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GreatSchools Rating

Cape Fear Center for Inquiry

Charter | K-8 | 357 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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30 reviews of this school


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Posted May 16, 2013

My son transferred to CFCI this year and it has been a blessing for our family. He has become a lifelong learner, is excited about projects and going to school. He has made some really good friends and his teacher really understand him and sincerely care about his well being.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2013

I love this school!! Both of my children are students here. The sense of community and students, parents, and very importantly teachers are wonderful. In our so far 9 years with CFCI there have been NO major complaints that I as a parent have had, and the minor ones were addressed, resolutions to problems actually occur here. If you are looking for a school with a strong sense of community and the best teaching programs in our area, this is it (for us, anyway).
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 22, 2012

This school has done an excellent job of creating a nurturing cozy environment while also challenging students to think independently. Test scores are fantastic here despite the fact that they do not "teach to the test". There are no textbooks and there is very little homework, but students here are prepared in ways that are rivaled only by the two best private schools in town. The social curriculum emphasized over the first 6 weeks creates a respectful and cooperative bully-free environment, perhaps aided by the fact that all of the children at CFCI are there by choice. It lacks the large sports facilities of other public schools, but it does have a gym for PE and band performances. There is also first rate support for "exceptional" children, i.e. kids with ADD or other similar issues. This is essentially a private school experience without the expense.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 8, 2012

This school is amazing! Every child is cared for, and the kids are so nice. The classes are small, so the teacher can really concentrate on each child's learning. The teachers are kind, and know how to teach the fun way. It's a little advanced in learning, but both my children (on now in 10th, and one in 6th) were able to catch right up. I definitely recommend this school to everyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 26, 2010

The teachers and the kids are the most caring and giving I've ever known!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 24, 2010

I love that my children are valued as individuals & that teachers are able to have the freedom to bring out the best in the kids!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 21, 2010

I love the inquiry based way of learning, my children are thriving there.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 6, 2009

Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has been a wonderfully positive experience for our family. Smaller class sizes, constant communication between teachers and families, achievable goals, and a learning environment where kids can fully explore the topics that interest them all combine to make this a school that I would highly recommend to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 3, 2009

Why my family loves CFCI ... The small class sizes allow for more individualized teaching/learning; students are taught to think critically and learn through inquiry (ask questions and research the answers); all students participate in Spanish, art, PE and music; the social environment is one of team work and kindness; and the teachers and staff are incredibly devoted to their students!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2009

The classroom sizes are small so individual attention can be provided and kids are able to learn at their own pace while staying within the curriculum standards. We have several 'specials' classes - art, spanish, music, computers - for which I'm very thankful in these days of budget cuts.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2009

The Cape Fear Center for Inquiry does a wonderful job at keeping children interested in learning!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 19, 2009

Cape Fear Center for Inquiry nurtures and develops kids' interest in learning and wanting to know more. The school turns out responsible, considerate and knowledgeable young adults.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 18, 2009

Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is the best school ever! Inquiry based, hands-on learning helps our students succeed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 7, 2009

My child attended CFCI for the first year 2008-2009.High marks for the safe and respectful atmosphere that my child experienced. There is no tolerance for fighting, cursing, drug use, gang activity, or other adverse environmental hazards found in any other school in the NH Co. We were previously being forced (by districting away from our neighborhood) thanks to the NHCO school board to a school with a myriad of social problems including administration and teachers who were unable or unwilling to gain control of the environment and looked the other way most of the time. It has been a true blessing that we found CFCI. It is important to be vigilant with assessing your child's educational progress because there is a large amount of automony for students. Your child can be successful at CFCI with guidance from home and CFCI. Even without after school sports or cafeteria...this school makes the grade!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 16, 2009

I am a CFCI middle school student in the 8th grade this year. I would stongly recommend it to anybody. The nurturing environment here is one that you will not find at other schools. We have a new director this year at CFCI, and a lot of restructuring going into place this year. Our new director is a wonderful man and can only take CFCI upward from here. As for special needs students, they get just as much treatment as anybody else, with our own EC staff and counselor. I love CFCI, the teachers and kids included. This really is the best kept secret of NHC public schools.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 24, 2008

