Understanding Cary Academy Tuition and Financial Aid Opportunities

Cary Academy (CA) is a private school located in Cary, North Carolina, committed to enrolling students who demonstrate a strong commitment to discovery, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Recognizing that socioeconomic status should not be a barrier to entry, CA offers a comprehensive financial aid program.

Financial Aid at Cary Academy

Cary Academy is dedicated to making education accessible to qualified students regardless of their financial situation. Each year, the academy awards over $3.1 million in financial aid grants. These grants range from $1,000 to covering the full cost of tuition and fees. These need-based financial aid grants do not require repayment.

Application Process and Deadlines

The financial aid application typically becomes available around September 10th. For families who are new to Cary Academy, the deadline to apply for financial aid is usually around January 16th of the following year. While applications for financial assistance are accepted after the deadline, it's important to note that funding may not be available for late applicants.

Cary Academy strongly advises all applicants interested in financial assistance to complete the financial aid application before the stated first consideration deadline. Due to limited funds, Cary Academy cannot guarantee meeting a family’s demonstrated need if the financial aid application is submitted after an offer of enrollment.

Financial Aid Committee and Confidentiality

All aid decisions are made solely by the Cary Academy Financial Aid Committee. The admissions and financial aid applications are reviewed confidentially by two separate committees, though they run parallel in their timing. If a student meets the first consideration deadline for both admissions and financial aid and is admitted to CA, the academy commits to meeting 100% of the family’s demonstrated financial need.

Read also: Affording Private School

Waivers and Reconsideration

Waivers are available for families who meet certain income guidelines or have a demonstrated hardship. Financial aid grants are visible on the enrollment contract at the time of admission. If there is additional information that was not considered by the committee in the initial review, or information that was provided that requires additional context, the committee can reconsider the application.

Future Availability of Funds

Cary Academy strongly encourages any family who wishes to apply for aid to do so in the first academic year that they plan to enroll, as the availability of funds in future years cannot be guaranteed.

What Tuition Covers at Cary Academy

Cary Academy tuition includes a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the student experience.

Discovery Experience Program

Upper School tuition includes the flexible and expansive Discovery Experience Program, which allows each student to select a single expeditionary learning experience that best aligns with their needs and interests during their time in the Upper School. This program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new interests.

Dining Program

All Cary Academy students participate in the dining program, which offers real, cooked-from-scratch, delicious seasonal cuisine. SAGE's registered dieticians review and approve each menu to ensure that it offers a wide variety of nutritious choices that meet an array of dietary needs (vegan, gluten or dairy-free, etc.).

Read also: Cary Learning Center Details

Transportation and Extended Day Program

Cary Academy offers a growing transportation program to help families with logistical challenges in getting to campus. For parents who can’t pick up their children right at dismissal, the extended day program provides a solution. This program allows students to complete homework (except on Fridays-that’s movie day!), engage in fun art projects, play sports, or just hang out with their peers. Snacks and drinks are provided to ensure that no students are left hungry. A discounted rate is available for financial aid recipients.

Cary Academy: A Community of Discovery, Innovation, and Excellence

Cary Academy is more than just a school; it's a diverse and forward-thinking learning community that welcomes members who share a commitment to discovery, innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The academy aims to cultivate bold, self-directed, lifelong learners who are exceptional creative and critical thinkers, adept team players, and compassionate and respectful leaders of integrity.

Campus and Facilities

Cary Academy is located on a 66-acre campus in Cary, North Carolina, offering a variety of facilities to support student learning and development.

Japanese Garden: A quiet spot for reflection located just past the Middle School.
Middle School: A nurturing learning environment organized by grade level, with easy access to recreation.
Learning Amphitheater: A low-key outdoor learning space perfect for discussion or studying, located adjacent to the Admin building.
Athletics Complex: Features an Olympics-quality MONDO track (the only one in the southeast), three athletic fields, softball and baseball diamonds, and tennis courts.
Center for Math and Science: A world-class facility featuring Upper School math classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, a greenhouse, a large makerspace with 3D printers, and meeting spaces.
Admin Building: Home to a café and student store.
Library: Newly renovated in 2020, the library features forward-thinking design that promotes collaboration and discovery.
Upper School: Offers flexible classroom spaces, a student collaboration lounge, and a college counseling suite.

Academics and Extracurricular Activities

Cary Academy offers a rich curriculum that supports students’ social-emotional, physical, and creative growth in addition to learning the core subjects. There are many opportunities for students to explore new areas of interest and expand their skills.

From its inception, Cary Academy has placed a heavy emphasis on technology. The academy also has a strong tradition in speech and debate, with a history of past champions in the Tarheel Forensic League and recognition as a Top 100 School by the National Speech & Debate Association. Cary Academy's Literary Magazine showcases student creativity and writing talent. The school newspaper, "The Campitor," provides a platform for student journalism.

Cary Academy's athletic program has achieved numerous championships in various sports, including swimming.

Applying to Cary Academy

Choosing where to go to school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. Cary Academy's dedicated Admissions Team is available to demystify the application process, answer specific questions, and provide the information needed to determine if CA is the right fit for a family.

Application Steps

Register: Share basic information in the admissions system.
Detailed Information: Provide more detailed information, including parent and student statements.
Shadowing: Spend the day shadowing a current student.
Recommendations and Transcripts: Send recommendations and transcripts (and submit an optional video statement, if desired).

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