APPLY FOR ADMISSION
Your journey at one of California’s top boarding schools begins here. Army and Navy Academy propels students toward academic and personal excellence while instilling virtues that will help young men to succeed in college and beyond. The Office of Admission is here to help you make your school choice through personalized campus tours and consultations.
FORGING SUCCESS IN YOUNG MEN
At Army and Navy Academy, academic excellence is only the tip of the iceberg. Our dynamic classes and evidence-based approach to teaching boys are just part of what makes us a nationally recognized school for boys.
Outside of the classroom, our students thrive in a highly structured environment that promotes accountability, leadership, and self-discipline. From challenging and rewarding athletics to an exceptional range of clubs and extracurricular activities, every day at the Academy is an extraordinary adventure. Mentors and coaches support and challenge our students all day long to be their best selves.
Graduates of the Academy are young men of virtuous character well-poised to achieve in college and far beyond.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
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 application 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.
POST-APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Once you have completed your application, you’ll be contacted by one of our Admissions Counselors, who will assist you in gathering important supporting documents so that we can assess your student for admission. These documents include:
SCHOOL DOCUMENTS
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Therapy Practitioner Form (for applicants who have regularly or recently undergone therapy)
Copy of Immunization Records
Copy of Health Insurance Card (front and back)
SHADOW DAYS
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.