Cary Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school serving grades 6 - 12.
Since it opened in 1997, Cary Academy has created a true learning community, one that prides itself on the pillars of the school's mission - discovery, innovation, collaboration and excellence.
Quick Facts (2025)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 789 students
- Yearly Tuition: $20,500
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Cary Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Year Founded
1997
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 29, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2004
Campus Size
66
Student Body
Total Students
789 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
49%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
83%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
Average SAT score
1300
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
no uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$20,500
% on Financial Aid
15%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$12,000
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Hether Clarkson
Admissions Associate
Tanya Lucas
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
15 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: Cultivating bold lifelong learners and world changers.
- School Mascot: Charger
- Cary Academy is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory day school serving grades 6 - 12.
- Since it opened in 1997, Cary Academy has created a true learning community, one that prides itself on the pillars of the school's mission - discovery, innovation, collaboration and excellence.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Trey Murphy III, NBA Player -
- Kavi Gibson, Gatorade North Carolina Boys’ Cross Country Player of the Year -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cary Academy cost?
Cary Academy's tuition is approximately $20,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cary Academy?
The acceptance rate of Cary Academy is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 80%.
Who are famous alumni from Cary Academy?
Cary Academy famous alumni include: Trey Murphy III, NBA Player and Kavi Gibson, Gatorade North Carolina Boys’ Cross Country Player of the Year.
What sports does Cary Academy offer?
Cary Academy offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Cary Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.
What is Cary Academy's ranking?
Cary Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Highest average SAT score, Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Cary Academy?
The application deadline for Cary Academy is Jan. 15.
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
HI,
I am going to start my student teaching experience as part of my Masters degree. I am interested in the name, title, phone, fax, and email for your school's contact for student teaching so I may submit this information to my university. Thank you so much!
Heather Marcellino
Endorse Cary 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

7 Ways Kids Can Avoid Summer Brain Drain
The summer "Brain Drain," also known as the "Summer Slide" is a term commonly used by educators and parents alike to describe the learning loss that takes place for many students during summer months. We polled the experts and found the 7 best ways parents and kids can combat the problem head on.

What's Being Taught?
This article examines the academic offerings in American private high schools, discussing graduation requirements, college preparation, accreditation, and advanced programs like AP and IB. It emphasizes the importance of understanding a school's curriculum when choosing the right educational environment for a child.

Waldorf Schools
Waldorf schools offer a well thought out approach to K-12 education.