Cary Academy is an independent, coeducational, nonsectarian, college-preparatory secondary school located in Cary, North Carolina. The school emphasizes the use of technology in the classroom, the arts, and foreign exchange.
The school has a 65–acre campus. In 2003, the Sports and Education Annex was completed, allowing more space for both athletics and foreign language classes with a second gym and additional classroom space. Later, a 22,500 ft<sup>2</sup> STEM center was added to the Sports and Education Annex, including a STEM innovation lab, six wet and dry laboratories, preparation rooms, and common areas for students.
In September 2004, the United States Department of Education named Cary Academy one of 255 public and private schools that had won its No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon award since the inception of the program.
In July 2011, the original head of the school, Don Berger, announced his stepping down after the 2011–12 school year. That same year, the library was also renovated and the track was upgraded. The school has a minority enrollment of 46.1%.
In 2022, tuition was $26,995 with 14% of students receiving an average allocation of $18,105 in financial aid. Niche also ranks the school as #1 in private high schools in North Carolina.
Arts
The school's art courses include architecture, ceramics, computer animation, design, drawing/sketching, graphics, painting, photography, sculpture, technical design and production, textiles, and video and film production. It is also a member of the Capital Area Middle School Conference.
Boys athletic teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, and wrestling.
- Boys Swim Team 2015, 2019
- Girls Track and Field, 2012
Speech and Debate
Cary Academy's Speech and Debate Team participates in the Tarheel Forensic League (TFL), the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), and the National Catholic Forensics League (NCFL). At the 2004, 2024, and 2025 TFL North Carolina State Championships, the team won the Governor's Cup for best overall results. The NDSA recognized Cary Academy with the Leading Chapter Award for the Tarheel East District in 2007, 2013, 2018, and 2024. The NDSA also named Cary Academy #28 on their Top 100 Schools list for the 2020–21 school year.
North Carolina State Championships
Source:
- Travis May, technology company founder and president
- Trey Murphy III, professional basketball player
- Laney Rouse, National Women's Soccer League player
Notable faculty
- Mindaugas Timinskas, former varsity basketball head coach and former professional basketball player