Army and Navy Academy

While this school pretends to be a college prep school, it is nothing short of Animal House in uniform. Students getting caught with tobacco and alcohol get a slap on the wrist, no discipline unless you call doing push ups and running laps discipline. Many of the teachers have little respect from the students, deservingly so. If you give a child multiple attempts to complete something with no repercussion, how can they have respect? Doesn't matter if its a teacher or parent. The students run the school. Someone else wrote about inflated grades. We couldn't agree more. Our son did so poorly on national exams and that is a direct reflection on the school and what they are teaching. They teach the bare minimums. Is that what you want for your son? If you are going to pay all this money, go to a school with teachers who stay year to year and have advanced degrees to be role models for your son. Army Navy, shame on you for falsely luring families in just to turn out recruits for the military. parents don't be blinded by the hype. Kids don't return the following year because parents listened to them and found out the truth about what's happening there.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot recommend this school to any one. My son went during middle school years and basically the school is "dumbed" down with a grading scale that has 59 as a passing grade and what normally is an F in other states, is a C at this school. To make matters worse, the school allows the students to make up failing test grades and keeps the highest grade for parents to see so they think their son is doing great. The grades are artifically inflated to make the parents happy and keep paying the money to send their son here. Meanwhile the students are losing ground with their peers even in public schools. And if they see your son is not too bright, they will stick him in minimum core classes only and focus on military training. The students have video games and tv's in their rooms and freedom to roam the streets. At 12, this is a nightmare waiting to happen to some poor child. This school is only interested in churning out military recruits because they are too ignorant to graduate college. THey may get in, but don't graduate. This is NOT a typical military boarding school. it will not help your child if he has no self control or self discipline. There are much better options.
—Submitted by a parent

This is not a reform school, or a military prison school. If your son is uncontrollable elsewhere, he will continue to be so here. Yes, they have military influences covering much of daily life, but the school does allow boys some level of self-determination, as well as access to off-campus. I don't see how you can blame a school if your son starts smoking. I'm not rich, yet my son was treated great. He had to work hard in classes, and ended up graduating as valedictorian and receiving a full scholarship to college. He participated in so many activities and won so many badges/pins I used to joke with him that his uniform looked like some sort of South American dictator! In public school he only did the minimum asked of him. He agreed to go to ANA in 8th grade as a day student, and then begged to board there for the rest of his time. He was allowed to make mistakes, and learned how to correct for them. The attention he got from teachers/counsellors was amazing. He made great friends from around the world. He's turned out to be an incredible adult, and I give ANA a lot of credit for that.
—Submitted by a parent

As a recent alumni from the academy i can say that this school has easily changed my life. I entered the Army and Navy academy in the 7th grade with a 0.35 GPA. I recently graduated with a 4.14 GPA and just finished my first year at UCLA. This school changed my life, completely turned me around and changed me from a lazy man, to a responsible and competent man.

Best kept secret in California. My son chose to repeat his sophomore year and spent three years at ANA as a boarding student, returning home on the weekends. He raised his GPA to a 3.5 and just got accepted to University of Colorado, his dream school. The structure of ANA and boarding were a little challenging at first but the small class sizes, exceptional teachers and committed leadership were nothing less than transformative. He played sports, (trained by a former olympic coach and olympian) met life-long friends including students from all over the world More than anything else though he's developed a belief in himself and his ability to succeed. The camaraderie or the boys is inspiring; I got to know many of the parents and found them to be dedicated to their boys, interesting, and successful people. This school is also not just for the politically conservative. As a parent, I will be forever grateful to the staff and faculty at Army and Navy Academy for what they have done for my son. Parents considering ANA may get my contact information from admissions; I would be very happy to share our experience at ANA.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son voluntarily transferred to ANA at the start of his junior year due to an interest in the military and he felt he needed more structure. He chose to repeat his sophomore year so that he'd have a better chance academically at college. Now 3 years later, he's a senior and headed to a 4-year university in the Pacific northwest. He joined sports, clubs, represented ANA at ROTC and academic conferences. His grades and study skills improved, he took AP classes, earned a 4.0 his senior year. Classes were hard but he was supported by committed teachers, small classes, and academic counselors who care about each cadet. He was on Drill Team and earned leadership positions. It wasn't all easy: the transition to boarding was hard initially, as was living with disciplinary problem kids. But there were many other motivated kids there from around the world, so he forgot the bad ones after awhile (they get expelled anyways). He has matured, grown confident and accountable, become self-motivated, is his own man. As parents, we were impressed with faculty, staff, RLOs, ROTC program, parent outreach and communication. It's a great program.
—Submitted by a parent

