Naval Preparatory School Parents Day Program, 12 October 1963, Bainbridge Naval Training Center, Maryland

[Webmaster's Note: This is the Parents' Day brochure that was given to my parents that day, the transcription was done meticulously and includes all of the original typos and mis-spellings. The brochure was five pages of 8.5X11 paper. The first, or cover page, is the only one which was blue and is reproduced above. The back of the first sheet of paper was blank. The first inside page was "Officer-in-Charge Greeting" and the back of that page was blank. The second inside page was the schedule and notes. This page was typed in an IBM script type which is extremely hard to read. The back of the second inside page was also blank. The third inside page began the narrative, in the same typeface and on both sides of the paper. The last page was the map which is reproduced below. Note throughout that the staff refers to the school as the Naval Preparatory School (NPS) and not Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) as we all remember it. Enjoy. GBK]

It is indeed an honor for me to welcome you to the Naval Preparatory School. Next to graduation day, presently scheduled for 15 May 1964, this day should prove to be the biggest of the year. The instructors, staff members and students have spent many hours planning a full day of activities for your enjoyment. When considering that we have only been together six short weeks, during which we have organized all of our activities including winning varsity teams in football and cross country, you can appreciate the tremendous effort put forth by the students in your behalf. May your day with us be enjoyable and thank you for joining us.

TIME	PLACE	EVENT
0930	Naval Preparatory School	Barracks and grounds open for visitors.
1000	Auditorium, NPS	Greetings to Parents by Officer-in-Charge. Remarks on “The Role of the Naval Preparatory School” by the Officer-in-Charge, Academic Director, and the Battalion Officer. Showing of Naval Preparatory School and Naval Academy movies. There will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions.
1200	Mess Hall (Bldg. 502)	Noon Meal for students and guests. Meal tickets may be purchased at the Tome Rotunda.
1400	Vicinity of Howe Field	Student Battalion Formation for march to Howe Field.
1430	Howe Field	Football Game: NPS vs. Naval Academy Plebes.
1645	Naval Preparatory School	Open House. The school staff will be present to meet parents and guests. The Officer-in-Charge will receive parents and guests in his office. Refreshments will be served. There will be additional showing of Naval Preparatory School and Naval Academy movies. Glee Club performs.
1700 - 1900	Tome Inn	Informal Dance. Food service and refreshments will be available.
1800	NPS Barracks	Barracks closed to guests.

In 1914, enlisted personnel were first given an opportunity to compete for an appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy. It was almost immediately apparent that it would be necessary to provide a refresher course for the men of the fleet if they were to compete successfully with the candidates from other sources. To fulfill this need the first class of the U. S. Naval Preparatory School was convened in December of 1915, at Newport, Rhode Island. Since then many desirable candidates, who ordinarily would not have qualified for admission because of their previous educational background have been able to enter the Naval Academy.

During its more than forty year history the Naval Preparatory School has undergone several changes both in size and locale. As the Secretary of the Navy’s quota of appointments for the Naval Academy was increased from the original number of fifteen to the present number of one hundred sixty, the increased needs of the program were met by a second school being established at San Diego, California. Later the schools were combined at Norfolk, Virginia, and in 1943, the school was moved to its present location at Bainbridge.

The primary mission of the United States Naval Preparatory School, as established by the Chief of Naval Personnel, is to provide intensive instruction in preparation for the course of study at the Naval Academy. To carry out this mission, the Naval Preparatory School provides a rigorous and intensive program of academic study,, estracurricular activities, and organized athletics, both varsity and intramural.

The academic course includes English, algebra, geometry, and physics. In addition, a short session in the spring adds chemistry, trigonometry, and mechanical drawing. All students take the same course in preparation for the College Entrance Examination Board text next spring. A qualifying score on this examination is necessary for admission into the Naval Academy.

The extracurricular program of the Naval Preparatory School is quite extensive so that every student has a chance to participate in an activity that is interesting and challenging for him. Some of the activities available are: Glee Club, Photo Club, Science Club, Print Club and Cruise (Yearbook). An athletic program fashioned after that of the Naval Academy includes: varsity competition in football, cross country, basketball, swimming, track, wrestling, lacrosse, swimming, and tennis. Company intramurals include touch football, basketball and volleyball.

An equally important objective of the Naval Preparatory School program is the development of the leadership qualities of the the students. This is done primarily through a student military organization under the guidance of the Battalion Officer and three Company Officers. The student Battalion is divided into three companies of four sections each. Commanding the Battalion is a student Battalion Commander, Executive Officer, Adjutant and Operations Officer. Each company is commanded by a student Commander and his staff including a Company Executive Officer and Adjutant. Through a position on the Battalion or Company Staff, as a Section Leader, the student is given the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership capabilities and develop an understanding of the problems as well as the rewards and satisfactions of military leadership.

Because of the training these men receive and the work they do here at the Naval Preparatory School, they are truely the nucleus of the U. S. Naval Academy Class of 1968.