Army & Navy Academy
Carlsbad, CA
"Forging virtuous young men for life."
The Verdict
Army and Navy Academy is the only military boarding school in the United States with a private beachfront campus. Located in the coastal village of Carlsbad, California, the Academy has been forging virtuous young men since 1910.
With panoramic Pacific Ocean views, a surf team, and an award-winning Honor Unit with Distinction JROTC program, the Academy combines rigorous college preparation with character development in a setting where leadership meets the sea.
About
Army and Navy Academy is a college preparatory military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12, with a mission to forge virtuous young men for life. The academy uses the Gurian Model teaching approach—specifically designed for how boys learn—combined with structured, values-driven leadership development.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesBoarding
$62,000
Day Student
$43,000
International
$70,000
Endowment
$10 million
Admissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Completed application form
- School transcripts from previous two years
- Teacher recommendation letter
- Personal essay or statement of interest
- Interview with admissions (recommended)
- Standardized test scores (if available)
- Medical and immunization records
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
15.1 acres
Housing
Barracks
Enrollment
258
Student:Teacher
8:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
barracks
Daily Schedule
Cadets begin at 0615 with room inspection and morning formation, followed by breakfast and academic classes. Afternoons include athletics or physical training, with evening study hall (Call to Quarters) ensuring dedicated homework time. Lights out concludes a structured day focused on academics, leadership, and personal development.
Discipline Model
The Academy uses a company-based leadership model with TAC (Trainer, Advisor, Coach) officers providing mentorship and oversight. Cadets are organized into specialized companies including Band and Flight Companies. Student leaders hold ranks within the Corps of Cadets, and cadets are empowered to manage their barracks under TAC guidance while maintaining accountability and discipline.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
100%
Where Graduates Go
The Academy's Honor Unit with Distinction JROTC program grants the privilege of nominating cadets directly to all U.S. service academies including West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.
Hall of Fame
Gen. William W. Crouch
Four-star U.S. Army General; 27th Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Silver Star recipient for heroism in Vietnam
Lt. Gen. Henry Louis Larsen
U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General; Military Governor of Guam; recipient of two Navy Crosses and three Silver Stars
William C. Kuebler
U.S. Navy Commander and JAG attorney; noted civil liberties lawyer who defended Guantanamo detainees; Reg Robson Civil Liberties Award recipient
Jorge Ramos Hernandez Bustamante
Former Mayor of Tijuana, Mexico
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All cadets participate in daily physical training as part of the structured military program. Athletics are integrated into the afternoon schedule with options ranging from competitive varsity sports to fitness-focused activities.
Facilities
Duffield Sports Center and Bliss Stadium ($11.5 million multi-sport facility); Maffucci Field; short-course swimming pool; 3 weight rooms; indoor basketball gym; archery range; tennis courts; private beach access for surf team
External Ratings
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Official Federal Data Sources
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