This school has a great mission and vision. The teachers have a great deal of autonomy and since technically they report to the board and not to the director, there hasn't always been oversight and correction if they stray from the philosophy and expectations of the school. Most teachers are great and as a team work well in this flat structure. The ones who don't do well though, (usually those with less experience or buy-in to the philosophy) cause problems for the rest. Policies do little if there is no one to govern them. Changes are underway for 2008-9, including changes in leadership and and more curriculum support. If CFCI sticks to its mission except making it even stronger and more consistent, by setting clear expectations and non-negotiables and finding ways to back it up, it can easily become the best school in the county.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 14, 2008

I agree with the last person. I also have a child who was eventually set aside because of his delays. This school also has the highest rate of calling Child Protective Services. I know from personal experience. Anything to get my child out because he was a little slower due to his delayments.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 11, 2008

This is not a place for children with delays of any sort. The teachers and staff are not ready to help and find alternative learning that is best for that child. If your child is not on the level with his/her class members they get pushed aside and eventually pushed out.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 28, 2008

Having worked in several other middle schools and high schools, I can say that this is the strongest school I have seen. Like any school, there are issues-- however, 99.9% of the folks at CFCI want to do what's right for the kids. The push is for kids to be independent learners-- and no, not every kid learns best this way... and that's okay. I have three children here, one who has been through 2-7, and two who've been here K-1 and K-4... I've been VERY pleased with all my kids' teachers and the quality of instruction at CFCI. I do think that some parents expect CFCI to do more than ANY school can do-- there's never a substitute for involved, responsible parents who serve as models of respect and hold their own children to high standards.


Posted February 27, 2008

I have been a parent at CFCI for 5 years and have been extremely pleased. I have three children and they love going to school every morning. They have a real love for learning and that is thanks to their amazing teachers. School is fun and exciting. I don't know what more you could ask for in a school.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 83% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
92%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 69% in 2012.

43 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
85%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
>95%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

46 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
83%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 82% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
>95%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
93%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
>95%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
83%
Science

The state average for Science was 76% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%

2011

 
 
>95%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
93%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
88%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
>95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2012.

47 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
>95%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
>95%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 81% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.

40 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
81%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 85% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
93%

2009

 
 
89%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
83%

2009

 
 
84%
Science

The state average for Science was 77% in 2012.

38 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
92%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
>95%

2009

 
 
78%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students93%
Female90%
Male>95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities67%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English93%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students93%
Female90%
Male>95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White92%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities67%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English93%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male>95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities88%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students94%
Female>95%
Male91%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantaged80%
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities88%
Non-disabled students95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students85%
Female83%
Male88%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White86%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged86%
Students with disabilities63%
Non-disabled students90%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English85%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students92%
Female>95%
Male88%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White93%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities63%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English92%
Academically giftedn/a

Science

All Students94%
Female91%
Male>95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities75%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English94%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities>95%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students93%
Female90%
Male95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities83%
Non-disabled students94%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English93%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Math

All Students84%
Female85%
Male82%
Black>95%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilities33%
Non-disabled students94%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English84%
Academically giftedn/a

Reading

All Students84%
Female82%
Male91%
Black80%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White83%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged88%
Students with disabilities50%
Non-disabled students91%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English84%
Academically giftedn/a

Science

All Students92%
Female89%
Male>95%
Black80%
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White93%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilities67%
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English92%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Grade (EOG) tests to assess students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and math, and grades 5, 8, and 10 in science. The EOG is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. Students must pass the grade 8 EOG test in order to graduate from high school. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 79% in 2012.

24 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
>95%

2011

 
 
>95%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Course (EOC) tests to assess high school students in Algebra I, English I, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Students>95%
Female>95%
Male>95%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
American Indiann/a
White>95%
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantaged>95%
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Non-disabled students>95%
Limited English proficiencyn/a
Proficient in English>95%
Academically giftedn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


In 2011-2012 North Carolina used End-of-Course (EOC) tests to assess high school students in Algebra I, English I, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of North Carolina. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data for that group is not reported.

See North Carolina's state standards

Source: North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 83% 54%
Black 13% 31%
Asian/Pacific Islander 2% 2%
Hispanic 2% 11%
American Indian/Alaska Native N/A 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 17N/A15
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2525 Wonder Way
Wilmington, NC 28401
Website: Click here
Phone: (910) 362-0000

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