United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School sits
on the base of the Rocky Mountains in Central Colorado just beneath
the gorgeous 14,000 foot Pikes Peak mountain, overlooking the beautiful
city of Colorado Springs.
Opening its doors in 1961, the Prep School
has relied on old traditions built on the Air Force Core Values: integrity
first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, to create the
best officers and leaders in our Armed Forces.
Originally recruiting enlisted
members of the Air Force, the Prep School has expanded its student body
to include enlisted members and senior high school applicants.
Each year, the Prep School accepts between 220-250 of the applicants whose
academic or athletic scores were not high enough to receive a direct entry
into the Academy. Therefore, these young men and women were offered a spot
at the Prep School to improve their skills in these areas, so that they have
the opportunity to attend the Academy the following year. Although the opportunity
is given to receive a recommendation to attend the Academy after their year
at the Prep School, it is not guaranteed.
The Prep School is a 10-month program which includes basic training, the academic
year (four quarters), and end of the year training exercise (TX). Cadet-Candidates are
paid as an enlisted member of the Air Force earning over $800/month (unless prior
enlisted, whose salaries may differ). Earning an appointment to the Air Force Academy
is a highly competitive process and requires the following:
SAT: Mathematics-560, Verbal-580 on the re-centered scale
Pass the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA).
Demonstrate an aptitude for success at the Academy.
Demonstrate an aptitude for commissioned service and leadership.
Be recommended by the Prep School Commander.
Be approved by the Academy Board.
• Student-Athlete Advantages
The Prep School is an excellent place for any student-athlete to begin their
collegiate career for multiple reasons. The four top-tier sports at the Academy:
football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball are the priority sports at
the Prep School where athletic development takes place for 10 months. The
Academy coaches utilize the Prep School as a place to build their future athletes
by engaging them in a competitive arena militarily, academically, and athletically
to prepare them for what they will endure at the next level.
The incentives available at the Prep School are extraordinary. Every student's
education is paid in full, with inclusion of meal plan, supplies, travel and medical
expenses. With all the necessary amenities located on the base, students are provided
the finest care possible in every aspect.
• Athletic Eligibility
Playing at the junior college level, Air Force Prep competes with some of the best
colleges in the country, traveling as far as New Jersey to play. When a student-athlete
decides to attend the Prep School, he/she will lose no eligibility for their year of
competition and will gain leadership and individual skills, along with character
development and confidence.
Coaches are invested in each athlete with their best interest in mind. There is no
comittment to stay at the Prep School, and each student-athlete is considered 'recruitable'
(as you would be at the high school level) so coaches are dedicated to helping each athete
to become the best they can be both on and off the court despite the decision to continue
education at the Academy or elsewhere.
