Northwestern Preparatory School (NWPS) is a post-high school graduate preparatory school designed to prepare young men and women who aspire to attend United States military academies. It focuses on improving students' standardized test taking skills through English, mathematics, science, and vocabulary study. Originally located in Mound, Minnesota, NWPS was founded by James Hoiby who served as Headmaster for over two decades. In 1982, NWPS relocated to Santa Barbara, California. It remained there for the next few years until again relocating to the San Bernardino Mountains.[1][2] From 1988-1989, NWPS was located at Camp Cisquito (near Green Valley) in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. In 1990, NWPS relocated to its current location in Malibu. Following James Hoiby's death, Mrs. Suzanne Durbeck was appointed Headmistress by members of the NWPS school board.
The school is very effective at achieving its stated goal of assisting students in their quest for an appointment to a Service Academy. However, it is not without controversy. Even to this day, confusion still exists as to the location of the NWPS Class of 1988's photo money. Unfortunately, the answers to these questions will likely remain a mystery forever.