Carolina Friends School is a preK-12 co-ed day school inspired by Quaker values, committed to excellence in all we do. We believe the best education amplifies a child`s curiosity, courage, and creative thinking.
Every day, we empower our students to question the world around them, discover their passions, think deeply and use their voices in service of the greater good.
Because when our students are taught how to think, not just what to think, they are prepared to confidently navigate their own path, advocate for themselves and others, and impact the world around them.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 513 students
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 4 / Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Carolina Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1962
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
513 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
47%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Adv Biology, Adv Chemistry, Adv French, Adv Physics, Adv Spanish, Adv Statistics, Calculus 1, Calculus 2
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 4 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by level.
% on Financial Aid
32%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,548
Acceptance Rate
46%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Nancy Hayes
Admissions Associate
Amy Catlin
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Design Club, Diversity & Multicultural Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Environmental Club, Improve Club, Interfaith Alliance, Investment Club, Nerdfighter Club, Social Justice Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Program, Music Program, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Tennis Club
Design Club, Diversity & Multicultural Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Environmental Club, Improve Club, Interfaith Alliance, Investment Club, Nerdfighter Club, Social Justice Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance Program, Music Program, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Tennis Club
School Notes
- In today`s world, academic excellence is often erroneously measured by sheer rigor, and achievement is defined by how many hours you study or how many classes and activities you can handle. Yet, studies show that the best learning happens when students have balance. They need the space to collaborate, the opportunity to contribute to their own learning experience and the challenge to apply their knowledgein meaningful ways. That's what academic excellence truly means.
- At Carolina Friends School, we reject rigor for rigor`s sake. We have decades of experience with what is now viewed as best practice. And, with our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, our students learn with purpose in order to live a life full of purpose.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of Carolina Friends School?
The acceptance rate of Carolina Friends School is 46%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. Carolina Friends School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Carolina Friends School offer?
Carolina Friends School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Carolina Friends School's ranking?
Carolina Friends School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Carolina Friends School?
The application deadline for Carolina Friends School is Jan. 4 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 4 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Carolina Friends School also viewed these schools: Durham Academy, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, Duke School, Mount Zion Christian Academy and Immaculata Catholic School.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Carolina Friends School is Hope Creek Academy (2.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill (2.9 miles away)
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School Reviews
5 9/30/2014
I go to Carolina friends, and I like it a lot. I was in a public school before switching to CFS and I am much happier. I feel like the teachers pay way more attention to the students and there is not so much stress. It is very small, which is good for some people and not so good for others, but it really depends on you.
5 2/21/2013
An outstanding school with an attentive, intelligent, caring and creative faculty. If one is looking for a place where their child will be known well by their teachers, and their child will be encouraged to grow as an individual while at the same time take care of their community, then CFS may be the right choice for you.
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