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Independent (Private) Schools The southern coast region's private schools offer curricula and
activities for children from preschool to high school. While tuition and
expenses are the responsibility of the parent or guardian, most of these
schools offer financial aid or easy-payment plans. In many cases, having
more than one child in a particular school allows a discount on tuition for
other children within the same family. All of the area's independent/private
schools are not included here, but the following list suggests some
alternatives to public education. |
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Cape Fear Academy |
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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 650 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 number of hours required for graduation. 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, tennis courts and a Lower School playground. One hundred percent of graduates attend four-year college
programs, and approximately 75 percent of those students are accepted into
their first-choice college or university. The average SAT score is around
1,200, 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. To arrange for a tour, call the Admissions
Office at (910) 791-0287 ext. 1015. |
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The Children's Schoolhouse - Montessori
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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.
Children bring their own snacks and lunches.
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Friends
School of Wilmington 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. |
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Myrtle Grove
Christian School |
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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 nearly 420 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). |
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New Horizons
Elementary School 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. |
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St. Mary Catholic
School Located downtown in the historic district, St. Mary Catholic School serves kindergarten through grade 8. 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, responsible citizens." Grades K through 5 are structured, self-contained classes. The curriculum includes math, science,
social studies, computers, Spanish, music, art, physical education,
religion, reading, language (phonics in grades K through 2) and creative
writing. Grades 6 through 8 have departmental teachers, and students
rotate to different classrooms. Classes include religion, science,
social studies, math, language arts, literature, writing, computers,
Spanish, music, art and physical education. 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 is historically notable as the first Catholic school in
North Carolina. The school proudly carries on its more than 137-year
history by providing Catholic education to the children of Wilmington. |
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Wilmington Academy
of Arts & Sciences 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, soccer, 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. |
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Wilmington Christian Academy |
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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. 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 and leadership development. 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 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. |
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Wilmington Montessori School |
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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.
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L&L Montessori School Montessori education is based upon the principles
developed by 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 contracts made with the teacher. In addition to
basics, students learn zoology, botany, geology, history, geography,
Spanish and sign language. To promote natural creativity, art is part of
each classroom and is worked n daily. Southport Christian School 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 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 Evelyn Smith Wray Village School 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.
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Special Education Child Development Center, Inc. The Child Development Center is a developmental
preschool serving both typically developing and special needs children
from 2½ 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. |
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Easter Seals UCP
Developmental Center, Inc. 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.
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Home Schooling The State of North Carolina permits schooling outside both public and private schools for children whose parents/guardians prefer to administer their education. Under the auspices of the N.C. Division of Non-Public Education in Raleigh, home schooling requires, for children between ages 7 and 16, registration, participation in annual standardized achievement testing and maintenance of immunization records. The educational program must operate on a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, during at least nine calendar months a year by a person with a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; attendance records are required. State statute defines a home school as "a non-public school in which the child receives academic instruction from the parent, legal guardian or a member of the household in which the child resides." The law also permits (no more than) two households to combine as one home school and allows the children from both households to be taught together by members of either household. Growing consistently in popularity, home-school enrollment in Brunswick, Pender and New Hanover counties has soared in recent years. Statewide, the number of home schools went from 1,385 in 1988–89 to 33,690 in 2005–06, with a total enrollment of 64,387 home-schooled students. A family considering home instruction would begin by obtaining a Home School Information Packet from the N.C. Division of Non-Public Education, either by going to their website www.ncdnpe.org, or calling (919) 733-4276. Twenty-four-hour voice mail is available. Support for home-schooling families is offered by North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE), the state's primary advocacy group. NCHE is a private, non-profit group with a full-time staff in Raleigh and can be reached at (919) 790-1100. The web address is www.nche.com, where you'll also find links to support groups and other resources, including several local support groups in New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties. Kathryn Iandoli, Region 11 Director for NCHE, is also
President for Christian Home Educators of Wilmington. More information about
this group is available through their website,
www.chewilm.com. Iandoli will help direct you to other groups in the
area, most of which are centered in private homes. These groups tend to
change leadership, and consequently phone numbers, often. |
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