Cape Fear Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

View full size Get directions

REQUEST INFO

SAVE SCHOOL

Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked NC School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
Enrollment: 820 students
Yearly Tuition: $23,952
Acceptance rate: 70%
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:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Cape Fear Academy
Pre-K	51
Kind	53
1	47
2	49
3	47
4	57
5	43
6	63
7	82
8	70
9	53
10	70
11	60
12	75

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School Data: Full School Dataset XML | Full School Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Year Founded

1967

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Last Day of School

Thu. May 27, 2027

Campus Size

47 acres

Student Body

Total Students

820 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

16%

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

1287

(Out of 1600)

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Some requirements based on grade level.

Number of AP Courses

25 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

BiologyCalculus AB

Calculus AB/BCChemistry

Chinese Language and CultureComputer Science A

Computer Science PrinciplesEnglish Language and Composition

English Literature and CompisitionEnvironmental Science

Human GeographyMacroeconomics

MicroeconomicsMusic Theory

Physics CPsychology

ResearchSeminar

Spanish Language and CultureSpanish Literature and Culture

StatisticsStudio Art

US Government and PoliticsUS History

World History

Show More (9)Hide

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$23,952

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition for 2025–26: 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

10%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$10,467

Acceptance Rate

70%

National avg.: 82%

College Acceptance Rate

100%

Admissions Director

Lindsey Boden

Admissions Associate

Alison Reid

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

13 sports

Sports

BasketballCheering

Cross CountryField Hockey

GolfLacrosse

SailingSoccer

Surf TeamSwimming

TennisTrack and Field

Volleyball

Colors

Blue, Gold

School Mascot

Captain Fear Of The Cfa Hurricanes

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

38 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Cooking ClubYoung Republicans

Club or Organization:

Automotive ClubBETA Club (community service)

Book ClubBroadcasting Club

CFA Pride (LGBTQ+ Affinity Group)CFA Skate Club

Chess ClubCoding Club

Debate TeamDiversity Club

Gaming TeamGlobal Connections

Green ClubHead of School Advisory Club

High TideImprov Club

International ClubLEGO Robotics Team

Mock TrialModel United Nations UN

National History DayNational Honor Society

National Ocean Sciences BowlOutreach Service Club

Photography ClubRobotics Team

Spanish ClubSpike Ball Club

Student AmbassadorsStudent Council

Student GovernmentThe FEAR

Women's Leadership ClubYearbook

Young DemocratsYouth and Government

Show More (20)Hide

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

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

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 70%, which is lower than the national average of 82%. 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?

Cape Fear Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

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 (6 reviews)

5 9/27/2024

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 Parent - Kim

5 9/27/2024

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 Parent - Laura Hagy

5 4/7/2023

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 Parent - Mom of Four Super Happy Kids

5 10/13/2021

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 Parent - Andrew

5 12/24/2020

Excellent academics and staff.

- Posted by Parent - Kristen Harmon

5 11/16/2015

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 Parent - eliza

Endorse Cape Fear Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Academic or athletic awards

Recent Articles

September 01, 2026

How Much Homework Is Too Much?

Learn how to compare private school homework expectations, recognize excessive workloads, evaluate assignment quality, and ask better questions about academic balance before choosing a school for your child.

September 01, 2026

Learning Support Without a Formal Program

Learn what private schools mean by informal learning support, how services differ from formal programs, and which questions families should ask before choosing the right school today.

September 01, 2026

Beyond AP vs. IB: How to Judge Academic Rigor

Learn how to judge academic rigor at private schools without AP or IB by examining curriculum depth, assessments, faculty expectations, advanced coursework, student work, and college preparation outcomes.

Request Info

Email:

Name of parent:

Student first name:

Student last name:

Student date of birth:

Student is:

Male

Female

Currently in grade:

Seeking entry for grade:

Target start date:

Please briefly describe academic, athletic, and extracurricular interests of the student:

Home address:

City:

Country:

State:

Zip: (enter "N/A" if not applicable)

Phone:

Save this data and create your user profile. Create your own user account so you don't have to re-type your user data each time you request information. You'll also be able to track your information requests, get reminded of application dates, and more!

Username:

Password:

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Wilmington, NC is $10,830 for elementary schools and $11,661 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Wilmington, NC is 74% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).