The Barnstable Experience
Beyond Academics
At Barnstable Academy, elective courses are designed around two central concepts: personal choice and integration with daily life. Our Physical Education electives present a wide range of activities for students; they can also participate for double time periods in the afternoon, two times per week. Because physical wellness is essential to one's quality of life, we offer activities that are considered lifetime pursuits, such as tennis, swimming, and martial arts.Our arts electives also reflect this approach. Rather than going to a studio or private lesson after school, Barnstable students integrate their study of the fine or performing arts into their daily academic lives. This system for elective courses helps our young people to thrive - not just as scholars, but also as whole and balanced people.
Student Life
Walk our hallways and peer into our classrooms - it soon becomes clear that Barnstable is different. The structure and pace of Barnstable Academy is unique.At Barnstable, we believe that how our students learn is just as important as what we teach them. Essential to our approach is the organization of our school day. We have seen firsthand that students learn best when they are well-rested, so Barnstable students take their major academic courses during the first half of the day. In the second half, they pursue elective courses.
Unlike many larger and more traditional schools, we encourage students to integrate their interests into their own academic life. The benefit of this approach is twofold: first, it provides students with a tangible sense of ownership in their education. Second, it leverages each student's enthusiasm - whether it's in dance, soccer, or photography - to strengthen that student's self-direction and self-esteem.
Each day, our students grow academically, but they also develop vital interpersonal skills interacting with peers and supportive adults in an environment that is rich in respect and trust.
