Cape Fear Academy is the most prominent secular private school in the region. Established in 1967, this coeducational day school is open to students interested in a traditional, challenging, college-preparatory education. The school places special emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills as well as organizational and study skills.

The academy's mission statement — "To be a learning community sharing a commitment to respect, integrity and academic excellence" — forms the framework for student life at the school as well as fostering a spirit of unity and high ideals. Close relationships with teachers are a hallmark of the academy.

There are approximately 670 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Pre-kindergarten is a half-day program, with after-school care available. The Lower School comprises pre-kindergarten through grade 5. In addition to the traditional subjects, instruction by professional faculty includes art, music, science, foreign language (Spanish), drama, computer science and physical education.

The Middle and Upper schools emphasize a college-preparatory curriculum. Students are also involved in an array of extracurricular clubs as well as athletic programs and the performing arts. During the Middle School years, importance is placed on building positive peer relationships, particularly through outdoor-education opportunities that include rock climbing and ropes courses. Community service is a key component of the Middle and Upper school programs. The Upper School student government organization has an entire branch devoted to community service. Group and individual activities are planned as students work to serve a minimum of 72 hours required for graduation.

One hundred percent of graduates attend four-year college programs, and more than 80 percent of those students are accepted into their first-choice college or university. The five-year average of reading and math SAT scores is 1189, which is about 200 points higher than local, state and national averages. Cape Fear Academy offers Advanced Placement courses in 11 areas and was recently recognized twice by the College Board for having the largest percentage of students who scored in the highest range for a school of their size in the world. A survey of recent alumni produced an extremely high ranking of their experience at Cape Fear Academy, especially related to academic quality and sense of community.

Present facilities include three classroom buildings, a gymnasium and a student activities center. The Primary Building contains pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms as well as a multi-purpose commons and a teaching kitchen. The Beane Wright Student Center includes a dining hall, music and art classrooms, and a fitness/weight training area. An Upper School building, Cameron Hall, includes drama and media/technology spaces. Along with the Bruce B. Cameron gymnasium, there are three athletic fields (one of which is synthetic turf), six tennis courts and a Lower School playground.

To arrange for a tour, call the Admissions Office at (910) 791-0287 ext. 1015.

Wilmington's oldest Montessori School, The Children's Schoolhouse offers classes for youngsters ages 3 to 6 years old. A small, warm, home-like, nurturing environment fosters positive growth and development along with solid educational programming. Located within St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, the school includes a state-recognized kindergarten curriculum, high-quality instruction and lots of fun, too. Owner/Director Lucy Hieronymus oversees every facet of the school's operations as well as teaching kindergarten and working with her staff of well-trained, experienced professionals; every classroom has a certified Montessori Directress. Each child gets daily individualized instruction in math and reading mixed with a wide variety of educational activities that include such things as botany, music, art, geography, earth science, history and zoology. During the months of June and July, the school offers a half-day onsite Montessori Marine Science Camp where marine life is brought into the classrooms for the children to enjoy. Although everything the child does at the school is called "work," and reflects a level of responsibility, kids love it. Days and hours of attendance vary according to the child's age, level of development and parents' preferences. Generally, younger children attend from 9 AM to 1 PM; kindergartners may choose to stay until 2:30 PM. Children bring their own snacks and lunches.

Friends School of Wilmington is a warm, nurturing, educational community that promotes the Quaker values of simplicity, community, social justice, diversity, equality, harmony and peace, to "open the eyes, hearts and minds" of students. Continuing a 300-year Quaker educational tradition of fostering intellectual and spiritual integrity while affirming the value of each individual, the school offers a well-rounded program and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Challenging, relevant, hands-on learning activities, including frequent projects, field trips and personalized growth opportunities, create a dynamic setting for learning that helps students to develop an awareness of the interdependence of life that extends to the world at large. Permeating the entire approach to education is the school's basic philosophy that young people who are convinced of their own value will, in turn, seek and speak to the good in others. Accordingly, individual differences are honored, cooperation is fostered, responsibility is expected, and personal standards of excellence are developed. The school has two campuses spanning ages 18 months through 8th grade. Preschool is an established Montessori program, and the elementary school builds on this developmental approach to learning. The teacher-pupil ratio is quite low (1:12). A very active Parent/Teacher Organization and a high rate of family involvement help build community and keep tuition low. The pre/elementary school is located in a 6,000-square-foot building at 207 Pine Grove Drive next to Winter Park Elementary School's playground. Call (910) 791-8221 for admissions information. The middle school is located on a 5-acre campus at 350 Peiffer Avenue off Oleander Drive near Greenville Loop Road. Call (910) 792-1811 for admissions information.

