What's the deal with West Point Prep Academy?

I've heard about West Point Prep Academy and I'm curious how it fits into the whole West Point experience. Is it a separate school or something? How do students benefit from attending before going to the main academy?

The United States Military Academy Preparatory School, commonly referred to as West Point Prep, is indeed a separate institution from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Its function is to prepare candidates who have been selected for admission to the Military Academy.

The typical students at West Point Prep are enlisted soldiers, high school students who were near misses on their West Point applications, and athletes who West Point wants to recruit. The curriculum is focused on strengthening academic and physical aptitude to meet the rigorous standards of West Point. The program lasts for 10 months, and the goal is to prepare these candidates for success at the Academy.

In terms of benefits, attending West Point Prep provides a thorough grounding in the military customs and traditions that are a significant part of West Point culture. It also gives a solid academic foundation, which is crucial for the stringent curriculum at the Academy.

The school offers classes in English, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Military Science. Students at the prep school also participate in physical training and competitive athletics, which prepare them for the physical fitness requirements at West Point.

Upon successful completion of the Prep School program and meeting all the admission requirements, students will then enter the West Point Military Academy. So, the West Point Prep Academy serves as a stepping stone to ensure future success at West Point.