The United States Military Academy Preparatory School's (USMAPS) mission is to provide focused academic, military, and physical instruction in a moral-ethical environment to prepare, motivate, and inspire Cadet Candidates in order to qualify for admission to, and graduation from, the United States Military Academy.

 The purpose of USMAPS is to prepare candidates selected by the United States Military Academy Admission’s office for the academic, physical, and military challenges of the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Selected students (Cadet Candidates) are high school graduates or enlisted personnel from the Active, Reserve or National Guard force.   The U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, known as USMAPS, the Prep School, or West Point Prep, was formally established in 1946, but the history of "prepping" Soldiers for West Point has been done since Congress enacted legislation in 1916 authorizing Soldier appointments to West Point.  The school exists today as an avenue of opportunity to a carefully selected group of Soldiers and civilians by providing them the academic, leadership, and physical skills that will prepare them for success as Cadets at the United States Military Academy.   Located on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy, West Point Prep prepares Cadet Candidates for West Point with a foundation that will last them beyond admission to the Academy and well into the future as leaders of character for the Nation.  USMAPS is primarily an academic institution that accepts students and Soldiers from diverse backgrounds and challenges them to meet and exceed West Point's rigorous admission standards.  As a military school with a career focus, USMAPS also develops the foundation of professional and physical attributes needed for growth as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Programs

Academic Program

The academic program at the West Point Prep School is a dynamic curriculum, closely coordinated with the West Point syllabus.  It is designed to tailor instruction in order to best meet the needs of the individual Cadet Candidate. One of the central goals of the academic program is to fully challenge all Cadet Candidates while recognizing the diversity in their educational backgrounds.  The school's approach is to enhance the skills Cadet Candidates already possess while providing a solid basis for improvement in the skills which do not yet meet West Point entry levels. Click here to learn more about USMAPS academic program.

Military Program

The Battalion Tactical Department (BTD) oversees military training, USMA admission gates, and other administration requirements for each Cadet Candidate (CC) during his or her ten month tenure at USMAPS.  Military training begins on the first day the CCs arrive with a four-week training program referred to as Cadet Candidate Basic Training (CCBT).  The focus of this training includes Basic Rifle Marksmanship, Land Navigation, Medical Readiness Training, and Crew Served Weapon Familiarization Fire. Click here to learn more about USMAP's military program.

Athletic Program

The USMAPS Department of Physical Education and Athletics (DPE&A) provides Cadet Candidates with a world-class physical developmental program, led by subject matter experts and Army Officers, designed to shape and mold future leaders of character both physically and mentally.  Our strategy focuses on four areas of Physical Fitness: 1 - Functional Fitness; 2 - Military Movement;  3 - Strength Training; 4 - Mental Resiliency.  These areas promote a well-balanced approach in preparing our Cadet Candidates to meet USMA’s physical admission requirements. Click here to learn more about USMAP's athletics program.