The Best Private Schools in Dennis, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dennis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cape Cod Academy
Independent
Cape Cod Academy is the only independent, co-educational, college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on Cape Cod. Located just 15 minutes from Dennis, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The 46-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes personalized learning with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs.
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St. John Paul II School
Catholic Schools Office of the Fall River Diocese
St. John Paul II School is a regional Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12 from across Cape Cod, including Dennis. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based education, offering 16 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a commitment to developing the whole person, the school offers robust extracurricular programs including competitive sports teams, performing arts, and community service opportunities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.
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Lighthouse Charter Public School
Lighthouse Schools Inc.
Lighthouse Charter Public School serves students in grades 6-12 from across the Lower and Mid-Cape region, including Dennis. As a public charter school with a private school-like environment, it features small class sizes and an innovative expeditionary learning approach. The school's unique location on Cape Cod allows for specialized programs in marine science and environmental studies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with strong arts integration and community engagement. The school maintains high academic standards while providing personalized attention through advisory programs and individualized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dennis, Massachusetts
What are the primary private and independent school options available to families residing in Dennis, Massachusetts?
Families in Dennis, MA, have several notable options, though it's important to note that many are located in neighboring towns on Cape Cod. The most prominent independent day school is **Cape Cod Academy** in Osterville (about a 20-minute drive), offering a rigorous Pre-K through 12 program. For a Catholic education, **St. John Paul II School** in Hyannis (a 15-minute drive) serves students from Pre-K to 12. While not a private school, **Lighthouse Charter Public School** in East Harwich is a nearby public charter option that some families consider as an alternative to Dennis's district schools. There are also smaller private and parochial schools in surrounding Barnstable County. Given Dennis's location, most private schooling requires some commuting.
How does the tuition for private schools near Dennis, MA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Dennis is generally above the Massachusetts state average for private education, reflecting the Cape Cod region's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, Cape Cod Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 for lower school to over $40,000 for upper school. St. John Paul II School's tuition is typically lower, often in the $10,000-$15,000 range for parishioners. Both schools, like most Massachusetts private schools, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, Massachusetts has the **School Choice** program for public districts, but this does not apply to private schools; however, the state does not offer tax-credit scholarships or vouchers, so funding is primarily through school-based aid and personal financing.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Dennis area offer that leverage the Cape Cod environment?
Private schools near Dennis capitalize on their unique coastal setting. **Cape Cod Academy** features a renowned Marine Science and Environmental Studies program, with direct access to local estuaries, marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean for fieldwork. Many schools integrate local history and ecology into their curricula. **St. John Paul II School** often emphasizes community service projects tied to the Cape's seasonal and year-round populations. Extracurriculars frequently include sailing, coastal conservation clubs, and partnerships with marine research institutions like the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This localized, experiential learning is a significant differentiator from both standard public curricula and inland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cape Cod Academy or St. John Paul II for a Dennis resident?
The timeline is competitive and aligns with the national independent school calendar. For a fall start, the process should begin **12-18 months in advance**. Open houses are held in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are typically in **January or February**, with required steps including a campus tour, student interview/visit, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (like the SSAT for upper grades). Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Admission decisions are released in **March**, with enrollment contracts due shortly after. For Dennis families, it's vital to factor in commute logistics during the visit process and to inquire about carpool networks with other local families.
For a family living in Dennis, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local Dennis-Yarmouth Regional public schools and a private school on Cape Cod?
Key considerations include: **1. Educational Approach:** The Dennis-Yarmouth district offers a solid standard curriculum, while private schools offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like marine science), and often a college-preparatory focus. **2. Commute:** Dennis public schools are local, while private options require a daily drive to Osterville, Hyannis, or beyond, impacting family schedules. **3. Cost:** Public schools are tax-funded, whereas private tuition is a significant direct expense. **4. Community & Continuity:** The regional public school provides a consistent community from kindergarten through high school within the town fabric. A private school offers a distinct community, potentially with students from across the Cape, which can be beneficial but less localized. **5. Special Needs:** Public schools are legally required to provide IEPs and extensive services, which private schools may not be equipped to match to the same degree.
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