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1. We're not military. Can we still apply to NAPS?boysatrecess NAPS

NAPS welcomes all families to apply. You do not need to be a military family to attend NAPS. Enrollment is based on availability and our admissions categories, which prioritize active-duty military families; families of USNA employees; families whose parents are employed by the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security; and families of retired military personnel. However, we have many Annapolis-area families with no connection to the military or the federal government. We accept applications throughout the school year.

2. How big are the classes? What is the total enrollment of the school?

While enrollment fluctuates from year to year, preschool classes at NAPS average 12-18 students. Kindergarten classes have an average of 16 students, and grades 1 through 7 average 18 students per class. Total school enrollment is approximately 260 students.

3. Is NAPS run by the Navy or Department of Defense? Is it accredited?

NAPS is a private school that enjoys a close relationship with the U.S. Naval Academy. However, it is an independent organization and does not fall under the Superintendent of the Naval Academy or the Department of Defense. The Head of School and the NAPS Board of Directors are responsible for the management of the school. NAPS is an accredited member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS).

4. What is the NAPS curriculum?

Preschool programs focus on developing academic readiness and social skills in a positive, nurturing environment. In kindergarten, students work on social and academic skills – including phonics-based reading instruction – that are necessary for future school experiences. For children in first through fifth grades, instruction focuses on language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, library skills, computers, art, music and Spanish (a cultural and language exposure class, not a full-immersion program). Field trips to the Naval Academy, the Baltimore Symphony, the Baltimore Zoo, Williamsburg, a spirit week around the time of the Army-Navy football game, and a Christmas pageant are among other special activities NAPS students enjoy.

5. What kind of health facilities are available?

A registered nurse is on staff, and a trained health aide assists children with routine illness, cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries. A small health room has been created to give sick children a place to rest and await parents' pickup. All children must be in compliance with the Maryland Health Department Immunization Schedule.

6. Are before- and after-school childcare available?

Childcare is available in the following blocks: from 7:00 until 8:00; from 11:45 until 2:45; and from 2:45 until 5:30. Occasional-use service is available on a space-available basis, with families advised to give the school as much advanced notice as possible when requesting a reservation. Fees for extended care can be found here.

7. Does NAPS offer a hot lunch program?

NAPS does not have a full-service cafeteria, but it is equipped with a small kitchen. Parents are responsible for providing their children's snacks and lunches. The school does contract with local restaurants and caterers to provide some hot lunches as fundraisers. Lunch offerings change each semester. Children in grades three through five eat in their classrooms. Children in the lower grades eat their lunches in the school lunchroom.

8. Are there any extracurricular activities?

During two 10-to-13-week terms throughout the school year, after-school enrichment classes in music, chess, and sports are offered from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. for pre-kindergarten, and from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade. Additionally, NAPS offers a chapter of Girls on the Run for girls in third through fifth grade. Fees are adjusted for families using the extended-care program on a prepaid basis.

9. Does NAPS run any summer camps?

Because NAPS children finish the school year around the Memorial Day weekend, often well in advance of other schools, the school offers a day camp for three weeks beginning as soon as school lets out. The camp features a daily routine of sports, arts & crafts, some local field trips, swimming and water play.

10. Does NAPS offer financial assistance? ​

NAPS offers a limited amount of financial assistance to families in need each school year. Those seeking assistance should contact the school's director during the application process. Click here to download the financial aid form.