The Best Private Schools in Mashpee, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mashpee. 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 a highly regarded independent day school serving students from Mashpee and across Cape Cod. Known for its rigorous academic program and intimate learning environment, the school features small class sizes averaging 12 students and a student-teacher ratio of 6:1. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing across disciplines, and hands-on science education. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions and offers comprehensive arts and athletics programs.
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Cape Cod Academy
Independent
Cape Cod Academy is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from Mashpee and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. With a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, students receive personalized attention in state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The curriculum includes 18 Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive arts offerings. The 46-acre campus provides ample space for outdoor learning and athletic activities.
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St. John Paul II School
Catholic Schools Office of Fall River
St. John Paul II School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Mashpee and across Cape Cod. The school offers a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs, including 16 Advanced Placement courses. The 35-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and has a strong community service component. With competitive athletic teams and extensive extracurricular offerings, the school provides a well-rounded education for students in grades 6-12.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mashpee, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mashpee, Massachusetts, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Mashpee itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borders, families commonly look to neighboring towns on Cape Cod. The top options include **Cape Cod Academy** in Osterville (Pre-K through Grade 12), **Falmouth Academy** in Falmouth (Grades 7-12), and **St. John Paul II School** in Hyannis (Pre-K through Grade 12). These schools draw a significant portion of their student body from Mashpee and the surrounding Mid-Cape area. For younger students, there are also several private preschools and elementary options in Mashpee and nearby towns like Sandwich and Falmouth.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Mashpee, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at the leading private schools near Mashpee is generally at or above the Massachusetts state average for private education, reflecting their specialized programs and Cape Cod location. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $40,000, depending on the grade level and school. All major schools, including Cape Cod Academy, Falmouth Academy, and St. John Paul II, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Massachusetts has the **School Choice** program, but it primarily applies to public districts; for private schools, the **Taxachusetts 529 plan** can be used for K-12 tuition, and some schools may accept the **METCO** program for diversity initiatives.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Mashpee area offer that leverage the local Cape Cod environment?
Private schools near Mashpee excel at integrating the unique Cape Cod environment into their curricula. **Falmouth Academy** and **Cape Cod Academy** have strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with direct access to estuaries, wetlands, and the Atlantic Ocean for fieldwork. Many schools emphasize sustainability and coastal ecology. **St. John Paul II School** often incorporates local history and service projects within the Cape community. Extracurriculars frequently include sailing, coastal robotics competitions, and partnerships with local marine research institutions like the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, providing unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities not typically found inland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Mashpee families, and are there key deadlines specific to the Cape Cod area?
The enrollment process for Cape Cod private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses held between September and November. Application deadlines for the following academic year are often in **January or early February**. Due to high demand and a limited number of seats, especially in entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 7th, and 9th), early application is strongly advised. Many schools require standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), student visits, and interviews. A key local consideration is that families moving to Mashpee for the summer season should initiate the process the prior winter to secure a spot for the fall.
For a family moving to Mashpee, what are the main considerations when choosing between the well-regarded Mashpee Public Schools and the nearby private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. **Mashpee Public Schools** are highly rated, offer a new state-of-the-art school complex, and have a strong focus on Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe culture and history. Private options offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), specialized college-preparatory tracks, and distinct missions (e.g., non-denominational rigorous academics at Falmouth Academy, a Catholic education at St. John Paul II). A major practical consideration is commute: private schools require driving to Osterville, Hyannis, or Falmouth. Financially, choosing private school means forgoing the no-cost public option, so evaluating the value of specialized programs against the significant tuition investment is key for Mashpee families.
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