Cape Cod Academy

This school is not what it seems at first glance: landscaped grounds, pictures of smiling children on their website and the word "academy" may give you the false impression that you are to receive a quality education. Not so. The administration is incredibly inflexible. The curriculum is thrown together and seems to have no logical sequence. Early grade phonics instruction is way below mediocre. The style of instruction caters to quiet, traditional learners, whose only occupation is reading. This school does not recognize a child's need for structure and movement. Since the student body is small, chances for building lasting friendships are limited for most. On a positive note, Everyday Math in the elementary school and the use of math computer programs seem to produce results. Other than that, mostly average teachers teach in a very old fashioned way without empathy or any understanding of learning styles, always blaming the child instead of looking at their own inability to teach. Notable exception: the 2nd grade teacher. Insult to injury: you are paying for it. Your solution: be on top of phonics and math in elementary and apply to Falmouth Academy starting in 7th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

Choosing to enroll our children at CCA is one of the best decisions my husband and I have ever made. Our older daughter struggles in math, but excels in reading, writing and the arts. At her former school, the only focus was on her struggles, as they were teaching to the state test. At CCA, the teachers have focused on her strengths. It has been so refreshing, and it's obvious that our daughter feels more success and encouragement from each of her teachers. As a result, our daughter is showing more confidence in herself. The math is coming along too, with some wonderful support! For our younger daughter, she is busy creating PowerPoint presentations for her monthly book reports, actively learning Spanish, and taking part in science laboratory experiments as part of the Lower School curriculum. Both girls are gaining a top tier educational experience at Cape Cod Academy in a supportive and welcoming environment. We could not ask for more!
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very basic. It doesn't offer a wide arrangement of languages, art, or anything to do with art classes. The teachers here only teach one way; traditional. Im a student here in 8th grade and I don't really like it here. The school is not worth the staggering tuition price. The elementary school seems ok, the middle school is a mess, and almost everybody complains about the high school. Although it has a 100% college graduate rate, its not a top notch school.

Great school, great teachers. Lots of support for eager learners. Latest technology incorporated in the classrooms.
—Submitted by a parent

If you child is a traditional learner, then he or she will do well here. But, if your child has even a slightly different learning style, then he or she will flounder. My son attended CCA for two years in the early grades, and he absolutely wilted. Although he is a bright child, he did not did not do well completing worksheets while sitting at a desk for long periods of time. The teachers and support staff were quite nice and claimed to want to understand his learning style, but their myopic view of education, and their philosopy that educational success can only be measured by how well a child regurgitates information prevented them from tapping into the incredible potential that he possessed. He has been at a different, independent school here on the Cape now for several years and has truly blossomed, because his new teachers understood that learning needs to involve movement, creative thinking and hands-on experiences. He is now at the top of his class.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student and despite all of the other revviews that say this is "Great" I hate it. I can't wait to go away to Tabor Academy.

It has been the best experience for my son
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful surroundings, latest technology. My child entered in the 5th and left at the end of 7th. 5th grade - wonderful. Faculty and staff know even the most reluctant student's academic strengths Middle school disappointing - traditional 'us vs them' form of education favoring traditional learner, little attempt to draw on students' individual strengths. Little attempt to enlist parents to work together to support child's work. I expected better due to quality of 5th grade. Tiny social network - 6th grade miserable kids laserbeam-focus meanness. Calmed down some in 7th. But, gee, that kind of pain can be had for free from public. Highly recommend elementary school, but middle school let me down.
—Submitted by a parent

Truly a diamond in the rough; though not apparent from the Open House/Admissions process. The teachers are energetic, dedicated, bright, and approachable. Class sizes allow for in depth study. Math Dept. is top notch, uses technology in a very innovative fashion, teachers are always available to explain complex concepts. Real life application is used in instruction & in the thoughtful selection of textbooks. The Algebra 1 Honors teacher/MidSch Head inspires students! The Science Dept. and facility make science accessible to even the most hesitant. The classics are stressed in English which gives students greater breadth of knowledge than a focus on contemporary literature. The rest of the Humanities Department is strong. The Geography class is taught by an instructor who takes a non-traditional approach to the subject matter. He and many of the teachers have written or re-written texts & materials to ensure that students grasp the impt. content.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student in seventh grade and am soon departing with this school on acount of the rising price in tuition. I am sad to say this because the kids and teachers at this school are spectacular. A great campus and supplies for everyone. Also great class sizes and individual attention. 100% college graduate rate.
—Submitted by a student

fine establishmen with superb teachers
—Submitted by a parent