What does a typical academic year schedule look like at the Naval Academy?

I'm trying to get a sense of how the academic year is structured at the Naval Academy. How are the semesters divided, and are there significant breaks throughout the year? How does the schedule compare to a typical college?

The academic year at the United States Naval Academy is similarly structured to a typical college. However, certain unique aspects pertaining to military training and obligations distinguish it from conventional colleges.

The academic calendar is divided into two semesters - Fall and Spring. The Fall semester generally begins in late August and ends before the Christmas holiday in December, akin to many colleges. The Spring semester starts in January and ends in May.

As for breaks and holidays, like a traditional college setting, the Naval Academy has multiple breaks spread throughout the academic year. This includes Fall Break in October, Thanksgiving Break in November, a Winter Break at the end of the Fall semester in December, Spring Break in March, and a summer break after the end of the spring semester.

However, Midshipmen often have various training commitments during the summer, which might include time on a naval ship or submarine, leadership training, or foreign exchange programs, among other opportunities. This differentiates the Naval Academy from typical colleges where summers often are entirely free for internships, jobs, or relaxation.

Lastly, the academic schedule is rigorous, often including classes, study periods, and military training responsibilities. The curriculum includes required courses in engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences, regardless of major.

In summary, while the Naval Academy shares a similar academic calendar with traditional colleges, the addition of military obligations and certain distinctive training programs during the summer break sets it apart.