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 (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 497 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:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1947
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
497 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
39%
State avg.: 23%
Students 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
Endowment Size
$6.3 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
various clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
band, chorus, drama, fine arts
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 ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Duke School also viewed these schools: Durham Academy, Carolina Friends School, Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, Triangle Day School and Immaculata Catholic School.
The nearest high school to Duke School is Durham Academy (1.6 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Lerner Jewish Community Day School (1.4 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-12 | 1,253 students 1.6 miles 3501 Ridge Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-3400
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-3400
1.6
PK-12
1,253
Grades: PK-12 | 513 students 3.4 miles 4809 Friends School Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-6602
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-6602
3.4
PK-12
513
Grades: PK-12 | 599 students 2.4 miles 4011 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402-8262
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402-8262
2.4
PK-12
599
Grades: PK-8 | 337 students 2.1 miles 4911 Neal Rd
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-8800
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383-8800
2.1
PK-8
337
Grades: PK-8 | 487 students 2.7 miles 721 Burch Avenue
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5847
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5847
2.7
PK-8
487
School Reviews
Endorse Duke School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
