General Admissions Info

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FAQs

Financial Aid

Requirements

1. We're not military. What are our chances of getting into NAPS?

Because NAPS' primary mission is to serve the staff of the Naval Academy as well as other area military and Department of Defense organizations, it can often be extremely difficult for families whose parents do not have immediate connections to the military to receive offers of admission. Further limiting the number of available seats, we often refrain from filling our classes to their maximum capacity so that that mid-year Category 1 families who transfer into the area on short notice may be accommodated. Although the number of vacancies can fluctuate greatly from year to year and from grade to grade, please be advised that, in general, competition is usually extremely strong for our preschool programs, while the upper grades may offer more possibility of enrollment. Families in Enrollment Eligibility Categories 3 and 4 are therefore urged to have alternate schools in mind in the event their children are not offered a space.

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

NAPS offers the following grades, whose average class sizes are indicated below:

Total school enrollment generally runs 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 which does not fall under the Superintendent of the Naval Academy or the Department of Defense. The director and the NAPS Board of Directors are responsible for the management of the school. NAPS is a provisional member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools and is seeking accreditation by that organization. Students, however, have traditionally scored at or above national averages on standardized tests. Many other local private schools welcome transferring NAPS students, who usually have no trouble making the adjustment to their new school's curriculum.

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, skills 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 French (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 school celebration of Mardi Gras, 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?

While no registered nurse services are available, a trained health aide assists children with routine illness, cuts, scrapes and other minor injuries. A small "sick call" room has been created to give ill children a place to rest and await parents' pickup. All children must be in compliance with the Maryland Health Department Immunization Schedule. Download the Maryland Health Department Immunization Schedule

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

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-day care are posted in the extended-day program section of the Parent Handbook.

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 to provide some hot lunches as fundraisers. 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 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. for half day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten, and from 3 to 4:30 for full day 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.

The Naval Academy Primary School is a non-profit educational institution. It is not a part of the DOD or any other government agency.