The Best Private Schools in Osterville, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Osterville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Falmouth Academy
Independent School
Falmouth Academy serves students from across Cape Cod, including Osterville families, with its renowned college preparatory program. Located approximately 15 miles from Osterville, the school is known for its academic excellence and intimate learning environment with average class sizes of 12 students. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing across disciplines, and hands-on science education. Notable programs include advanced science research opportunities, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, and athletic facilities.
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Cape Cod Academy
Independent School
Cape Cod Academy is the only independent, co-educational, college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on Cape Cod. Located directly in Osterville, the school features a 46-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school community is known for its close-knit environment and personalized attention to students.
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St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School
Catholic Schools Office of Fall River
St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School serves families throughout the Mid-Cape region, including Osterville, offering a Catholic education for grades 5-8. Located just 6 miles from Osterville in Hyannis, the school provides a strong academic foundation with emphasis on faith formation, character development, and academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive science programs, foreign language instruction, and extensive arts education. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school prepares students for success in high school and beyond, with many graduates attending top private high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Osterville, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options serving families in Osterville, MA, and what are their key characteristics?
Osterville itself is a village within Barnstable on Cape Cod, and while it doesn't have a large number of private schools within its immediate borders, it is served by several prestigious institutions in the surrounding area. The top options include Cape Cod Academy (in Osterville), which is a co-ed, independent day school for grades Pre-K through 12 known for its strong college preparatory program and waterfront campus. Falmouth Academy (in Falmouth, about a 25-minute drive) is a highly selective 7-12 school renowned for its rigorous academics and intimate, seminar-style classes. St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School (in Hyannis, a short drive away) is a Catholic middle school for grades 5-8 focusing on faith-based education. Parents in Osterville often consider these schools for their specialized curricula and smaller class sizes compared to the regional public districts.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Osterville, MA area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Osterville area is significant, reflecting the operational costs and premium offerings of these schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Cape Cod Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 for lower school to over $40,000 for upper school. Falmouth Academy's tuition is similarly positioned. St. Francis Xavier, as a middle school, is generally lower but still a considerable investment. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many Massachusetts families utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses, which allows for tax-advantaged savings. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for detailed tuition schedules and to begin the financial aid application process (often requiring the SSS/Clarity application) well before admission deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Osterville-area private schools offer that leverage the Cape Cod location?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate the Cape Cod environment into their curricula. Cape Cod Academy, with its campus near the water, has a renowned Marine Science and Sailing program. Many schools emphasize environmental science, with field studies in local estuaries, marshes, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution partnership opportunities. Falmouth Academy often incorporates local history and marine biology into its science and humanities courses. The cultural setting also allows for unique arts programs inspired by the Cape's vibrant artist community. These location-based programs provide experiential learning that is a distinct advantage over many inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cape Cod Academy for an Osterville resident?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools on Cape Cod begins early. For a fall start, families should initiate inquiries in the fall of the preceding year (e.g., September-October). The process typically includes: attending open houses (often held in October-November), submitting an application by January/February, providing student records and teacher recommendations, and completing a student visit/interview and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT for secondary grades). Admissions decisions are usually released in March. Given that these schools draw from across the Cape and Islands, Osterville residents are advised to apply early to secure a spot, even though some may give slight geographic consideration.
For an Osterville family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system (Barnstable) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several Cape Cod-specific factors. The Barnstable Public School District is large and offers diverse programs, but some families seek the smaller, consistent class sizes and focused college-prep environment of a private school. Private options like Cape Cod Academy or Falmouth Academy often have more flexibility in curriculum and fewer budget-driven program cuts. For families heavily involved in seasonal tourism businesses, the structured calendar and community of a private school can provide stability. Transportation is also a key consideration; while Barnstable provides busing, private schools may require carpooling or a significant daily commute. The choice ultimately balances the desire for a specific educational philosophy and community against the financial investment and logistical planning required.
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