The U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School—usually referred to as "the Prep School" or "The P School"—was established in May 1961. The school's founder and first commander was Colonel Lee Charles Black. It is located on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy near the Community Center. The Prep School's mission is to prepare, motivate, and evaluate for admission to and success at the Air Force Academy. Students at the prep school are referred to as "cadet candidates" or more informally as "preppies."The prep school has a staff of 57 people and offers a 10-month program of intense academic preparation, military training, and athletic conditioning, designed to develop in cadet candidates the skills and character necessary to be successful at the Academy. The academic curriculum is focused on mathematics, English, and sciences.Eligibility requirementsProspective cadet candidates must: Be at least 17 and not have passed their 22nd birthday by July 1 of the year they enter the Prep School. Be eligible to be a U.S. citizen. Be unmarried and have no dependents. Meet the medical standards for a commission in the United States Air Force.Admission and transition to USAFALike the Academy, admission to the prep school is competitive, with selections made by the Academy director of admissions. If a civilian, Airman, either Active Duty or Reserve, applies for but does not receiving a direct appointment to the Air Force Academy they will automatically be considered for the Prep School. Air Force enlisted may apply directly to the Prep School via Air Force Form 1786, submitted through the unit commander and MPF. Consult AFI 36-2021 for details. Enlisted members from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps are not eligible for nomination but can be considered as civilians.
