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Falmouth Academy
FalmouthAcademyPic.jpg
Location
Information
Type Private
Established 1977
Headmaster Matthew "Matt" Green
Faculty 59
Grades 7-12
Number of students 186 (2023-2024)
Average class size 13
Student to teacher ratio 5:1
Campus size 34 acres
Campus type Rural
Color(s)          Blue and white
Team name Mariners

Falmouth Academy is a private school in Falmouth, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. It's a school for both boys and girls (coed) that helps students get ready for college. Students from 7th to 12th grade go here.

Discovering Falmouth Academy's History

Falmouth Academy started in 1977. It was a small school focused on strong academics. At first, classes were held in the basement of a retirement home. Two years later, the school moved to a rented spot in Bourne, Massachusetts.

In 1985, a generous gift from Josiah K. Lilly III helped the school. He gave Falmouth Academy 34 acres of land. This land was close to the town center and important local places. Four years later, in 1989, the school moved into a new building with 16 classrooms.

Growing and Improving the Campus

Since then, the school building has been updated five times. In 1997, a gymnasium was added for sports and physical education. In 2006, a large, three-story addition was built. This new part included science labs, art rooms, offices, and a library. The library was named after Bruce Buxton, who was the headmaster for a long time.

More improvements came later. In 2014-2015, a meeting hall called Morse Hall was added. This space is used for school meetings and community events. In July 2017, the school opened the Simon Center for the Arts. This center has a modern theater, a music room, and spaces for set design and technical work. In July 2022, new rooms for school records and IT were added.

Matthew A. Green became the head of Falmouth Academy in 2017.

Learning at Falmouth Academy

Falmouth Academy is known as a "reading and writing school." But it also has many other subjects. These include math, science, and the arts.

What Students Learn

Every student must take English, history, and science classes. They also need to take foreign language and math classes for at least five years. This is for students who attend the school for all eligible years. Older students (seniors) can take a public speaking class if they have finished their math requirements.

The school also teaches important skills. Students learn how to write well, read carefully, do research, and manage their time. Working together and doing independent research are also key parts of learning. Students can choose four to five extra classes each year. These include physical education for middle schoolers. There's also a science fair class for students below 10th grade.

Class Sizes and College Prep

The average class size at Falmouth Academy is small, with about 13 students. Most graduates go on to competitive colleges. All students who graduate from Falmouth Academy are accepted into college.

Falmouth Academy is part of important school groups. These include the National Association of Independent Schools. It is also approved by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Sports and Athletics

Falmouth Academy offers six different sports.

Team Sports Offered

In the fall, students can play soccer or run cross country. In the winter, basketball is offered. In the spring, students can join lacrosse, tennis, or sailing teams.

For 25 years, Falmouth Academy competed in a smaller sports league. In 2014, the school joined the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. They also joined the Cape & Islands League.

Championship Wins

The girls' basketball and girls' lacrosse teams have been very successful. They won league championships in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The boys' lacrosse team also won the league championship in 2021.

Arts and Creativity

Falmouth Academy has many ways for students to explore their creativity. These include visual arts, music, and drama.

Visual Arts and Music

Students can choose art and music classes. They can learn drawing, painting, and ceramics. There are also six different music groups they can join. An after-school rock band is another fun activity. The school holds public concerts at the end of the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Drama and Performing Arts

Falmouth Academy offers many drama activities. Students put on three plays each year. Students can act in the plays or work behind the scenes. They can be part of the tech or stage crew. These students usually practice and work after school. There is also a drama program during school hours.

Who Attends Falmouth Academy?

Students at Falmouth Academy come from a wide area in southeastern Massachusetts. This area includes places like Martha’s Vineyard, Mattapoisett, and Brewster. The school has also welcomed over 60 international students. These students have come from about 24 different countries.

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