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.

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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 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
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
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
Honoring a day in our nation’s history that reminds us of the value of liberty and perseverance. #ANA #ArmyAndNavyAcademy #JuneTeenth #June19th
We are incredibly proud to celebrate one of our own, Roderick Howe, Army and Navy Academy Class of 2020, now a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and officially commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.

As Charlie Company Commander during his time at ANA, Roderick exemplified leadership, resilience, and dedication, traits that paved the way for his journey to the Air Force Academy and beyond.

His success is a powerful reminder of how far our Cadets can go when given structure, support, and the right foundation. We are honored to have been part of Roderick’s path and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

And one more congratulations is in order Roderick recently tied the knot! Wishing him and his wife a lifetime of happiness and continued adventure.

Warrior Proud, Warrior Strong. 

#ArmyandNavyAcademy #UnitedStatesAirforceAcademy #AllBoysSchool #BeBoldBeBrilliantBeYou #BoardingSchool #SuccessStories #ANA #LeadershipStartsHere #Airforce
Today, we celebrate the incredible fathers, grandfathers, and guardians who support our cadets from near and far- your love, and encouragement mean the world.
We also want to recognize the mentors, TAC officers, coaches, and faculty on campus who step in as father figures each day. Your steady guidance and example help shape boys into Virtuous young men of honor and purpose. 
To all the men helping raise the next generation of leaders. Thank you.
#FathersDay #WarriorDads #MentorshipMatters #ArmyAndNavyAcademy #ANA #BoardingSchool #TAC #AllBoysSchool #Fathers #WarriorDads #Warriors
Today, we honor 250 years of service, sacrifice, and strength. At Army and Navy Academy, our mission is shaped by the values the U.S. Army has upheld for generations: leadership, discipline, and commitment to a cause greater than oneself.
We’re proud to have veterans among our staff and faculty, role models who live out the Army’s legacy every day on our campus.
To those who have served and continue to serve, including the heroes right here at the Academy, we thank you for your dedication and example to our young cadets.
Army Strong.
#Army250 #GoArmy #ArmyStrong #MilitarySchool #ArmyAndNavyAcademy #ThankYouForYourService #LeadershipStartsHere #ANA #AllBoysSchool #BoardingSchool