Biblical principles serve as a framework and spiritual foundation for all that is taught at Myrtle Grove Christian School. Academic excellence combined with strong moral values ensures a sound learning environment for more than 430 students in preschool through 8th grade. A ministry of Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, the school offers a Christ-centered education that aims at a well-balanced development of mind, spirit and body. The school strives to equip each student with the knowledge necessary to develop a strong Christian character in order to meet the challenges of life and to serve Christ in the world. An important component of Myrtle Grove Christian School's approach to education is cooperation with home and church. Parents are expected to take an active role by helping with school activities as well as assisting their child academically. Regular church attendance is encouraged, and more than 50 churches are represented in the student body. Enrichment programs in the lower school include computer, art, music, library, Spanish and physical education. Upper school non-core classes are required in Bible, physical education and computer, while electives may be selected from dance, drama, art, praise band, school newspaper, and creative and life skills. Piano lessons (ages 5 and older) and concert band (4th grade and higher) are available to students at an additional cost. A sports program that competes in tennis, basketball, soccer and cheerleading is offered to boys and girls grades 7 through 8 (6th graders may try out for tennis). Kindergarten through 8th grade students annually take the Stanford Achievement Test and consistently score in the top 20 to 25 percent in the nation in core subject areas. The school is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA).

At New Horizons Elementary School, students in kindergarten through 5th grade learn in a highly creative, positive environment that provides ongoing opportunities for self development as well as academic growth. An unusual, home-like campus, small class size and a stimulating curriculum, coupled with a professional, friendly and nurturing staff, make this school an excellent choice. Founded in 1983 by a group of parents and three current faculty members to provide a quality educational alternative for area children, New Horizons Elementary School's educational program stresses reading, oral and written expression, mathematics, science and social studies. Instruction in critical thinking, problem solving and study skills is integrated throughout the various subject areas. The school's challenging, innovative curriculum is designed to help a child develop internal motivation, self-reliance and self-discipline. The curriculum includes P.E. daily and once-a-week Spanish class and choral music for all grades. In keeping with the school's philosophy and mission, active parental involvement is a required component. This includes monitoring a child's homework, projects, independent reading, returned class work and evaluations. Parents are expected to serve on committees, attend school events, help with fund-raising, chaperone field trips and even assist with building maintenance. Upon enrollment, each family becomes a voting member of New Horizons Elementary School, Inc., a non-profit organization. The governing body is a board of directors made up of parents and teachers. The professional staff oversees day-to-day operations as well as instructional, curricular and academic matters. For more information, contact the school office between the hours of 8:30 AM and 12:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Located downtown in the historic district, St. Mary Catholic School serves preschool through 8th grade. The school's mission is to "ensure learning for all our students within the framework of Catholic Christian values, to help our students grow in a manner consistent with their needs, interests and abilities, and to prepare them to live in a changing world as self-directing, caring, God-loving, responsible citizens." St. Mary School offers a rich core curriculum, including language arts, literature, science, math, social studies, daily religion classes and weekly mass celebrations. Additional classes include physical education, Spanish, library/media and technology instruction. The fine arts program offers weekly art classes, chorus, band, creative music and Suzuki violin. Middle school students can participate in team sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse and tennis. Extracurricular activities include chess club, liturgical dance and Science Olympiad (grades 6-8). St. Mary Catholic School's graduates are prepared to enroll in the honors courses offered by area high schools. The school's emphasis is on preparing students to be independent learners who maintain high academic achievements and standards throughout their high school and college years. St. Mary Catholic School, established in 1869, is historically notable as the first Catholic school in North Carolina.

