If you have chosen to live in Durham after going through a divorce, you and you have children, you will certainly be interested in learning about the different education options available in the Bull City. This article will discuss school options for those with children in kindergarten all the way through high school.
For a recently divorced, newly single parent, making decisions about your child’s education can be extremely difficult. Decisions you formerly made jointly with your partner are now for the most part squarely on your shoulders. While a separation agreement or court order may require you to consult your ex partner regarding the child’s education, the ultimate decision typically rests with the custodial parent. Hopefully this article will shed some light on your education options and make the decision making a little easier.
Even if you don’t have children, you may be interested in what higher education options are available for you if you plan to further your education while living in Durham. After a divorce many people are inclined to finish their college degree, obtain a masters or other graduate degree, or even just take some classes for recreation and to meet new people. Durham certainly has excellent education resources for people of all ages, which will be discussed in this article.
511 Cleveland Street
PO Box 30002
Durham, NC 27702
(919) 560 – 2000
The Durham Public School System (DPS) provides education for more than 33,000 students. DPS has 56 innovative schools that provide a lot of options for students including early colleges, medical and technology academics, and Montessori and International Baccalaureate programs as well.
The website provided above can provide you with just about any information you may need. Everything from the budget, to district wide plans, to statistics and scores, and how the public school system is going “green” can all be researched on their website. You can also learn how to enroll a student, check for inclement weather delays and closings, and read school policies online.
The website also provides a district-wide map of each school, as well as driving directions and calendars as well. If you have a question that is not addressed on the website, you can certainly call the number above and the DPS staff will point you in the right direction.
Magnet Schools
DPS home to 23 magnet schools, should a traditional public school not suit your needs. Magnet schools are available for children of all ages – there are magnet elementary, middle, and high schools. The focus of magnet schools is to utilize school facilities effectively, promote school diversity, and provide diverse and relevant program offerings that meet student interest and expand learning opportunities. Five new magnet schools opened before the 2013 – 2014 school year, and there are plans to add even more in the future.
Charter Schools
North Carolina Office of Charter Schools
(919) 807 – 3300
Durham is home to ten charter schools that are part of the North Carolina Public School system. Charter schools are public schools, but are not part of the DPS system. They are primarily funded by public tax dollars, have open enrollment, no religious associations and no tuition.
What makes a charter school different from other public schools is that families’ can choose a charter school; they aren’t simply required to attend the school in their district. Charter schools have strict goals outlined in the school’s mission statement and programs, and should a charter school fail to meet its goals, it may be closed.
Private Schools
If you feel that your child would flourish more in a private school environment, and you have the means to pay for their education, the following are a sampling of the Durham area private schools.
4809 Friends School Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383 – 6602
CFS is a Quaker school that enrolls roughly 500 students between the ages of three and eighteen years old. The main campus sits on 126 wooded acres and has fourteen classroom buildings. Additionally, there are satellite campuses for younger children (ages three to six) near Duke University and in Chapel Hill. Tuition ranges from $10,000 annually to $18,000 annually, however CFS provides need-based tuition ad as well.
809 Proctor Street
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 688 – 3040
This private school has been open for thirty years, and provides education for students from Kindergarten through their senior year of high school. Class sizes are small, Camelot boasts a 10:1 student/teacher ratio with experienced faculty at the helm. Tuition runs between $9,000 and $13,000 annually depending on the grade level of the child.
3716 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 493 – 1827
Established in 1947, the Duke school was originally a lab school to benefit students at Duke University, however in 1984 it became and independent nonprofit organization. This school caters to students from pre-school through eighth grade. Duke School places and emphasis on diversity and making the school accessible to families from a wide range of economic backgrounds. Tuition is based on family need and therefore ranges from $3,000 to $17,000 annually.
(919) 493 – 5787
Preschool and Lower School:
3501 Ridge Road
Durham, NC 27705
Middle School:
3116 Academy Road
Durham, NC 27707
Upper School:
3601 Ridge Road
Durham, NC 27705
Durham Academy is an independent co-ed day school with no religious affiliation. DA enrolls about 1.100 students total, spread out amongst the grade levels. The school was founded in 1933, and the student/faculty ratio is 10:1. Tuition at Durham Academy costs between $12,000 and $21,000, however financial aid and scholarships are available.
4911 Neal Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 383 – 8800
Founded in 1991, TDS is a non-religious private schools offering curricula for lower school and middle school (TK – 8th grade). The average class size is 14, with a student teacher ration of 7:1. Depending on the grade level of your child, you can expect to pay $11,000 to $14,000 annually in tuition.
4011 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402 – 8262
Trinity School is a Christian school offering education for children in pre-Kindergarten all the way through high school. The focus at this school is on balancing education and the Christian Faith. Annual tuition ranges between $9,000 and $18,000.
Furthering your Own Education
Because of it’s proximity to the Research Triangle Park, Durham is an attractive city to the newly divorced individual who wishes to start a new career. There are many options for someone looking to further their education here, whether it be obtaining that bachelors degree you always wanted, earning your Masters in Business Administration, or getting certified for a technical skill, there are many options in this area.
The most well-known higher education provider in Durham is Duke University. If you are looking to earn an undergraduate degree, you can certainly do that at Duke, but you can also earn a masters degree or PhD from one of the graduate programs. Duke has a divinity school, medical school, business school, law school, and nursing school just to name a few. Duke is a private school, however, so unless you receive financial aid, a grant or scholarship, you can expect to pay top dollar for your education.
North Carolina Central University
NCCU is a part of the University of North Carolina, state-funded college system. Founded in 1909, it was the first public liberal arts institution for African Americans in the nation. Today, NCCU offers many different educational programs to a diverse student body. You can obtain an undergraduate degree here, or also take part in one of the graduate programs. There is a school of law, school of business, and school of education to name a few of the fields of study you can pursue at NCCU.
Durham Technical Community College
Durham Tech’s focus is on providing a high quality but affordable technical or career education. There are many different fields of study offered; there are programs for everything from criminal justice technology to law enforcement training and paralegal studies.