With 100% matriculation to college/university for the Class of 2011, this school is spectacular. The school does not tolerate drugs or bullies. If you are caught, you will be expelled immediately. The random drug tests show that the school maintains clean grounds. It also teaches teenagers during weekly Chapel service about the importance of living by example, even if it means being in the minority these days.. My son has told me that in order to succeed, you have to meet the school half way. This is not a place for bullies or students with behavioral issues. This is a place for the good students to become excellent students. Unfortunately, there are parents who are upset because they lost money on their child for being expelled and are simply trying to blame someone for their mistakes.
—Submitted by a parent

It's all fluff and unicorns. The teacher might be good but the admin staff,well not so great. Unless you make a lot of money then they love you and your son can do what ever he wants. Which in my eyes in counter productive. My son went there and I had to work a lot to send him there. It's no difference then any other school, they have drug problems, bullies, and a bunch of spoiled rich kids that just cry to mommy if they don't get there way. Which takes away from the kids that are trying to improve. The turn over rate is very high and it was the first place he was ever exposed to drugs at that caliber. Most of the boys that attend have serious discipline issues. I took my son out and he is currently going to a private school and doing very well. I had to put a star but if there was a negative star I would have picked that. It's not worth the money.

We just returned from Grandparents weekend and it was extremely informative. In spite of the rain things seemed to run very smoothly. I look forward to watching our child grow into an awsome young man.
—Submitted by a parent

The Army and Navy Academy s mission is to educate and develop good character in young men. Unfortunately, most parents struggle today to ensure their children are raised with the basic corps values to succeed in life. At the Academy, it is their vision to instill pride in every cadet and ensure they have the traits to succeed in every aspect of their lives. For those seeking an environment that provides excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership development for young men, I d recommend you contact the Academy s office of admissions to request more information and schedule a visit. As a former cadet and Alumni of the Army and Navy Academy, I can tell you it was a critical choice my parents made to ensure I had such a foundation to succeed. The Academy was the right fit for me and was pivotal in preparing me for college, the military and airline career. With its prime beachfront location and close proximity to major metropolises and world-class colleges and universities, the Academy is an excellent place for any young man to develop and prepare for the experiences of life ahead. Parents, this is an excellent choice!!

Attending ANA has transformed our son's life. The school delivers on its commitment to developing students' academic potential, leadership skills, and sportsmanship. Superb teachers and small classes are complemented by a hands on leadership team. The academic and residence life staffs work closely together to help each student develop his strengths and coping strategies to improve performance in areas in which the student is weak. We highly recommend the school. Estamos encantados con este colegio. Si estan pensando en mandar a su hijo a un internado en los EE.UU., ANA es fantastico.
—Submitted by a parent

Army and Navy is a school that your son can gain knowledge and values, which are hard to come by in public school. The staff really care for the boys and this shows on a daily basis. With the small class room size, the teachers can teach each student, not just the class as a whole. Army and Navy Academy has helped turn my boy into a man who can go out into the world and be productive member of society, and college ready.
—Submitted by a parent