Providing a high-quality, academically challenging curriculum for motivated and gifted students in grades 4 through 8, Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences (WAAS) offers students an exceptional educational opportunity. With an experienced, professional faculty, the academy strives to meet the needs of young adolescents preparing for a successful future. Teachers encourage students to reach well beyond the minimum standards, allowing them to thrive in a positive, dynamic environment. A traditional core of subjects, including language arts, literature, social studies, math and science, are approached with integrated and interactive methods. Spanish, physical education, music and art are offered. Tennis, fencing, student government, Science Olympiad and MathCounts are available as extracurricular activities. Students use computers extensively and learn word processing, database management, spreadsheet design and interpretation, presentation software and Internet applications. A parent-driven, nondenominational, not-for-profit corporation, WAAS depends on parent participation, requiring 35 volunteer hours per year from each enrolled family.

Situated on a large campus at the beginning of I-40, Wilmington Christian Academy is the largest private school in southeastern North Carolina. Founded in 1969 as a ministry of Grace Baptist Church, WCA serves families through daycare, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school programs. The advanced curriculum is combined with conservative Christian values to produce students who will glorify God with their lives while successfully competing in today's world. Students receive a well-rounded educational experience including academics, athletics, the fine arts, social opportunities and spiritual instruction. The elementary curriculum strongly emphasizes the basic skills of reading and math augmented with studies in Bible, English, spelling, science, history, handwriting and health. Students learn to read early through phonics-based reading instruction while hands-on learning projects and practice drills enhance math instruction at all grade levels. Elementary students are also taught art, music, physical education, foreign language and library skills. Subject-integrated computer application training begins in kindergarten. Middle school students enjoy a program designed to solidify and augment basic academic skills in an enjoyable environment that encourages group interaction while developing individual responsibility. Ongoing team competitions build a sense of unity, excitement and teamwork. High school students may enroll in general, college preparatory or honors programs. Advanced placement and honors courses are available. Resource classes are available for students with mild learning disabilities. Comprehensive computer training is integrated with the academic curriculum through grade 12. Students may also take advantage of formal group training in art, drama, music (choral and instrumental) and journalism. Private instrumental and vocal lessons are also available. Various clubs and student organizations such as student council and honor society encourage student participation, leadership development and community service. The academy's sports program includes intramural elementary leagues that lead to middle school, junior varsity and varsity team sports in soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, cross country, volleyball, softball and cheerleading. WCA’s teams compete with Christian, public and private schools. Students score exceptionally well on national achievement tests, and graduates gain acceptance into major Christian, public and private universities across the United States. Students also enjoy the benefits of excellent facilities, including a well-equipped, 25-station computer lab, two science labs, a media center, a gymnasium, a full-service cafeteria and several athletic fields and playgrounds. Parents have 24-hour web access to current grades and assignments. WCA is fully accredited by the North Carolina Christian School Association and the American Association of Christian Schools.

Wilmington Montessori School opened its doors in 2003 with a classic program of instruction for children ages three through 12 years. Here students work at their own pace and are able to choose appropriate work in an environment specially designed for them. In addition to its Primary Program for three through six-year-olds, WMS offers the area's only Montessori Elementary Program; two age groups, designated as Junior and Senior, discover the world beyond themselves and develop their intellect with the aid of an experienced professional staff.

A broad, inquiry-based, individualized curriculum developed by the Albanesi Educational Center incorporates all aspects of learning and is tailored to the developmental needs and abilities of each age. Included are the traditional subjects of math, language, science and social studies. WMS also offers studio art and art history, chess, foreign language, yoga, health and physical education. The school provides a well-rounded music education, including choir, an individual weekly piano lesson for each elementary-aged student, Orff instruments and recorder.

Students benefit by having a talented staff of experienced Montessori professionals who bring to the school a wealth of knowledge. With diverse backgrounds, these dedicated women have impressive credentials and great love for what they do, which shows in the progress they achieve with each child.

The school enjoys a beautiful, spacious setting that includes ample grassy areas, a nature trail, a fenced play yard, an outdoor learning center, and basketball and volleyball courts. A homelike feeling and positive atmosphere foster a wonderful environment for learning. A nondenominational, non-profit, 503 (c) (3) organization, the Wilmington Montessori School invites parents to join them in watching their children grow into healthy, happy individuals. For information about tours and admissions, call (910) 612-5678.

