Read more details about Army and Navy Academy on their 2026-27 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Academics is a way of life at ANA, their small teacher to student ratios, combined with teachers who actually care make ANA a best-in-class school. "Boy Brain Science" is a new concept embraced by the school -- boys are different than girls, and should be educated and treated as such.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
It got my grades up, and got me disciplined. I was going nowhere fast in Los Angeles public school system, and ANA litereally saved my life.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
Nothing -- I was dropped into the deep end of the pool, and I survived. Boys going to ANA will complain and try to tug at the heart strings of their parents -- as a parent, do not fall for it! The first couple of months will be difficult -- homesickness will be prevalent. And this too shall pass.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
It madde me into a man with a plan. ANA molded me into someone who followed the more difficult and correct road rather than the easier wrong.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Go to ANA and buy into the system - it will guide you for the rest of your life.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I liked the small class sizes and the individualized attention given by the teachers. I also felt that the teachers were invested in your success.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Athletics is huge -- from the award winning football team, to the choice of athletics available to all cadeets. Not to mention the school sits on the Carlsbad beachfront, and surfing is encouraged!
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
ANA hass a top-notch auduio visiual studio, as well as a vibrant public broadcasting program.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Surfing! Clubs for most desires!
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life is restricted -- it is a military school after all. Rooms must remain clean, there are mandatory study hours, and lights out. Dorms (or barracks as they are known) are not opulant, however, they do serve their purpose.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Food from my time at the school has improved significantly - this includes a culinary arts course where cadets are encouraged to learn to cook for the Corps.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Carlsbad is a coastal jem, restaurants and activities abound -- it's the home of Legoland -- and it has perfect weather year 'round.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Social life is what you make it -- it's an all-boy's school. The school puts on dances so girls are invited to socialize. The all-boys aspect is actiually a big plus - there is no pressure to act or dress a certain way to impress the opposite sex - nor is there a sense of tension due to the presence of the opposite sex.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:00 AM
1st Mess
8:00 AM
1st liClass
10:00 PM
lights out
Weekend
10:00 AM
Parade Practice or Parade
11:00 AM
Open weekend if no parade
12:00 PM
If closed weekend, Town liberty
Read more details about Army and Navy Academy on their 2026-27 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Academics is a way of life at ANA, their small teacher to student ratios, combined with teachers who actually care make ANA a best-in-class school. "Boy Brain Science" is a new concept embraced by the. . .
The Army Navy Academy campus is a college preparatory school for boys ages 11 to 18 years of age, both Summer regular School schedules available. A small yet honorable and highly respected boarding. . .
Vast majority of students attend because they want to be there, not as a "reform school" where parents "ditch" them.
Outstanding male roll models who show deserved respect and award scholastic and disciplinary achievements. . .
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