My school serves as a foundation school for USNA. There are two prepsters this year.
As for the school and what it is like (I go to a new england prep school, and most of them are fairly similar): Prep school is different than public school. I went to public school for 8 years before I went to prep school. I liked them both, for different reasons. Here is some info on prep school.
The prep school enviorenment is very similar to that of to a liberal arts college. The campus is wide open with lots of buildings, many activities and clubs, and, if you go to school in New England, some wicked sick winters
. Im assuming you would board if you go to a prep school (I commute every day). Boarding life is great. Prep school is a community, and boarding enhances that community feel, while preparing you for college.
The people you will meet are fantastic. They come from all over the world. One of my best friends is from Kazakhstan. I like public school a lot, but the farthest anyone came from in public school was Florida. Its really cool meeting kids from other parts of the world and getting their perspective on global events.
Now, the academics are tough. You will really be pushed. I took Algebra 1 in 8th grade at public school, got an A, but decided to repeat it in 9th grade at prep school because I want sure about how hard it would be. It was a challenge, even with repeating. We also write a wicked amount, and it really helps when it comes time to write college essays. It can get stressful at times, especially for the younger kids being away from home as a 13 year old freshman, but it is a good deal in the end. The USNA prepsters like it, from what they have told me.
ITs tough sometimes at prep school, but it is worth it. I love it here, and it has prepared me so much for life after high school. (also - athletics are top-notch. alot of post-grads come and do a year at NE Prep schools. Its fun to watch basketball games. My school has four alums in the March Madness)
Good luck. And remember, whatever you do,
DONT GO TO DEERFIELD!!