The Academy of Coastal Carolina accepts students in kindergarten through eighth grades with an emphasis on low student-teacher ratios (no more than 15 to 1). Teachers are highly qualified and specialized in their subject areas. The school offers the traditional classroom curriculum mandated by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction as well as individualized personal instruction which allows students to learn and grow within their grade levels. Foreign languages are a priority, and all students participate in chapel time and Physical Education. At this writing regular classes are held in the Sunday school classrooms of the Calvary Baptist Church of Shallotte, while music and arts classes are held in the church hall. Plans are in the works for future construction.

Montessori education is based upon the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman physician to graduate in Italy. When you enter L&L Montessori School, you will see that the tables and chairs are child-sized and the shelves are low so that materials are readily accessible to the students. You can see that the environment has been designed to reflect the children. The focus of the system is the development of materials, educational techniques and observations that support the natural development of children, and many of the skills were designed to teach children how to become more independent. The students are taught one on one and move ahead at their own pace, fulfilling a natural sense of learning and creating a love of education. In addition to the mathematics, practical life, sensory skills and language, students learn zoology, botany, geology, history, geography, Spanish and sign language. To promote natural creativity, art is part of each classroom and is worked on daily.

Southport Christian School is an independent, interdenominational Christian school dedicated to the spiritual and academic growth of children. Parents and clergy concerned about quality education for their children founded the school in 1996 to provide an aggressive, solid academic foundation in a nurturing, loving environment. The school is housed in an addition to the Cape Fear Alliance Church and is a permitted use of the church itself for weekly Friday chapel service. During this time pastors, puppet and mime ministries, singers, missionaries and others give a program. Each class has a maximum of 16 students. The school stresses a traditional education with phonics-based reading and incremental math and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. In addition to basic subjects, each student is exposed to art, physical education, sign language, Spanish and music, including orchestra and band for third through fifth graders. The Spanish class stresses culture as well as the language. P.E. and art classes are sometimes held outdoors in the woods surrounding the school, where nature walks and exploration on the trails are included.

The folks at The Evelyn Smith Wray Village School understand their role in helping children become responsible, informed, compassionate individuals. Their philosophy states: "...children learn best through active, hands-on, meaningful experience and individual attention in a positive learning environment." The curriculum is literature based and integrated. Phonics as well as whole language skills are taught. All teachers are certified by the State of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study is the minimum taught to students. In addition to the basics, children are introduced to music, including classical musicians and various instruments, and art, which introduces the style and works of artists such as Picasso and Monet and encourages the talent inherent in each child. As part of the physical education program all students participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Program. Other classes include introduction to Spanish, computer classes and etiquette. As their motto — "It takes a village" — indicates, they are well aware of the role each person plays in a child's growth. In this vein parents are encouraged to volunteer at the school, guest speakers are invited to talk to the children, and field trips are taken to such places as museums and libraries.

The Child Development Center is a developmental preschool serving both typically developing and special needs children from 2 to 5 years old. The center has a long history of working with children who have developmental delays and disabilities. All children are served in small classes with a highly qualified staff. The center is a United Way partner agency. Operating hours are 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM weekdays. Call for information on enrollment and openings.

Children from New Hanover and surrounding counties who have physical and/or other developmental delays can be referred by a parent, physician or community agency to this inclusive preschool. The Easter Seals UCP Developmental Center is a licensed center and is accredited by NAEYC. The center serves children from birth to 5 years of age who have cerebral palsy, motor delays or other developmental concerns. They also accept students without special developmental needs because the agency believes it is beneficial to bring students with and without special needs together in a quality preschool program. Educators and therapists facilitate learning through play and promote development in areas such as gross and fine motor skills, speech and language, social, emotional, cognitive and independence skills. ESUCP also has an outreach program, ECHOES (Enhancing Childhood through Outreach & Educational Services) that serves children in New Hanover and the surrounding counties. They support inclusion of children with, or at risk of, special needs through consultation and technical assistance in community child care or preschool settings.