformation that left a lasting mark on the Academy.

Col. Atkinson first joined the Academy in the early 1930s as a faculty member. A decorated Army officer, he brought with him a strong sense of purpose, structure, and a deep commitment to turning young men into leaders of character. When he became president during the height of World War II, he guided the Academy through one of its most pivotal eras.

Known for his sharp gaze, high standards, and even higher expectations, Col. Atkinson helped build a culture of discipline and honor that continues to shape cadet life today. Many alumni from his time credit “the Colonel” with changing their lives forever.

In today’s photo, his portrait appears on the right, and to the left, you’ll see his iconic campaign hat. That same style of hat is still worn by Cadet NCOs and Officers today — a powerful symbol of continuity, tradition, and leadership.

Here’s to Col. Atkinson, whose legacy continues to guide every step on our campus. 🫡

#ArmyNavyAcademy #ColAtkinson #WarriorLegacy #ThrowbackThursday #LeadershipThroughTheYears #MilitarySchoolTradition #BoardingSchool #MilitaryBoardingSchool #Fyp #MilitaryEducation #CadetLifeHistory #ThrowbackThursday

66

0

Welcome to our very first ThrowbackThursday post, where each week we’ll take you back into the rich history of Army...

This summer, several cadets have taken on meaningful roles with our Admissions and Marketing teams. They’ve been welcoming prospective families, supporting events, and contributing to creative projects behind the scenes. Whether it’s helping craft our message or sharing their own experiences, they’re gaining valuable skills and showing what cadet leadership looks like in action.
#ArmyAndNavyAcademy #Army #Navy #ANA #Leadership #Tour #Admissions #Marketing #BeBoldBeBrilliantBeYou #BelieveInTheBoy #Summer

73

3

This summer, several cadets have taken on meaningful roles with our Admissions and Marketing teams. They’ve been welcoming prospective families,...

This summer, we gave our cadets the chance to stay on campus, earn some real pay, and pick up real-world experience. From sales and admissions to maintenance, cooking, and more- they stepped up, worked hard, and gained valuable life and job skills while giving back to the Academy. Leadership doesn’t take a break and neither do we. 💪
#ArmyAndNavyAcademy #SummerAtANA #LeadershipInAction #CadetLife #WorkHardLeadHard #ANA #BoardingSchool #Sandiego #Carlsbad

110

4

This summer, we gave our cadets the chance to stay on campus, earn some real pay, and pick up real-world...

Honoring a day in our nation’s history that reminds us of the value of liberty and perseverance. #ANA #ArmyAndNavyAcademy #JuneTeenth #June19th

25

1

Honoring a day in our nation’s history that reminds us of the value of liberty and perseverance. #ANA #ArmyAndNavyAcademy #JuneTeenth...