Admission Hero

Admission overview - Best private school for boys

Admission is simple for day (non residential) and boarding school admission. Contact us to begin the journey! Army and Navy Academy is more than just a premiere military school for boys in grades 7-12. At a time when boys are struggling in the classroom and college, the Academy is a life changer. Our structured environment and evidence-based approach to teaching boys in the ways that boys learn best, helps our students achieve in college and far beyond. The Office of Admission stands ready to help you make the best school choice through personalized campus tours, consultations, and simple application steps. 

Be a Life Changer for Boys! As you probably know, boys in middle school and high school have unique educational needs that are not being met in most public and private school settings. The current generation of boys is increasingly falling behind in academics, resulting in a crisis in higher education. The number of men enrolled in college has decreased by more than 1 million in just the last few years! The Academy offers a strong alternative for boys, a place where boys have a chance to ignite their passion in learning, develop strong character, and become our future leaders.  

Unlike most middle and high schools in the U.S., Army and Navy Academy uses evidence-based strategies to teach boys how they learn best, both in and out of the classroom. We help instill structure, self-discipline, and motivation that helps boys succeed at the Academy, in college, and in life. 

We are a model school for boys. We “get” boys! We take a research and evidence-based approach to curriculum design and our teaching methodologies. Our military school for boys for grades 7-12 is uniquely positioned to help boys move toward manhood. They grow, develop, and thrive through interactive and practical real-world learning in all aspects of academics, athletics, and campus life. 

  • Ranked as one of the Best California Boarding Schools by Boarding School Review
  • Ranked in the Top 5 Boarding Schools in California by World Scholarship Forum
  • Ranked in the Top 20 Private Schools in San Diego county by Private School Review 
  • Nationally recognized in the United States as a Model School for Boys by the Gurian Institute  

We tie learning to the real world. As a college prep private school, we encourage boys to explore their passions to gain real world professional skills. Classes, electives, and clubs tie in with career development, such as: aviation, business, computer science, cybersecurity, forensics, game development, sports medicine, leadership management, and STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). Mental fitness and a growth mindset are key! 

We care about every student. Boasting a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio, our military boarding school for boys is set up to focus on every cadet around the clock. Small class sizes are just the beginning. We offer supportive study aids, including daily tutorial, mandatory evening study time, faculty office hours, and peer tutoring. We promote intellectual curiosity and growth, as well as acceleration through a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. We also offer special support programs for Learning Strategies for mild-to-moderate learning differences and ESOL/ESL for international students. 

We build a desire to succeed. It all begins with commitment, so we only accept students to our boarding school (day option available) who make the choice to attend our middle and/or high school. As a result, we see students show rapid improvement in their study habits, grades, time management, and goal-setting. Cadets are surrounded by faculty, staff, and peers who will help them grow on all levels as a leader and a person of good character. Our unique Cadet Life program supports boys by teaching them self-discipline, responsibility, and resilience in a highly structured environment.

CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

Day (nonresidential) and Boarding School Admission is based upon the following:

  • Academic Transcripts 
  • Commitment to Attend
  • Full School Records
  • Student Questionnaire
  • School References  
  • Student Interview 

COLLEGE BOUND or SERVICE BOUND

Army and Navy Academy is a college preparatory private military school for boys that does not push graduates toward military service. Rather, we employ a West Point style approach to cultivate high aspirations and standards of excellence.

The vast majority of graduates choose to attend traditional public and private universities after graduation, including: Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Georgetown, Rutgers, University of Chicago, NYU, USC, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD, UCI, UC Davis, UC Berkeley and many other top universities. A small percentage of the Corps of Cadets choose to enlist in the military and some elect to opt into ROTC programs at universities or attend the top military service academies: USNA, USMA, USCGA, USAFA, USMMA.

Our college counseling staff supports and provides extensive workshops, lessons, and individualized counseling sessions to help students navigate college decisions and the application process.

A LIFE CHANGER FOR BOYS

As boys move toward adulthood, they benefit from an umbrella of male support and mentorship. By focusing on research-based practices informing how boys learn best, we deliver a top-notch college preparatory experience.

Many students are drawn to Army and Navy Academy because they know they need more structure, self-discipline, and motivation to reach their goals. An immersive boarding school for boys can make all the difference.