My son came to ANA as a 9th grade student/athlete, day student. His transition has been "Great"! From the teachers, to the RLO, to the coaches, everyone has helped. The school does a very good job keeping parents in the "know" on on their child is doing in every area. We are very pleased with our decision, as we had 2 other school options, and know for sure we made the right choice. I can't say enough about the school, and the cafeteria is also a good place to eat per my son, which means I don't have to cook every night. I look forward to the coming years at Army & Navy Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is entering his third year at ANA and I highly recommend the school for young men. The small size of the school allows boys to take risks and try new things. Our son was encouraged to join the marching band even though he'd never played an instrument before. Now he is looking to continue with marching band in college. No one falls through the cracks at ANA. They learn self-discipline, accountability, leadership and character development on top of a strong academic program. In today's world, kids seem to be floating through life, spending more time on how to beat the system as opposed to making a difference. ANA speaks to making a difference.
—Submitted by a parent

Confidence! My son is a 7th grade student at Army and Navy and the beliief he has in himself to succeed in academics, sports and leadership has soared. I believe he has achieved this because of the structure of the school enviroment. I alsConfidence! My son is a 7th grade student at Army and Navy and the belief he has in himself to succeed in academics, sports and leadership has soared. I believe he has achieved this because of the structure of the school environment. I also attribute his success to the caring teachers that put their time into each student. My husband and I could not be more please with this school. attribute his success to the caring teachers that put their time into each student. My husband and I could not be more please with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

ANA has helped my son thrive! Our son is very bright and capable, but prior to attending ANA, he struggled with participation, focus and procrastination which had a negative impact on his grades. At ANA he found a sense of responsibility, leadership and community, which helped motivate him to improve his performance academically. Additional the structured environment has helped him with developing study skills, a critical skill that will contribute to his academic success in college. We believe he has achieved these benefits from the sense of community and pride fostered and encouraged at ANA. Since our 4 years at ANA, we ve benefited from the support of the school s administration, his teachers, residential life officers, and extra curricular activities, as they have taken an active role in supporting our son s growth and accomplishments. We are would recommend ANA to any parent of seeking a unique, structured educational environment, that leverages the foundations of military leadership to teach young men how to achieve their future life goals.
—Submitted by a parent

The Army Navy Academy has offered our son a tremendous opportunity for an excellent education and preparation for college (college prep.). The single gender, all boys, educational concept along with small class size give our son individual instruction and attention in his course work. The faculty and leadership staff is passionate about the boys' success and their enthusiasm is infectious. The JROTC program has motivated our son to take personal pride in his studies, personal growth and values. Focus on honor, attention to detail, and leadership skills. Our son has excelled academically from a B-C student to an Honor Roll student. The campus facilities located in the North San Diego County, in Southern California are simply put, amazing, with an oceanfront location in the heart of Carlsbad. We couldn't be more pleased with the academic and personal growth experiences our son is afforded by the Army Navy Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

The school does an excellent job of transforming young boys into young men. The school excels at character development and college preparation. The staff and faculty work well together to insure that no one falls through the cracks. Highly recommended.
—Submitted by a teacher

The Army and Navy Academy has offered my son a plentitude of opportunities, and the willingness to succeed. He has learned there are no limits to his ability to success and achievment. The Academy offers the Cadets so many opportunities to flourish that my son would have to put more effort into being irresponsible and avoid responsibilities, rather than simply accomplishing them. My child being so reserved, gained self-esteem, made best friends for life, and achieved his dream GPA. There is no limit to success here, Definitley two thumbs up for the Army and Navy Academy.
—Submitted by a parent

Army and Navy Academy is a great school. It has challenging academics strong principals and excellent leadership, which are found in most good schools. The thing that makes Army and Navy Academy special is that the staff members really do care about the Cadets. They understand that young men are going to make mistakes. They are patient, understanding and supportative which gives the Cadets the confidence to take on challengting test without fear. It is literally a practice field for life the kids.
—Submitted by a teacher