Cape Fear Academy

3900 S College Road Wilmington, NC 28412
www.capefearacademy.org

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 826 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $23,952
  • Acceptance rate: 73%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Cape Fear Academy Photo #1
Cape Fear Academy Photo #2
Cape Fear Academy Photo #3
Cape Fear Academy Photo #4 - An ariel view of our campus.
Cape Fear Academy Photo #5
Cape Fear Academy Photo #6
Cape Fear Academy Photo #7
Cape Fear Academy Photo #8
Cape Fear Academy Photo #9
Cape Fear Academy Photo #10

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 826 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $23,952
  • Acceptance rate: 73%
  • Average class size: 16 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Cape Fear Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
School History

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Students By Grade
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
Campus Size
47 acres

Student Body

Total Students
826 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 24%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
120 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
16 students
Average SAT score
1277
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
29
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Some requirements based on grade level.
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art and DesignBiology
Business with Personal FinanceCalculus AB
Calculus AB/BCChemistry
Chinese Language and CultureComputer Science A
Computer Science PrinciplesEnglish Language and Composition
English LiteratureEnvironmental Science
Human GeographyMusic Theory
Physics CPre-Calculus
PsychologyResearch
SeminarSpanish Language and Culture
Spanish Literature and CultureStatistics
US Government and PoliticsUS History
World History

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition for 2026–27: PreK and Kindergarten: $19,300 Grades 1 & 2: $21,950 Grades 3 – 5: $24,025 Grades 6 – 8: $26,000 Grades 9 - 12: $26,850
% on Financial Aid
11%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$10,321
Acceptance Rate
73%
National avg.: 85%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Lindsey Boden
Admissions Associate
Alison Reid
Application URL

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Sports

Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Mascot
Captain Fear Of The Cape Fear Academy Hurricanes

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
58 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Cooking Club


Club or Organization:
Automotive ClubBETA Club (community service)
Broadcasting ClubChemistry Club
Chess ClubCompetitive Robotics
Debate TeamDECA
FBLAFilm Club
Fishing ClubGaming Club
Habitat for HumanityHOSA Future Health Professionals
International Thespian SocietyInvesting Club
Jazz ClubJesus Club
LEGO Robotics TeamMagic the Gathering Club
MindworksMock Trial
Model United Nations UNNational Honor Society
Open Minds ClubPeer Mentors
Student AmbassadorsStudent Government
Surfrider Organization ClubTutoring Club
Women's Leadership ClubYearbook
Youth and Government


Arts and Music Programs:
Acting & DirectingAP Art & Design
AP Music TheoryApp Design
BandCeramics
Drawing and PaintingFilmmaking
graphic designHigh Tide Literary Magazine
photographyPublications
Technical TheaterTheatre
Video Game DesignVocal Ensemble
Woodworking


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Beach VolleyballDance
Fitness & ConditioningPICKLEBALL CLUB
Theatre MovementWeightlifting
Wiffle Ball Club

School Notes

  • Cape Fear Academy offers unparalleled educational opportunities and experiences, building the foundation for a lifetime of learning and future success.
  • Exceptional faculty partner with families to know, love, and challenge each unique student.
  • CFA is a close-knit, inclusive learning community where every person is respected and valued for both who they are and who they will become.
  • Cape Fear Academy graduates demonstrate a unique set of skills cultivated in an environment of passionate, dedicated teachers who challenge and support them across academics, character development, the arts, and athletics. By educating the whole student from early childhood to young adulthood, Cape Fear Academy ensures its graduates are not only disciplined and prepared learners, but also responsible, resilient individuals ready to face the world's challenges.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cape Fear Academy cost?
Cape Fear Academy's tuition is approximately $23,952 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cape Fear Academy?
The acceptance rate of Cape Fear Academy is 73%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Cape Fear Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Cape Fear Academy offer?
Cape Fear Academy offers 13 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Surf Team, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Cape Fear Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.
What is Cape Fear Academy's ranking?
When is the application deadline for Cape Fear Academy?
The application deadline for Cape Fear Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (8 reviews)
5  
Our family has been part of Cape Fear Academy for seven years (with our children starting in the Little Explorers program, then going to Lower School and now Middle School) and it has truly been a wonderful experience. Throughout those years, we''ve seen them grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment where they feel heard and supported. The teachers are always there for them and the academics have kept our kids engaged and challenged. We love seeing them make good friends, and actually enjoy learning. Plus, we feel very good about the school''s plans to expand in the coming years. Cape Fear Academy has been a wonderful part of our community, and we highly recommend it to any family.
- Posted by
5  
My kids have just started their second year at Cape Fear Academy, and we simply could not be happier. It is a true learning community that feels like home. The administration models healthy relationships and fosters a culture where kids can make mistakes, learn from them, and move on. The teachers are passionate about their subject matter, but even more so in seeing that spark in the students. The support staff, from the office assistants to the often "invisible" staff who clean and maintain the grounds, are deeply generous people who care about every detail of their work. All of that is just a foundation to the culture of excellence in which the kids are steeped. They are learning subject matter, but also how to study, how to organize their lives, how to deal with conflict and disappointment in healthy ways, surrounded by other kids who are marvelous people. I cannot wait to see how the school and its leaders build on this in the coming years.
- Posted by
5  
CFA has been the perfect choice for our child and family. The teachers truly are the heart of the school, and make all the difference. The attention each student receives is second to none. After five years at CFA, each year seems to get better. With a "hands-on" learning approach, fun field trips, extracurricular activities, and a true sense of "belonging", our child wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
- Posted by
5  
We have had the pleasure of being part of the Cape Fear Academy community for over eight years, with both of our sons thriving in ways we couldn't have imagined. Each of our boys has unique strengths and challenges, and we've been amazed by the individualized attention and support they've received. The teachers and staff truly go above and beyond, treating our children as if they were their own. The nurturing environment at Cape Fear Academy has helped our children grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Both have formed strong friendships and love the wide range of extracurricular activities available, which has made their school experience all the more enriching.We are proud and deeply grateful to be part of this exceptional school community. Cape Fear Academy has been a gift to our family, and we can't recommend it highly enough.
- Posted by
5  
Cape Fear Academy has been the best academic choice for all of our children. Each of them is unique in their interests and abilities, and CFA has been able to foster their development, encourage their growth, and support their challenges. Whether they're pursuing academic, athletic, artistic, or STEM opportunities, they are known by their teachers, coaches, and advocates. Beyond the kids' experiences, as a parent, I feel fully informed and aware of the curriculum, activities, and events that take place day to day. Thank you, CFA, for playing such an integral role in our kids' development. We're proud to be Hurricanes!
- Posted by
5  
Cape fear academy has been wonderful for my daughter. She has attended for 6 years now and we have been completely satisfied with the efforts CFA has made to help our daughter grow. Thank you CFA!
- Posted by
5  
Excellent academics and staff.
- Posted by
5  
My child has been at Cape Fear for six years and has loved every minute. The classes are challenging and fun, and she adores her teachers. Beyond the classroom, there are overnight field trips, musicals, band, sports and numerous after-school activities. There is truly something for everyone at CFA.
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Wilmington, NC is $10,899 for elementary schools and $11,827 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Wilmington, NC is 82% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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