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 outher 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 admissions. 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 accomodated.

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 pre-school programs, while the upper grades may offer more possibility of enrollment. Families in Enrollment Eligibility Categories Four and Five 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:

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 managment of the school.

NAPS is not a member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools, nor is it accredited 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, nuturing 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 advance notice as possible when requesting a reservation.

Fees for extended-day care are posted in the Extended-Day Program section of the Parent Handbook.

Extended-Day Program

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. Daily milk service may be ordered at the beginning of the school year. In addition, pizza on a weekly basis and occasional hot dog lunches are offered as fundraisers for class trips. 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 ten-to-thirteen week terms throughout the school year, after-school enrichment classes in the arts, dance, chess, cooking 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. Fees are adjusted for families using the extended daycare 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.

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