Cary Academy

Last Friday, we celebrated the Cary Academy Class of 2030 as they marked the end of Middle School and the beginning of a new chapter.

The 8th Grade Celebration featured reflections, speeches, and musical performances that honored the growth, friendships, perseverance, and accomplishments that have defined their journey so far. After receiving their certificates, the newly minted Upper Schoolers crossed the Quad together, a meaningful tradition and a symbolic step toward the opportunities ahead.

Congratulations, Class of 2030. Enjoy a well-deserved summer, and we’ll see you in the fall!

For many juniors, the final weeks of the school year included opportunities to learn far beyond the classroom through Cary Academy’s Work Experience Program.

This year, students have gained firsthand experience in professional settings across a wide range of industries, including medicine, veterinary science, athletics, media, business, engineering, and more. Working alongside professionals in their fields, students have developed practical skills, explored potential career paths, and gained a deeper understanding of the day-to-day realities of different professions.

From assisting with surgeries and caring for animals to supporting sports organizations and contributing to film and media projects, students have been engaged in meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect their interests to the world beyond campus.

A special thank you to the many organizations, businesses, alumni, parents, and community partners who welcomed our students and made these experiences possible. Your mentorship and generosity continue to play an important role in helping our students explore future opportunities and discover new passions.

Some photography courtesy of Evan Garcia, ‘27. Photography Work Experience.

The final weeks of the school year bring a special energy to the Upper School, and few traditions capture that excitement quite like Discovery Term. DT gives students the opportunity to explore interests beyond the traditional classroom alongside their peers. Over two immersive weeks, students engage in experiences ranging from ocean exploration to car maintenance, culinary adventures to athletics, and many other hands-on, passion-driven pursuits. Along the way, Chargers build new skills, strengthen connections, and share their interests with one another in meaningful ways.

Photography courtesy of Evan Garcia, ‘27. Photography Work Experience.

Weeks of research, problem-solving, testing, revising, and presenting all led to this moment.

Today, the Class of 2030 proudly showcased the capstone projects that culminate their year-long 8th-grade Water Planet science curriculum. Throughout the year, students explored the connections between water, people, energy, ecosystems, and environmental justice, learning not only how science helps us understand the world but how it can be used to improve it.

Drawing on months of inquiry and investigation, students tackled real-world challenges and big ideas through projects driven by their own interests, from solar-powered vehicles and algae blooms to PFAS contamination and sustainable housing solutions. Their presentations represented weeks of data analysis, experimentation, communication, systems thinking, and policy exploration while demonstrating how scientific knowledge can be used to make a meaningful impact on the world. The projects were a showcase not only of curiosity, creativity, and perseverance, but also of the many ways scientists can contribute as researchers, communicators, problem-solvers, and advocates.

Students impressed peers, teachers, families, and members of the wider Cary Academy community with both the depth of their knowledge and the thoughtfulness of their work.

Congratulations to all of our 8th-grade Capstone presenters on a job exceptionally well done. Next stop: 8th-Grade Celebration!

Commencement was a joyful celebration, an afternoon filled with reflection, inspiration, well-earned pride (and a fair share of bittersweet tears). From heartfelt student remarks to a memorable address from guest speaker and CA alum Trey Murphy III, ’18, the ceremony honored both the remarkable accomplishments of this class and the many possibilities to come.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see what lies ahead. Wherever the future takes you, keep in touch and remember that you will always have a home here at CA.

Yesterday, we were proud to celebrate five Chargers who will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level next year.

Sarah Chen will compete in swimming at Carnegie Mellon University. Naomi Hammer will continue her cross country career at Occidental College. Lucy Hankins will cheer at Wake Forest University. William “Deuce” Ross, who helped found boys’ volleyball at CA, will continue his volleyball career at Springfield College. Cam Weber will compete in track and field at Denison University.

Congratulations to these student-athletes on this exciting next step. We look forward to cheering them on as they represent CA at the collegiate level.

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, our performing artists have taken to the Berger Hall stage to showcase months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration. Bravo to our band and orchestra musicians, choral singers, and dance students for a remarkable season of performances.

And while many of our spring performances have wrapped, the arts at CA are still on display. Middle and Upper School artwork will remain exhibited in Berger Hall through the end of the school year. Make sure you stop by to take in the creativity and artistry of our talented student artists.

Both our boys’ and girls’ Middle School track and field teams are CAMS Conference Champs! At yesterday’s meet, the Chargers delivered an incredible performance, breaking multiple conference records and piling up personal bests on the way to bringing home both CAMS trophies.

As if that wasn’t enough to celebrate, the win also marks an extraordinary milestone for the girls’ team, who captured their ninth (!) consecutive CAMSC championship!

A huge congratulations to these student-athletes and coaches for a fantastic season.

This one’s big. ⚡️

Thanks to the incredible generosity of Class of 2005 alumni, Holly and Travis May, Charger Promise is making Cary Academy more accessible than ever—covering 100% of the full cost of attendance for families earning $100,000 or less, with significant need-based support beyond that.

Today we celebrated our Chargers taking the next step! Congrats to our incredible student-athletes on Signing Day! Your dedication, talent, and grit have paid off (and your colleges just scored big!)
Big shout out to:

Rhianna Thomas, a 4x ECNL conference champ whose Olimpico goal helped her team reach the national top eight, will continue her soccer career at Boston University.

Callie McCarron, a four-year All-Conference field hockey standout and conference MVP, is taking her leadership and grit to Duke University.

Oliver Swartz, a two-time All-Conference baseball player, will bring his game to Davidson College.

State-record-breaking swimmer and Olympic Trials qualifier Caden Martin will join the five-time NCAA champion University of Virginia swim program.

Aidan Rousseau, CA’s all-time rebounds leader and 3x All-Conference athlete, has committed to play DI basketball at Bucknell University.

Finn Miller, All-State distance runner and record-holder, will be making strides at Williams College.

Kavi Gibson, the most decorated distance runner in CA history and one of the nation’s best, will continue his winning streak at Duke University.

Record-setting, multi-event track star and state-meet pole vault record holder, Danica McCarron will leap into collegiate competition at Dartmouth College.