Our structured days, supportive academic program, and leadership curriculum fuel the drive to improve grades, manage time effectively, become more engaged in learning, gain confidence and resilience, and develop the independence necessary to succeed in college.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. Army and Navy Academy takes pride in school diversity.  Students come from all over the United States and from countries around the globe. While some students enroll in our junior boarding school (grades 7-8), other students enter while they are in high school. 

ACCREDITATION

Army and Navy Academy is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation requires compliance with rigorous standards for private day and boarding schools.

To stay current on educational topics and research, we are proud members of the following associations: NAIS, CAIS, WBSA, TABS, EMA, and AMCSUS.

We also continually work to build relationships with members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), International Consultants (Linden, ICEF), Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and other groups (e.g. Eagle Scouts, Sea Cadets, Young Marines, Surfrider Foundation, Red Cross, Veterans).  

BOARDING SCHOOL ADMISSION 

Ready to Explore?  Tell us about your interests in “Junior Boarding”, “High School Boarding” or our “Day School Program” (if you are local). To learn more, please contact us now at 888.762.2338 or submit a Request More Info form to get started (below).

Ready to Apply? If you prefer, you may also elect to apply directly as your first step and there is no fee to apply. The application provides helpful overview information to our admission team prior to our first contact.  

Campus Aerial Full
Where are you located?

The Academy is located in a safe quaint Carlsbad Village. Carlsbad is in North County San Diego. 

The Academy is set on over 16 acres and offers quick access to the village center and major airports. 

From many vantage points, the Pacific Ocean can be viewed and there is direct beach access. 

The campus is just a five minute walk to Carlsbad Village (San Diego County).

Just like many small college towns, the village has shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and cultural venues. But, unlike any school or college, the ocean is on full view at our full facility campus.

Even if you live on the east coast and you are seeking a military boarding school in New Jersey, New York, Illinois, or even the New England states, we encourage you to contact us.

With major airports close by in San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles, we have students from all over the U.S. and the world. 

Contact us for a campus tour!  Phone: 888.762.2338

What is the best way to get started?

Families may have different preferences to begin the journey.

Some call or request information; however, the application is often the best place to begin. It allows us to gather some preliminary information so that we can make our first contact with you highly personalized. 

There is no fee to apply and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Apply Now! 

Questions?

United States Applicants:  

888.762.2338 

International Applicants: 

+1 (760) 547.5285

No Fee to Apply! 

Allow us to get to know a few details before we speak by filling in our request information form or the online application as your first step. 

 

What is your acceptance rate?

Compared to the Culver Military Academy acceptance rate at only 19%, you will find Army and Navy Academy is more accessible to a broad range of students.  

By comparison to many military schools and San Diego private schools, we are in the selective category. Typically, we accept 50-70% of applicants.

Primarily, we look at the student’s commitment to attend as our key priority.

From there, we look at the whole picture based on transcripts, disciplinary record, standardized test scores, a writing sample, and a student interview.

Your willingness and ability to improve, grow and develop are critical to gain admission. 

Our admission counselors will ask questions to get to know each applicant personally. This happens on tour, through our questionnaire, and during the interview process. Good luck! 

Do you offer both boarding and day?

We offer both options. Some students choose to reside (board) on campus, while some local students prefer to reside at home (day students). 

Typically, our school is comprised of approximately 90% boarding and 10% day. 

Junior boarding is for grades 7-8 and these dorms are set apart from the high school dorms for grades 9-12. 

Student Body Composition – Approximately 90% of our cadets board and 10% are day cadets.

Day – Most day cadets live within close proximity to the campus or they are dropped off and picked up by parents commuting to work. 

Boarding – Boarding school students live in dorms (aka barracks) and go home on weekends or stay on campus. We also offer residential summer leadership camps. 

 

Admissions - Boarding School
Is this a prep school?

Yes, we are a college prep school! Our primary focus is on a college prep experience, especially given that most graduates attend traditional four-year universities following high school graduation. 

A small percentage of our students at our all boys school, view the Academy as a “service academy prep school” because they plan to enroll in an ROTC or apply to West Point, Annapolis, or one of other service academies  (USCGA, USMMA, USAFA) following high school graduation.

Only a very small percentage choose to enlist directly and we do not promote enlistment.

JROTC is to create strong citizens and leaders, whereas ROTC (higher education) does involve service requirements. See our blog on the differences. 

See Academics to learn more about our curriculum and see our College Matriculation for a full list that includes The Ivy League, and other higher education institutions. 

 

Do some graduates go to West Point or service academies?

