What happens during US Naval Academy Parent Weekend?

I'm thinking about going to the US Naval Academy and was curious about Parent Weekend. What typically happens during this event, and how do students and their families usually spend this time together?

Parent Weekend at the US Naval Academy, often taking place in the late summer or early fall, is an event designed for parents to experience a bit of their midshipman's life and the academy's operations firsthand.

As a part of Parent Weekend, families usually participate in an array of activities and formal events. It begins with an initial welcome meeting where leaders of the Academy outline the purpose, structure, and importance of the academy and its educational model. This also allows parents to understand how their children will grow during their time at the academy.

During the course of the weekend, parents may tour the USNA campus and its notable sites, such as the USNA Chapel and Lejeune Hall. There are often exhibits and demonstrations by different academic departments and sports teams too.

One of the main highlights is when parents can see their sons or daughters march in the Brigade Parade. The Brigade Parade showcases the entire student body’s military discipline in an impressive formation, a sight that makes many parents proud and offers a deeper understanding of the Naval Academy's emphasis on discipline and organization.

Parents are also often invited to attend classes with their student to get a feel for the academic environment at the academy. This includes presentations on the different majors available to students, and parent-teacher meetings where your academic progress is discussed.

There is typically free time built into the schedule for personal activities as well, such as exploring Annapolis, or spending time on liberty with your midshipman. Remember, family participation in these activities provides an invaluable opportunity to understand better what life is like for midshipmen at the academy.

While the specific events and activities may vary from year to year, the overall purpose of Parent Weekend remains the same: to give families a glimpse into the unique life, training, and education that their midshipman receives at the US Naval Academy.