The Best Private Schools in Cherry Point, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cherry Point. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Epiphany School of Global Studies
Independent School
Located approximately 20 miles from Cherry Point in historic New Bern, Epiphany School of Global Studies is an International Baccalaureate World School serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic program that emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. Epiphany features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science laboratories, technology-rich classrooms, and extensive arts spaces. The school's diverse student body includes many military-connected families from Cherry Point, and the curriculum incorporates multiple language options, advanced STEM courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics and performing arts.
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Gramercy Christian School
Independent Christian School
Gramercy Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located just minutes from Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic programs. Known for its welcoming environment for military families, Gramercy provides small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community. The school's dual enrollment program with local colleges allows qualified students to earn college credits while completing high school requirements.
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St. Egbert Catholic School
Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools
St. Egbert Catholic School, located about 15 miles from Cherry Point in Morehead City, provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education rooted in Catholic traditions while welcoming students of all faiths. The school offers a classical education model combined with modern STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Egbert emphasizes academic excellence, moral development, and community service. The school features updated technology resources, a strong literacy program, and extensive extracurricular activities. Many Cherry Point military families choose St. Egbert for its structured environment, strong parent community, and seamless transitions for students experiencing military moves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cherry Point, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Cherry Point, North Carolina?
The immediate Cherry Point area offers a few key private institutions, with the most prominent being Gramercy Christian School in Newport, Epiphany School of Global Studies in New Bern, and St. Egbert Catholic School in Morehead City. Due to Cherry Point's location within Craven and Carteret counties, many families also consider private schools in the broader New Bern and Morehead City regions. It's important to note that as a military community, some families may also explore options through programs like the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), though these are public schools. The private schools nearby range from faith-based to college-preparatory and global studies-focused models.
How does the presence of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point influence the private school environment and community?
The proximity to MCAS Cherry Point significantly shapes the private school community. Schools like Gramercy Christian and Epiphany School are accustomed to a transient student population and often have streamlined enrollment processes to accommodate frequent PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves. These schools typically have strong support systems for military children, fostering a close-knit, resilient community. Furthermore, the diverse backgrounds of military families enrich the classroom experience. Some schools may also participate in the Military Student Identifier program to provide targeted academic and emotional support, making them a familiar and understanding choice for service members stationed at Cherry Point.
What are the typical tuition ranges and financial aid options for private schools serving the Cherry Point, NC area?
Tuition in the Cherry Point area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $11,000 annually for day schools. Gramercy Christian and St. Egbert Catholic School often fall on the more affordable end of the spectrum, while Epiphany School of Global Studies, with its specialized international curriculum, may be higher. Most schools offer multi-child discounts and need-based financial aid. Importantly, North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship Program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to apply toward private school tuition, which can substantially reduce costs. Military families should inquire about specific scholarships or discounts offered to service members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Cherry Point-area private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Cherry Point leverage their smaller size and specialized missions to offer distinct programs. Epiphany School of Global Studies emphasizes international mindedness, language immersion, and global citizenship, which is unique to the region. Gramercy Christian provides a Bible-based curriculum with strong agricultural and hands-on learning opportunities reflective of its rural setting. St. Egbert Catholic School offers a faith-integrated education with a focus on service. Commonly, these schools provide more individualized attention, longer school days, and robust arts or music programs that may be more limited in the local public districts. Their curricula are often not bound by North Carolina's public school standardized testing schedule, allowing for more instructional flexibility.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools in the Cherry Point area, and how should military families plan ahead?
Enrollment timelines for private schools near Cherry Point typically begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to returning students and siblings. However, due to the military community's fluid nature, most schools have rolling admissions and will accept students throughout the year if space is available. The process usually involves an application, student records review, possible assessment, and a family interview. Military families receiving orders to MCAS Cherry Point are strongly advised to contact schools as soon as possible, even before the move, to secure a spot and understand any specific documentation needed (e.g., transfer records, immunization forms). Building a relationship with the school's admissions office early can help navigate the transition smoothly.
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