Army and Navy Academy has a long history of preparing leaders for a variety of careers, including diplomacy and military service.

We are college prep, but also a service academy prep school due to our stellar JROTC leadership training and LET classes. 

While most graduates attend public and private universities, some students do matriculate to the top service academies: U.S. Military Academy-West Point, U.S. Military Academy-Annapolis, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

In addition, some students attend ROTC universities such as: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Norwich, or VMI.

There are also universities that offer ROTC optional programs like USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Texas A & M, and many others.

We can help you gain a competitive edge through our rigorous academics, West Point-style leadership training, JV and Varsity sports, character development, and specialized classes, clubs, and programs (e.g. aviation, cyber security, computer science, game development, business).  

 

Do students transfer from other schools?

Junior Boarding: For our junior boarding or middle day school for grades 7-8, students come from K-6 elementary and middle public schools, private schools, and even homeschools.

Where do middle school students come from? We welcome students from all types of schools and have had students enroll from schools including: Carden Carden Conservatory Preparatory School, St. Catherine’s Academy, The Children’s School, Alexander Dawson School and many other elementary schools. 

High School Transfers: For the high school, students typically enroll for a full high school experience; however, the Academy does accept students entering grades 9-12 based on space availability.

Where do high school students come from? High school students typically come from public schools, private schools,  boarding schools, military academies, and international schools.

Over the years, we have had students transfer from other private schools: Stevenson School, Ojai Valley School, Athenian School,  Southwestern Academy, Francis Parker School,  Fusion Academy.

Many students also come from public high schools: Carlsbad High School, Newport Harbor High School, Laguna Beach High and many others. 

In addition, when searching for the right military school, families sometimes report they checked out other military schools. These schools include: Marine Military Academy (TX), Riverside Military Academy (GA), Culver Academies (IN), New York Military Academy (NY), St. John’s Northwestern Academies (WI) and others. 

 

Admissions - Boarding School
What sports do you offer?

A variety of JV, Varsity and team sports are offered. We recommend you check out our athletics section. 

Army and Navy Academy is ranked in the Top 20 Best  Boarding Schools for a number of sports and has been the winner of numerous CIF championships.

 

What kinds of clubs do you offer?

We offer over 20 clubs to get students engaged in specific interests and even career directions.

Check out our clubs and electives under the Academics section. 

Clubs offer students a chance to do community service, learn about business, art, writing, as well as enjoy chess, forensics, games, green initiatives, and more.

We also offer specialized organizations like Model United Nations, Harvard Model Congress, and Honor Council.

What is there to do during the weekend?

Army and Navy Academy’s cadets come to us from all over the world, so many students remain on campus during the weekend.

We offer a wide variety of weekend activities for cadets who remain on campus, including trips to theme parks, museums, boating, fishing, skating, mountain hikes, and more. Cadets are also able to enjoy our campus and surroundings with beach activities, movie theater trips, shopping, and “local liberty” in Carlsbad Village.

Many local and some regional students go home on weekends. We have adjusted our academic schedule to allow for a shortened academic day on Fridays to accommodate travel.

Approximately one weekend a month is designated as a “closed” weekend, meaning that cadets are expected to remain on campus for special events like parades, dances, concerts, and more. Parents are invited to attend special weekend events and parent-teacher conferences.

All students, including international students, go home for holiday breaks and during the summer.

Admissions - Boarding School
Where do students come from?

Looking for a Military Boarding School in California?

Army and Navy Academy fully recognizes the importance of a diverse student body. Our Corps of Cadets embraces neurodiversity and international diversity. 

Domestic Student? U.S. students hail from CA, AZ, NV, CO, WA, OR, MT, UT, WY, NJ, NY, IL and other states. Even if you are looking at military boarding schools in New Jersey or on the east coast, keep in mind that we offer easy access to regional and international airports (SAN, LAX, SNA). 

International Student? On the international front, students come from Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Dominican Republic, and more.

Need support for Learning Differences? Beyond international diversity, we also understand neurodiversity and offer a learning strategies program to accommodate students with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and other differences. 

Need to improve your English? The Academy is one of very few international boarding schools offering a robust ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program. 

How far is the nearest airport?

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is less than 45 minutes away and transit to train stations is just around the corner.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also an international airport and it is approximately 2 hours away.

John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is approximately 1 hour away.

Read more about transportation under Campus Life / Services.

Feel free to contact the Admission Office about nearby airports, trains, rapid transit, shuttles, Uber, Lyft, and more.