FAQs

The reasons cited over and over again by the 500,000+ families who send their children to independent schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high academic standards. But the main motive for families looking into independent schools can be summarized in one word - quality. They want, quite simply, the best for their children. Larger percentages of students in independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, or other private schools. Independent school enrollments are increasing at double the rate of all other schools in this country.

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and is recognized as an accredited school by the Virginia State Board of Education. In addition we are affiliated with the following:

• ACCIS - Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools
• AISAP - Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals
• CASE - Council for Advancement and Support of Education
• Cum Laude Society
• ERB - Educational Records Bureau
• GEBG - Global Education Benchmarking Group
• INDEX - Independent School Data Exchange
• NAIS - National Association of Independent Schools
• NACAC - National Association for College Admission Counseling
• NBOA - National Business Officers Association
• NHS -  National Honor Society
• PCACAC - Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling

Cape Henry Collegiate offers several academic merit scholarships to students entering Grade 9 through the Distinguished Scholars Program. Cape Henry Collegiate does not offer athletic scholarships. For more information on academic merit scholarships, please visit the Financial Aid webpage.

Our small class size and our 10-to-1, student-to-faculty ratio, which are such assets to our students, become liabilities to applicants whose admission must be limited by the number of spots available. Because the number of applications increases significantly each year, there has been increased competition for these openings.

Yes. Standardized test results are an important factor for Grades 2-12, yet not the determining one. We realize that standardized testing fails to measure a student's motivation, creative writing, research ability, and character. This does, however, provide us with a common denominator among students applying from a wide variety of schools and different educational backgrounds. When a student has done well in a solid academic program and has recommendations that are positive and insightful, less importance is placed on standardized test scores. If we are unfamiliar with a student's school or the school does not grade and provides us with only vague recommendations, more weight must be given to test results.

The majority of our Middle and Upper School students attended Cape Henry Collegiate during their Lower School years. There is no preference given to students from certain schools at any grade level. We consider how well students have grown from and maximized the educational opportunities and the environment offered them prior to their application to Cape Henry Collegiate. Newly enrolled students come from both the public and private sectors.

Yes. Cape Henry Collegiate considers itself a family school and because of this, we prioritize applicants of current families and of alumni children. However, what is right for one child is not necessarily the correct choice for a sibling. If all other things are equal, we will give first consideration to enrolling a sibling.

The parent/guardian(s) and student(s) will be met by a member of our Enrollment Team. The visit provides an opportunity to meet a representative of the School and, in most cases, to see the School in action. We feel the visit should be fun and informative for both parties. Each visit includes a tour of the campus.

Class sizes average 16 students. As a student moves into upper level courses class size may vary from 8-18 as students are individually scheduled based on academic interests and level.

The Cape Henry Collegiate academic program is accelerated across all grade levels and disciplines. For those students whose academic interests and readiness extend beyond the core curriculum, opportunities to take enriched or honors level classes are available in each division, with Advanced Placement (AP) courses also available in the Upper School.

The Academic Center provides support for students with learning differences to help them be successful in our challenging curriculum. This support program, which is available to a limited number of enrolled students, is integrated into the school day.

Yes. Cape Henry students across all three divisions participate in local and global service initiatives that are both embedded in the curriculum and a part of our extracurricular offerings. All Nexus Global Studies programs include a service element to enhance the students’ experiences off campus.

Yes. The Cape Henry Parents' Association (CHPA) is very active, sponsoring numerous fundraising events as well as bringing programs into the School that entertain and inform the students. Officers are elected annually by the parents in the Association.

Yes. While our students are not required to wear uniforms and while dress is viewed as a means of individual expression, students are asked to adhere to certain standards of dress. The guidelines with regard to personal appearance and dress are neat, appropriate, and in good taste.

Yes. Cape Henry Collegiate provides a variety of after school options. Our Extended School Day Program (ESDP) is for students in Prekindergarten through Grade 6. For costs, hours, and other details, please refer to the Extended School Day Program (ESDP) section of the website or contact the Extended School Day Office at shamainewilliams@capehenry.org.

Yes. The auxiliary programs provide exploratory opportunities to students in the arts, athletics, and academics. Auxiliary offerings are available each semester with additional “mini-mester” options as well. Please visit the Afterschool Enrichment page to read more about these opportunities!

Yes. Transportation is available throughout South Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. There is a transportation fee for this service.

When a student is enrolled for the full academic year, no refund or reduction in tuition and/or fees can be made by the School for withdrawal or dismissal. The Tuition Protection Plan, provided through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc., provides a partial refund of remaining tuition and fees in the event of withdrawal of a student for medical causes or for withdrawal for other reasons including dismissal by the School. Payment for the Tuition Protection Plan is due with the first payment of tuition and fees.

Yes. Since its founding, philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Cape Henry Collegiate. This tradition continues today through the generosity of alumni, current parents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff, grandparents, Trustees and friends. Your gift, no matter the size, has a profound impact on our commitment to providing excellence in all areas of Cape Henry life.

Yes. Financial assistance is available to students accepted for admission whose families demonstrate financial need. Need is determined by the information available from the Parents' Financial Statement form provided by the School Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid. A copy of the family's most recently filed Federal Income Tax Form 1040, with attachments, and the W-2/1099, must be submitted to SSS. All family financial information is held in the strictest confidence by the School. Please refer to the Need-Based Financial Aid webpage for further information.