What is the Naval Academy's preparatory school like?

I'm thinking about attending the Naval Academy's preparatory school after high school. Can anyone share what the experience is like? I'm interested in how it prepares you academically and physically for the academy itself.

The Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), located in Newport, Rhode Island, acts as a bridge between high school and the Naval Academy, focusing on academic, physical, moral, and leadership development.

The academic preparation at NAPS emphasizes strengthening the knowledge and skills necessary for the Naval Academy's rigorous collegiate coursework. This includes key areas like math, English, chemistry, and physics, preparing you not only for the Academy's academics but also for the standardized exams you'll need to take. Additionally, NAPS offers small class sizes facilitating a more individualized approach to learning. Many students have found that this comprehensive academic preparation helps ease their transition into the Naval Academy's competitive academic environment.

As for the physical element, NAPS conducts intense physical training to prepare you for the physical rigors at the Naval Academy. This includes a blend of physical education courses and organized athletics, where you would participate in a Navy intercollegiate sport, an intramural sport, or a club sport as part of your midshipman candidate experience.

In terms of leadership and moral development, NAPS strives to instill the Naval Academy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. This is done through various character development programs and hands-on leadership opportunities.

Lastly, camaraderie and teamwork are vital aspects of NAPS. The students, known as midshipman candidates, live together in a barracks-style setting, similar to what you'd experience at the Naval Academy. This fosters a culture of teamwork and unity among students.

Bear in mind, though, that everyone's experience is unique and there can be challenges along the way, but many NAPS graduates attest to its effectiveness in preparing them for the Naval Academy. Good luck!