Duke School

Duke School is an independent preschool through eighth grade project-based school in Durham, NC. Duke School inspires learners to boldly and creatively shape their future.
It serves as a leading educational institution both within the Triangle and wider educational community.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 495 students
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 5 / Jan. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Duke School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1947

Student Body

Total Students
495 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
36%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Duke School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
22 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 5 / Jan. 12 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition is staggered based on grade level. The tuition above reflects our preschool tuition. Visit www.DukeSchool.org for more information.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Admissions Director
Linda Vargas
Admissions Associate
Lucy Bradshaw
Endowment Size
$6.3 million

Sports

Total Sports Offered
7 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
various clubs

Arts and Music Programs:
band, chorus, drama, fine arts

School Notes

  • Duke School today is nationally renowned. It serves as a leading educational institution both within the Triangle and wider educational community; its teaching methods continue as a model for both public and other independent schools, and its unique child-centered, project-based integrated curriculum continues to adapt to serve a variety of learning styles. The school has made a particular contribution to the Durham community by producing outstanding students who are independent learners, thinkers, and decision makers helping to create a better future both for Durham and communities beyond Durham. The school has also helped raise consciousness about education in the Durham community and provided the expertise of its extraordinary teachers for other local schools. With its outstanding faculty and staff, Duke School continues to move forward in the new millennium.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports does Duke School offer?
Duke School offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Duke School's ranking?
Duke School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Duke School?
The application deadline for Duke School is Jan. 5 / Jan. 12 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 5 / Jan. 12 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Calendar

View the Duke School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event
Date
First Day of ASP/PrimeTime
August 22, 2024 (Thursday)
Labor Day- School Closed
September 02, 2024 (Monday)

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked NC School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 495 students
  • Average class size: 22 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 5 / Jan. 12 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Durham, NC is $13,054 for elementary schools and $18,156 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Durham, NC is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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