It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner.

He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor.

Augustus C. Buell

NAPS Academics; Deans Overview

Rigorous post-secondary Preparatory School Trimester system:
Mid-Term 1 ends 14 Sep; o Marking Period 1 ends 17 Oct Mid-Term 2 ends 22 Nov; o Marking Period 2 ends 30 Jan

Mid-Term 3 ends 15 Mar; o Marking Period 3 ends 30 Apr

Two-hour final exams in Chemistry, Math, Physics Grades used are A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, F

Daily Academic Routine

Class (3) 75-Minute Periods 0740 1145 Lunch 1150 1255 Class (1) 75-Minute Period 1300 1415 Extra Instruction (EI) 1415 - 1530 Sports Period 1600 - 1745 Dinner 1150 1255 Study Period 1900 2200

English Composition
Extensive journal writing & annotation Wide range of short essays Major Writing Assignments in MP1
Place and Culture Essay Personal Reflective Essay

Readings for discussion and journals:

Range from Walt Whitmans 19th Century Civil War Diaries to Marjane Satrapis 21st century illustrated narrative The Socks

Current major reading:

Erik Larsons historical fiction Isaacs Storm about meteorologist Isaac Cline and the 1900 hurricane that destroyed Galveston, the deadliest storm in US history.

Mathematics
Goal:
Reinforce and improve mathematical skills Improve the ability to think critically within rule based boundaries to solve problems in a logical manner Improve their ability to effectively demonstrate or communicate their level of knowledge

Courses:
Advanced: Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry review, followed by Calc I and Intro to Calc II Intermediate: Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry followed by Calc I Foundation: Review of basic Algebra followed by Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry Fundamental: If needed, review of Arithmetic, followed by basic Algebra, and then Precalculus Algebra topics

Chemistry
Goal:
Increase students understanding of chemistry and how it relates to our world while improving their ability to think critically and approach chemistry problems in a logical manner

Courses:
Advanced: Comparable to AP Chemistry. Intermediate: Slightly slower pace and difficulty compared to Advanced Foundation: Pace and level of a good high school chemistry course. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding

Physics
Goal:
Enhance each students ability to think critically, analyze situations and logically approach problems in order to reach reasonable solutions Provide each student a basic understanding of the physics contained in their everyday world

Courses:
All four levels of physics (Fundamental, Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced) study mechanics for two marking periods and electricity & magnetism for one marking period. The intermediate and advanced programs address topics in more depth with progressively greater mathematical rigor

Learning Skills Development

Goal:
Identify learning skills that enhance the process of learning. Develop proficient use of learning skills to consistently achieve learning goals and to ultimately experience the rewards of academic success

Course:
One class per week during the 1st trimester Topics include goal setting, time management, self regulation, processing information, learning styles, motivation, improving memory, active reading, test-preparation, and test-taking Skills include preparation & use of daily & weekly planners, given a yearly planner; preparation & use of five-day study plans to prepare for exams; use of the SQ4R reading system and Cornell note-taking process; use of problem solution formats & the process of intelligent practice; use of annotation to improve learning & mnemonics to improve memory

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do most of the students succeed? Historically, over 80% of NAPS students earn appointments to USNA Of those, about 80% successfully complete USNA About 65% of NAPS entrants graduate from USNA 2) How does that compare to students who do not attend NAPS? The direct entries have about 85% success 3) Transcripts are provided 4) SAT is taken in March 5) No certifications or degrees are granted

HAPPY HOLIDAYstudy!
NAPSTERs, need some review? Want a head start? Holiday-Study is from 3-4 Jan 2012; 0800 to 1600

Tutoring from the faculty of each academic department Holiday-Study is optional except for those students on academic probation as of 2 Dec 2011 Students can email Dean Crockett (crockett@naps.edu) to sign-up for Holiday-Study