Admissions FAQs

What is the Mission of Chesapeake Academy?

To inspire each student to approach learning with curiosity and creativity, pursue excellence in all endeavors, and act with integrity–so each can make our community and world a better place.

What are the steps to the Admission Process, and how might I learn more about making application, deadlines, financial assistance, and visiting the Academy?

Please complete the inquiry form located at the bottom of this page and a brochure packet will be mailed to you. After you have had an opportunity to review the packet, please contact Sonja Smith Director of Admission, at 804-438-5575 or ssmith@chesapeakeacademy.org to schedule a tour.  There is an early admission deadline of November 1 for the next school year, with admission decisions given by mid-December.  Applications received after November 1 will be considered after the March 1 deadline, with admission decisions given by the end of March.  Should your family wish to consider financial assistance, Chesapeake Academy encourages parents to submit applications early. You may choose to apply for financial assistance after you have received an admission decision, or you may apply as part of the application process so that any financial assistance offer may be part of an enrollment offer.

What type of student is most successful at Chesapeake Academy?

The Academy seeks to enroll students who are:

  • Committed to learning and being a part of a community dedicated to honesty, respect, citizenship, and integrity
  • Of strong ethical character
  • Well rounded, with varied interests and talents
  • Excited about becoming part of a close-knit community
  • Interested in developing themselves to the fullest through academic challenge, athletics competition, and artistic exploration

What’s the Academy’s student-teacher ratio?

9:1 (Average class size is 12 students. Class sizes range from 10-18 students.)

How many students attend Chesapeake Academy?

130 (Age 3 through Grade Eight)

 

How diverse is the Academy’s student body?

Chesapeake Academy does not discriminate in admission or financial assistance on the basis of race, gender, physical challenges, religious affiliation, ethnic background, or country of origin.

How much is tuition at Chesapeake Academy?

For the 2024-2025 school year tuition and fees are:

  • Pre-K 3&4, half day: $7,600
  • Pre-K 3&4 Flexible Full-Day with extended day care until 5:30 p.m.: $10,900
  • Lower School (K – 4th): $14,050; Flexible Full-Day: $16,500 which includes extended care until 5:30 p.m.
  • Middle School (5th – 8th): $14,800

Unlike many independent schools, Chesapeake Academy does not add required fees to our tuition rate. CA tuition includes technology resources, classroom materials, athletic equipment, art supplies, and most field trips. In addition, our middle school tuition includes participation in athletics, Inward Bound retreats, and the advisory program.

 

Tuition Payment
Payment options are:

  • Full (July 1)
  • 2 payments (July 1 and December 1)
  • 10 payments (July 1 through April 1)

 

How can we afford to send our child(ren) to Chesapeake Academy?

No parent should be discouraged from applying to Chesapeake due to financial reasons. Financial assistance is available on a limited and confidential basis. All assistance is awarded on the basis of need and requires for parents to submit current tax returns (personal and business, if applicable), W-2, and the FACTS application for consideration. Should your family wish to consider financial assistance, Chesapeake Academy encourages parents to submit applications early. You may choose to apply for financial assistance after you have received an admission decision, or you may apply as part of the application process so that any financial assistance offer may be part of an enrollment offer.

To meet the March deadline, the required documents must be submitted by March 15. Financial assistance decisions are offered at the end of March.

Applicants who are accepted to Chesapeake Academy after March will be considered for financial assistance until such time as all funds have been allocated. All financial assistance decisions are held in the strictest confidence. Applicants must be accepted into the Academy before being considered for financial assistance.

As a small school, we ask that each family stretch their education dollars, and many make sacrifices for their students to attend. Every student at Chesapeake Academy receives financial support as tuition only covers about 70 cents of each dollar of expense. We raise the other 30 cents through charitable giving to the Bell Tower Annual Fund and various fund raising events. The Academy trustees are committed to maintaining affordable tuition and a strong Financial Assistance Program.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Financial Assistance at Chesapeake Academy.

Is there a lunch program?

CAPPA sponsors a “hot lunch” on Fridays throughout the year. Proceeds go towards CAPPA events and major field trips for students. A different menu has been provided for each of the four marking periods. Students may choose to participate in as many of the marking periods as they like.

What extra-curricular activities are available for Chesapeake Academy students?

In addition to a full day of classes, students find time to participate in a variety of other activities that include: soccer, golf, basketball, volleyball, Kids on the Run, tennis, music, drama, tone chimes, student council, instrumental music lessons, area field trips, Inward Bound (an overnight excursion), Blue and White intramural activities, and community service.

How is Chesapeake Academy accredited?

Chesapeake Academy is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).

Which independent schools have Chesapeake Academy graduates attended?

(Since 1989):

  • Baylor (1)
  • Chatham Hall (5)
  • Choate Rosemary Hall School (1)
  • Christchurch School (188)
  • Episcopal High School (6)
  • Foxcroft School (2)
  • Groton School (1)
  • The Madeira School (1)
  • The New Community School (1)
  • Oldfields School (1)
  • The Peddie School (1)
  • The Phelps School (1)
  • Randolph-Macon Academy (1)
  • St. Andrews School (2)
  • St. Catherine’s School (2)
  • St. Margaret’s School (27)
  • St. Mary’s School (4)
  • St. Timothy’s School (1)
  • Tandem Friends (1)
  • Virginia Episcopal School (4)
  • Woodberry Forest School (22)
  • Woodhall Academy (1)

 

When does the school day begin and end at Chesapeake Academy?

  • Pre-K 3 & 4, 8:30 a.m. – Noon
  • Pre-K 3 & 4 Flexible Full Day, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, 8:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.

How do I schedule a visit to Chesapeake Academy?

Please contact the Admission Office at 804-438-5575.