Value, Tuition, and Affordability
Exploring Tuition and Financial Options
An investment in a Cape Fear Academy education is an investment in your child's future. By incorporating the latest research about how students learn best, CFA's innovative academic program complemented by vast extracurricular opportunities allow students to discover their passions while developing the skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. Seamlessly incorporating strength of character into all CFA programs, graduates are prepared to lead with compassion and purpose.
Value
AN INVESTMENT WITH LIFELONG REWARDS
"CFA is the best investment we ever made." – father of a current CFA student and two graduates
It's never too soon to invest in an educational experience that changes the trajectory of your child's life — developing intellect and character, and inspiring respect, integrity, resilience, and accountability. Those results make this investment invaluable: ranging from preschoolers who read early and reason mathematically to alumni who lead and innovate in careers and communities. Come see for yourself what generations of CFA families have found: we help students reach their full potential.
"I appreciate the personal attention, deep relationships and small class size." -Alumna and mother of 4 CFA students
What Sets Us Apart
College Prep and Performance
A foundation of intentional, scaffolded and personalized preparation is key to stellar college acceptance and performance. 100% of our graduates go to college; the majority are accepted to their preferred school, including our nation's most competitive schools. They graduate high school with the social, emotional and academic skills to succeed… in college, and life.
And they do succeed. Since our founding over 50 years ago, 87% of our alumni have graduated from college in four years or less, while the current national average is only 62% of students graduating in six years. The success of our students both at CFA and beyond comes from deliberate planning, compassionate guidance, and deep relationships with faculty and counselors that begin early and that often endure long past graduation.
By challenging and supporting the whole child throughout their academic careers, we guide students into becoming adults who are ready to realize their full potential.
Signature Programs
AP Capstone Program
AP Capstone is built on the foundation of a new, two-year upper school course sequence — AP Seminar and AP Research — and is designed to complement and enhance the in-depth, discipline-specific study provided through AP courses. It cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical evidence-based decisions. The AP Capstone courses combine scholarly practice with academic intensity. AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from institutions of higher education. The two AP Capstone courses, with their associated performance tasks, assessments, and application of research methodology, complement the rigor of AP courses and exams by equipping students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments.
Engineering Certificate Program
CFA is providing students the opportunity to consider the exciting world of engineering by creating an Engineering Certificate Program (ECP). To obtain a CFA Engineering Certificate with your diploma a student must:
- Complete required courses with a B or better.
- Complete a minimum of 2 credits of Certificate Electives from an approved list maintaining a grade of B or better in each elective.
- Complete a semester-long (year-long is preferred) research and design project with a B or better.
- Maintain a professional electronic journal.
- Participate in two Experiential Activities and complete journal entries as appropriate.
Tuition
CFA's families include those who can pay full tuition plus contribute to the Annual Fund, as well as those who require assistance to make enrollment affordable. No matter where one is in that range, no one really pays full cost of a CFA education, because the cost of that excellence exceeds even our top tuition. However, generous donations make up the difference, affirming our community's investment in the value of our school. Whether you have questions about costs or benefits, please speak with us. Our story doesn't stop with numbers, and your child's doesn't have to either.
Tuition for 2026/2027:
| LE and K | $19,300 |
|---|---|
| 1st-2nd | $21,950 |
| 3rd-5th | $24,025 |
| 6th-8th | $26,000 |
| 9th-12th | $26,850 |
INCLUDED IN TUITION:
Required class trips and junior class Junior Outdoor Expedition, athletic team and performing arts travel, special materials, textbooks (Lower School only), individual laptops (3rd through 12th grade), reading and math specialists for Lower School, and math and writing labs for Middle and Upper School.
NOT INCLUDED IN TUITION:
Lunch, contracted tutoring or transportation services, personal student supplies, textbooks (grades 6-12 only), the cost for optional activities, trips, and/or purchases, and the one-time Capital Assessment Fee. Upon initial enrollment, each student is assessed $3,000, paid over three years.
OPTIONAL SERVICES:
Learning Skills Program
After-School Care
Summer Camps and After Class Enrichment Sessions
Private Music Instruction
Affordability
FINDING THE PLAN THAT BEST SUITS YOU
One Pay Plan: requires a deposit of $2,000, with the balance payable by May 15. This plan is available for current students until May 15, and for new students who enroll after that date. Tuition Refund Insurance (TRP) is optional, but available at additional cost and is recommended.
Two Pay Plan: requires a deposit of $2,000 and two payments: the first by May 15, and the final by November 15. TRP is required.
Monthly Pay Plan: The Monthly Plan requires a deposit of $2,000 and an additional processing fee of $200. The balance is paid monthly by bank draft via FACTS. Monthly payments can be made in 11 payments from May to March. Tuition and fees must be paid in full by March 31, regardless of when the monthly payments begin. TRP is required under this plan.
Click here for information on TRP.
Financial Aid
NEED-BASED GRANTS
In support of developing a diverse and inclusive community, we consider financial assistance applications from qualified K-12 students who otherwise would be unable to enroll. We are committed to working hard on affordability issues for families who share our goal of reaching the full potential of each child, who seek to contribute positively to the life of our school community, and whose financial documentation verifies need. Grants are CFA-funded awards to students who need financial assistance. You can find information about the process, qualifications, and criteria for CFA's financial aid program for grades K-12 by clicking the buttons below.
Financial Aid Program
Click here to find information about the process, qualifications, and criteria for CFA's financial aid program for grades K-12.
Financial Aid Application Steps
Click here to view the Financial Aid Application Steps.
Questions
Questions? We're happy to help! Please contact Lindsey.Boden@capefearacademy.org for assistance.
Ready to learn more? Visit our Apply & Events page to schedule an in-person or virtual tour.