The Best Private Schools in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hyannis Port. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Falmouth Academy
Independent
Falmouth Academy is an independent day school serving grades 7-12, celebrated for its strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing, and science education. Established in 1979, it offers a liberal arts curriculum with small classes, dedicated faculty, and a focus on individual student growth. The campus includes advanced science laboratories, art studios, a theater, and athletic facilities. Extracurriculars range from drama and music to competitive sports and environmental clubs. With a reputation for high academic standards and a close-knit community, it attracts students from Hyannis Port and across Cape Cod, consistently achieving excellent college admissions outcomes and parent endorsements.
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Cape Cod Academy
Independent
Cape Cod Academy is an independent, co-educational day school serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 1976, it is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, small class sizes, and personalized learning approach. The school emphasizes STEM education, with state-of-the-art science labs and technology integration, alongside robust arts and athletics programs. Facilities include a modern campus with dedicated spaces for performing arts, sports fields, and outdoor learning environments. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong college placement record and community-oriented atmosphere, making it a top choice for families in the Hyannis Port and broader Cape Cod area.
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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 college preparatory school serving grades 6-12, known for its faith-based education and academic excellence. Founded in 2007, it integrates spiritual formation with a challenging curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, fine arts, and extensive extracurricular activities such as robotics, sports, and community service. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, fostering a supportive environment with high parent and student satisfaction. Its location in Hyannis makes it easily accessible for Hyannis Port residents, and it is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options serving families in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and what are their key characteristics?
While Hyannis Port itself is a small village, families typically look to several notable independent and Catholic schools in the broader Mid-Cape area. The top options include Cape Cod Academy in Osterville (a Pre-K through 12 independent college-preparatory school known for its strong STEM and arts programs), St. John Paul II School in Hyannis (a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school for grades 6-12 with a focus on faith and service), and Falmouth Academy in Falmouth (a 7-12 independent school renowned for its intimate, rigorous academic environment and emphasis on writing across the curriculum). Transportation from Hyannis Port to these schools is an important logistical consideration for parents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hyannis Port, MA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at these schools is generally at or above the Massachusetts private school average, reflecting both their quality and the higher cost of living on Cape Cod. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000-$40,000+ depending on the grade level and school. All three major schools—Cape Cod Academy, St. John Paul II, and Falmouth Academy—have robust financial aid programs funded by their endowments and offer need-based grants (not loans). Massachusetts also has the **School Choice** program for public schools, but this does not apply to private institutions. It is critical to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
Given Hyannis Port's coastal environment, are there unique academic or extracurricular programs at local private schools that leverage the Cape Cod setting?
Absolutely. Schools in this region often integrate the unique local ecology and maritime culture into their curricula. Cape Cod Academy, for instance, has strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with potential for fieldwork on the coast. Falmouth Academy emphasizes hands-on science and has projects connected to local ecosystems. St. John Paul II School incorporates service learning that often engages with the wider Cape Cod community. Extracurriculars like sailing, coastal conservation clubs, and studies in local history (including the Kennedy legacy in Hyannis Port) are distinctive offerings not commonly found in inland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hyannis Port, and how competitive is admission?
The admission cycle for these selective schools is aligned with national independent school norms. The process typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include campus tours/interviews, standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, and submission of transcripts. Competition for seats, particularly in middle and upper school grades, is significant as these schools draw from across Cape Cod and beyond. It is highly advisable for Hyannis Port families to initiate contact with admissions offices in the early fall, as spaces are limited and sibling/legacy applicants often receive priority.
For families residing in Hyannis Port, what are the major considerations when choosing between the well-regarded local public schools (like Barnstable Public Schools) and the area's private schools?
This decision hinges on several factors specific to the Cape Cod context. Barnstable Public Schools offer a good standard of education with the benefit of no tuition. However, private schools like Cape Cod Academy, St. John Paul II, and Falmouth Academy provide smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and specialized college preparatory tracks. For Hyannis Port families, a key consideration is the daily commute to schools outside the village, which can be substantial in summer traffic. Private schools also offer distinct educational philosophies (e.g., independent vs. Catholic), more consistent extracurricular opportunities, and a community often drawn from across the Cape, which can be advantageous for networking but different from a neighborhood-based public school experience.
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