To say that we’re passionate about cultivating self-directed and bold life-long learners who make meaningful contributions to the world is an understatement (some might say we’re a little obsessed). Every day we strive to uphold and embody our mission, philosophy, and values, holistically preparing our students in mind, body, and character to confidently pursue their curiosity and thrive in today’s changing world.
“As a member of the Cary Academy community, I am responsible for acting with respect, integrity, and compassion.”
CA Community Values Statement
Our Mission
Whether it’s a course offering, an extracurricular activity, a building project, a technology platform or a community endeavor, every decision we make is guided by our mission, our indelible commitment to discovery, innovation, collaboration, and excellence (or DICE in CA-speak). It’s what motivates our faculty and staff, inspires our students and their families. And it’s how we prepare you to take on the world as the very best version of yourself.
Discovery
Cary Academy sparks the curiosity to question assumptions and the courage required to explore ideas that make a positive impact on the world.
Innovation
Cary Academy leads through bold and creative strategies, connecting ideas with technology to forge new realities.
Collaboration
Cary Academy nurtures local and global interactions, encouraging strong relationships and enriching lives.
Excellence
Cary Academy recognizes excellence as the meaningful growth that results from the dedicated pursuit of individual and shared goals. Excellence is about becoming the best version of ourselves, individually and as a community.
We Believe
Our Learning Philosophy
How do we bring our mission to life? It’s all a function of our core beliefs about teaching and learning.
At CA we believe
Learning is an iterative and interdependent process.
Taking risks, embracing struggle, and developing resilience are essential to deep and life-long learning.
Individuals must develop self-awareness as learners and take ownership of their learning**.
Clear, ongoing, and timely feedback elicits self-reflection and drives growth.
Physical, social, and emotional balance is essential for learning and wellbeing.
The most impactful learning occurs where people, disciplines, and ideas connect to address human and community needs.
Inclusive environments create a secure and affirming culture that enables both the individual and the community to flourish.
Excellent teaching is the foundation of an outstanding learning community.
**“Own your learning.” It’s a phrase you’ll hear repeatedly at CA.
That’s because we believe that students learn best when you play a significant
role in shaping your own educational journeys.
You might notice that this website is written in the first person—that we’re talking to you, our prospective students. That’s why; at CA, you’re going to own your learning journey and be granted a significant degree of voice and choice around what, how, and when you learn. What better time to start than the present?
Our Values
We hold our community to a high ethical standard. Whether engaging in a classroom debate, facilitating a difficult conversation, facing off on the field, or engaging with our larger local community, CA students pledge to act with respect, integrity, compassion, and equity.
And in typical CA fashion, students were the ones who identified these values and developed our pledge. Respect, integrity, compassion, and equity are critical to our commitment to community and collaboration, to hearing all voices and perspectives, and to becoming the best we can be.
Pictured: A time-honored tradition, our annual Handshake Ceremony kicks off every year.
“
“I credit Cary Academy’s rigor for my public speaking skills, networking capabilities, and study habits that were key to my success at college and in my early career. I made lifelong friends during my time on the athletic fields, while studying abroad, and during extra-curriculars. Cary Academy taught me “how to learn” and I’m forever grateful to the teachers, coaches, and advisors that helped to shape my educational experience.”
