The Best Private Schools in Eastham, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eastham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cape Cod Academy
Independent School
Cape Cod Academy is the only independent, co-educational, college preparatory school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12 on Cape Cod. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, averaging 12 students per class. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the school emphasizes personalized learning and features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The 46-acre campus serves families across Cape Cod, including Eastham, with bus transportation available.
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St. John Paul II School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Fall River
St. John Paul II School is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12 across Cape Cod. The school combines rigorous academics with faith-based education, offering Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the school provides individualized attention and maintains strong college placement records. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities, serving families throughout the Cape Cod region.
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Lighthouse Charter School
Public Charter School
Lighthouse Charter School is a highly-regarded public charter school serving students in grades 6-8 from across Cape Cod, including Eastham. The school utilizes an expeditionary learning model that emphasizes hands-on, project-based education with a strong focus on environmental science and coastal studies. The curriculum integrates arts and technology throughout all subjects, and the school features specialized learning spaces including science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning environments. Transportation is provided for students from across the Cape Cod region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eastham, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Eastham, Massachusetts, and what are their key characteristics?
While Eastham itself is a small town without a large number of private school campuses, families typically look to nearby towns on Cape Cod. The most prominent options include Cape Cod Academy in Osterville (a Pre-K through 12 independent college-preparatory day school), St. John Paul II School in Hyannis (a Catholic, co-educational school for grades 6-12), and Lighthouse Charter School in Orleans (a public charter school, which is a tuition-free alternative). It's important to note that Lighthouse is a public charter, not a private school. For true private education, Eastham families often commute to schools in the Mid-Cape area, with Cape Cod Academy being a leading independent choice known for its small class sizes and maritime environment.
How does the tuition for private schools near Eastham, MA, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Massachusetts families?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 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 generally lower, often in the $15,000-$20,000 range for Catholic families, with a slightly higher rate for non-parishioners. As Massachusetts residents, Eastham families can apply for financial aid directly through each school's endowment funds. Additionally, Massachusetts has the **Children's Scholarship Fund Boston** and similar organizations that may provide need-based scholarships to students attending private schools, regardless of religious affiliation. It's crucial to inquire about aid early in the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Eastham offer that leverage the Cape Cod environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the unique coastal and ecological setting into their curricula. Cape Cod Academy, for instance, has a strong marine science program and utilizes its proximity to the Atlantic for hands-on learning and research. Many schools also emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainability. St. John Paul II School offers athletics and clubs that reflect the community, and its location allows for easy access to cultural and historical resources on the Cape. The smaller, community-focused environment common to these schools often allows for personalized learning journeys that can include internships with local marine research institutions, museums, or environmental nonprofits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Eastham, MA, and are there considerations for the seasonal nature of the community?
The standard timeline mirrors national private school norms, with applications often due in January or February for admission the following fall. However, Cape Cod's seasonal economy can influence this. Schools are accustomed to working with families whose income may be seasonal, and financial aid discussions will take this into account. For families moving to Eastham year-round, it's advisable to begin the process in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Open houses are typically held in the autumn. Some schools may have rolling admission if space permits, especially in the younger grades, but the most competitive grades fill early. Transportation from Eastham is a key logistical point to discuss during enrollment, as most schools do not provide district-wide busing.
For an Eastham resident, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Nauset Regional School District) and a private school on the Cape?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and logistics. The Nauset Regional School District (serving Eastham) is highly regarded in Massachusetts, known for strong academics and extensive extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like Cape Cod Academy or St. John Paul II often involves seeking a specific religious foundation, a particular pedagogical approach (like more traditional college prep), or significantly smaller class sizes. The major trade-off is cost versus potential personalized attention. Logistics are crucial: commuting from Eastham to Osterville or Hyannis can be a 30-45 minute drive, which impacts daily schedules and extracurricular participation. Parents should also consider the community aspect—public schools integrate a child into the immediate town community, while private schools create a network across the wider Cape.
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