Boarding School For San Diego Families

Army and Navy Academy is a college-preparatory boarding school for boys in grades 7 through 12, located on a 15.1-acre beachfront campus in Carlsbad, in San Diego’s North County. It is the only San Diego boarding school built around a military leadership tradition, and it welcomes both boarding and day students from communities across the county. The Academy is highly ranked by Boarding School Review and rated A+ on Niche.

Most families in San Diego County reach campus in 15 to 45 minutes, including those in Rancho Santa Fe, Coronado, Del Mar, La Jolla, and Encinitas.

Some local families also come from Orange County cities, 45-60 minutes away, including: Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Newport Beach, and Corona Del Mar. They may be commuting to and from San Diego County for their work or they opt into the boarding program.

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Why Families in San Diego Choose Army and Navy Academy

Families in San Diego often look for more than just a public or private middle or high school—they look for a life-defining experience. ANA offers:

Single-Gender Focus: ANA employs “boy brain” science to inform classroom methods specifically tailored to how boys learn best in middle and high school.
Small Class Sizes: Your son won’t fall through the cracks or be treated like a number. He will receive individualized and personal attention in the classroom, during tutorial sessions, and evening faculty hours.
Values-Based Education: Since 1910, the Academy has instilled our core values in boys as they move toward manhood: honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, compassion and gratitude.

Two students in black polo shirts sit at a table, working together on paperwork.

Our Campus is Accessible

For families living in Southern California, our coastline campus in the quaint village of Carlsbad is reachable by the freeway, Pacific Surfliner Amtrak, Lyft, Uber, as well as through local regional and international airports. If you wish to stay overnight, there are a number of hotels in Carlsbad within walking distance from the school.

We invite you to begin your journey by visiting our historic beachfront campus to get to know us and learn about the “Warrior Experience” firsthand. Through a personalized campus tour or by attending one of our scheduled Open Houses, we will address your questions and provide an overview of what makes our school so different.

Life at Our Military Boarding School

Life on our boarding school campus is all about creating life balance between academics, clubs, sports, and relaxation time. Beyond the classroom, students:

Follow a Rigorous Daily Schedule: A structured day of academic classes, tutorials, study time, sports, and clubs ensures boys have a sense of direction and accountability. They learn how to manage their time and set goals as they gain independence.
Participate in Co-Curriculars: From competitive JV and Varsity sports to specialized clubs and activities, we provide outlets for every passion and area of interest. To inspire in-depth learning for both college and career preparation, we have co-curricular programs such as: Aviation, Aquaculture, Robotics, and Culinary Arts.
Build Lifelong Friends: ANA fosters a strong sense of brotherhood through shared traditions, values and peer leadership. Additionally, living with a roommate is a foundation for learning important social skills like how to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts.

Receive Mentorship and Guidance: Our residential life staff and coaches are here to guide and mentor our students to develop good habits and exercise good judgment and decision-making.
Enjoy Learning and Cultural Diversity: Whether a student has mild to moderate learning differences, or is a gifted/talented student desiring advanced learning through Honors, Advanced Placement and STEM classes, the Academy is prepared to offer an education suited to individual needs. Additionally, boys learn about cultures, countries and other states from our diverse student body from around the globe.

A Structured Path to College & Leadership

Leaning into boy brain science, we set boys on a path to develop a love for learning through interactive and hands-on lessons both inside and outside the classroom. This is a vital part of what differentiates the Academy from other schools.

ANA is a college-preparatory institution following the rigorous University of California (UC) standards for graduation that positions students to gain admission to top colleges, universities, and the elite service academies.
Army and Navy Academy’s JROTC program is nationally recognized as an “Honor Unit with Distinction,” teaching essential life skills such as: team-building, leadership and management, project management, prioritization, goal-setting, and community service.

Supporting Students and Families from San Diego, CA

We believe a young man’s family is key to reinforce lessons learned at Army Navy Academy. For this very reason, we partner closely with our “Patrons” (parents) to ensure student success on all levels including: academics, athletics and residential life. You can expect:

Communications: Parents stay informed through regular email news updates, parent-teacher-staff conferences, and a dedicated parent portal.
Parent Visits: We invite families to special campus events, sports, concerts, and encourage active participation through our parent association.
Weekend and Holiday Break Schedules: We provide detailed academic and holiday calendars so you can plan your family time around your son’s schedule. Local students can go home on all open weekends, along with holidays and summers off.

Cadets and families enjoy a meal together at a beachfront table during the Army and Navy Academy Beach Bash event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Army and Navy Academy a school for "troubled" youth?

No, we are not for troubled youth. We are a college-preparatory leadership academy for motivated young men in grades 7-12. While our structure helps students who need academic support, focus, or better time management, and mentorship, we do not accept students with significant behavioral, addiction or psychiatric issues. In fact, we only accept students who are committed to attending. Army and Navy Academy is a place for boys to push their potential; it is not a reform school, nor is it a wilderness or therapeutic program.

How often will I be able to see my son?

We value and respect family connections and the need to stay in touch. Families from San Diego can take advantage of “Open Weekends” where Cadets can go home or visit with family. We also host several campus events throughout the year, including Parents’ Weekend, where you can participate in the community and see your son’s progress firsthand.

What is the "Warrior" schedule like?

A typical day is highly structured, beginning with reveille and morning formation, followed by a full day of UC-standard academic classes. Afternoons are dedicated to athletics and clubs, while evenings include a mandatory two-hour study time to ensure academic success. Time is also offered for “local liberty” where students are allowed to walk into the nearby Carlsbad village center.

How do you handle communication with parents?

We use a Parent Portal where you can track grades, attendance, and conduct. In addition, there is a weekly newsletter sent out to provide important updates. You can also expect administrators, faculty and staff to reach out to families through emails and phone calls, as well as during conferences.

Is financial aid available for families from San Diego?

Yes. We offer need-based financial aid. We encourage early application but families must first complete the admissions application. Once a student is officially accepted, you can submit your financial profile through the Clarity platform for review by our financial assistance committee.

What Parents & Cadets Are Saying

“Sending our son to ANA was the best decision we ever made. The structure didn’t just improve his grades; it gave him a sense of purpose and a brotherhood he will have for life. We finally feel like we found a school that understands how to motivate young men.”

Parent of a Junior, Class of '25

“I used to struggle with organization and focus. At Army and Navy Academy, the daily schedule and the support from my TAC officers helped me realize what I was capable of. Now, I’m heading to my first-choice university with a leadership scholarship.”

Recent ANA Graduate

“As a family from Los Angeles, we were worried about being away from our son, but the communication from the Academy is incredible. Between the parent portal and regular calls with his faculty and staff, we feel more connected to his education now than we did when he was at a local day school.”

Current "Patron" Parent

Admissions Process for San Diego Families

Joining the student body at Army and Navy Academy is a deliberate decision designed to ensure a good match for both the student and our Academy. Learning about the Warrior experience starts with a conversation. Our admissions team is here to guide your family through every step:

Inquiry to address your questions and schedule your tour
Application Submission and receipt of documents
Campus tour and visit, Interview and parent consultation
Completion of enrollment agreement and financial assistance (if applicable)

Apply to Army and Navy Academy Today

Ready to take the next step? Empower your son with the structure, leadership training, character development and the academic support he needs and deserves.

By filling in the brief online application below, the Office of Admissions will be prepared to have a meaningful conversation with you when we make contact. During the call, we can discuss your son’s educational needs, schedule your campus visit and guide you through the admissions process.