INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Army and Navy Academy is one of the best college preparatory military boarding schools for boys in the United States. We offer students in grades 7-12 a blend of rigorous academics, military-inspired leadership training, and character development that can set international students on a path to success at prestigious colleges worldwide. The Academy’s English language learning programs and partnerships are perfect for developing rapid fluency while benefiting from a world-class education that is built for boys.
PREPARE FOR COLLEGE ABROAD
The United States is home to more than half of the world’s top-rated colleges.
For international students, Army and Navy Academy serves as a gateway to incredible education opportunities. Our college preparatory program aligns with the rigorous standards of the University of California system. That’s why graduates in recent years have matriculated to some of the best schools in the country, including Stanford, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, UCSD, and UC Irvine.
We also offer competitive sport programs including basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and eSports along with a wide variety of clubs and service organizations.
MASTER THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Proficiency in English is a powerful skill that unlocks global opportunities for international students. Army and Navy Academy offers two distinct paths for students looking to develop their fluency in English.
First-Time Learners
International students who speak little to no English can begin their Academy journey by working with our partners at Power Immersion Prep, a transformative English language learning experience. Participants are paired with carefully vetted host teachers who conduct daily immersive English instruction along with 15 hours per week of interactive, real-world activities. During the course of this program, students will develop the proficiencies needed to excel in Army and Navy Academy’s English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) program.
Continuing Learners
International students who meet the Academy’s TOEFL or Duolingo requirements will continue to build confidence and fluency in English through our ESOL program, in which students exercise their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a highly supportive program. Academic advisors track progress, set goals, and celebrate milestones, while targeted support helps cadets strengthen academic vocabulary, composition skills, and presentation fluency.
DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Army and Navy Academy has a legacy of educating top leaders through our West Point-style leadership development and training programs. During a student’s time at the Academy, he will develop from a follower to a skilled leader capable of excelling at home or abroad.
Our graduates are well-prepared for top leadership positions in various professional fields. Many international graduates become prominent leaders in business, hotel management, law, government, diplomacy, medicine, science, engineering, technology, aviation, and the arts. They follow the highest values: honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion, and gratitude as they make an impact in their professions, communities, and the world.
Army and Navy Academy has a thriving population of cadets from other countries. More than 20% of our student body holds citizenship in countries other than the United States. The Academy’s unique beachfront location in Carlsbad, California means that international cadets are able to enjoy time at the beach daily and are a quick drive away from San Diego International Airport for travel home.
Our renowned ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program can help young men who are not native English speakers develop the skills and confidence necessary to speak English fluently. This is a tremendous benefit for students looking to achieve in the global community.
The Academy has been profiled by Study International and many other international agencies as a destination of choice for international students.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
GETTING STARTED
Students and families interested in international admission should apply online. You will be contacted by Office of Admission for next steps. You can reach out to us at +17607292385 ext. 1 or admission@armyandnavyacademy.org with questions.
ESOL AND ESL
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) has largely replaced English as a Second Language (ESL) as a course offering at American schools.
New international students may participate in a 3-week ESOL Summer Accelerator. This course is offered in early August annually and helps students improve their English proficiency skills while acclimating to life at our military boarding school prior to the start of classes.
Students who are not fluent in English must participate in a full-year ESOL course program during the school year, encompassing two semesters. We encourage all second-year students to select one of our ESOL elective classes to further their English writing, reading, speaking, and comprehension capabilities.
TRAVEL TO THE ACADEMY
Army and Navy Academy is a 35-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). We recommend arranging travel through one of these airports.
Local hotels offer discounts to families visiting or touring Army and Navy Academy. Please click HERE to view a list of participating hotels.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
The Academy requires a minimum intermediate English language proficiency to attend. If you do not meet these requirements, please contact the Office of Admission at admission@armyandnavyacademy.org to learn more about an English Language Immersion opportunity that will prepare you for entrance.
We accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) or the Duolingo English Test as proof of English language proficiency. Requirements are as follows:
HIGH SCHOOL
TOEFL iBT: 52+
TOEFL ITP: 445+
SSAT: 1800+
Duolingo: 90+
MIDDLE SCHOOL
For students entering 7th or 8th grade, we suggest a TOEFL Junior score of 725+. If your student is below this proficiency level, please discuss options with your Admissions Counselor.
COLLEGE PLANNING
The Academy offers students college choice and planning assistance through our Counseling program. This program consists of group workshops and personalized assistance. Our counselors work with students to ensure that they are accepted at colleges that will challenge them academically and set up them up for success in life beyond.



