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 Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 513 students
- Acceptance rate: 46%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 14 / Feb. 4 / 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
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1962
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
513 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 24%
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
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Adv BiologyAdv Chemistry
Adv FrenchAdv Physics
Adv SpanishAdv Statistics
Calculus 1Calculus 2
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 14 / Feb. 4 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by level.
% on Financial Aid
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,548
Acceptance Rate
46%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Julee Laporte
Admissions Associate
Clay Thomas
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClubDebate Club
Dungeons and Dragons ClubEnvironmental Club
Film ClubHawaiian Culture Club
Health Occupations ClubInvestment Club
Jewish Affinity GroupPeer Tutoring Club
Quaker Youth LeadershipSexuality and Gender Equity Alliance
Arts and Music Programs:
Dance ProgramMusic Program
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fencing ClubMountain Biking Club
Rock Climbing Club
School Notes
Carolina Friends School is a vibrant and inclusive learning
community empowering students to think critically, creatively, and
independently. We foster active exploration and quiet reflection,
individual endeavor and collaborative engagement. Inspired by
Quaker values-pursuit of truth, respect for all, peaceful
resolution of conflict, simplicity, the call to service-we teach
our children that it is possible to change the world.
- Founded in 1962 as an intentional integrated school, we remain commited to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- We offer three Early School campuses, by Duke's Central Campus, by UNC Chapel Hill, and on our Main Campus on over 126 wooded acres near Duke Forest.
- We offer 20 interscholastic athletic teams for Middle and Upper School students, a rich array of clubs and identity groups, and a wide variety of elective offerings.
- Students in advanced classes are prepared to sit for Advanced Placement tests.
- Our 2025 graduateswere all accepted to one or more of their top three college choices, with 68% accepted to UNC Chapel Hill. 53% enrolled in colleges and universities outside of North Carolina, including Cornell, Stanford, and U Penn.
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 81%. 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 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Winter Track. Carolina Friends School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.
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 sports offered, 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. 14 / Feb. 4 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 14 / Feb. 4 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
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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)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
3501 Ridge Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-3400
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 489-3400
3.7 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 1,253 student Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 12 | Extracurrculars: 38 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
4011 Pickett Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402-8262
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 402-8262
2.9 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 622 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 20 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
3716 Erwin Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 416-9420
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 416-9420
3.4 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 497 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
Mount Zion Christian Academy
(Christian)
3519 Fayetteville St
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 688-4245
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 688-4245
7.4 miles
Gr: K-12 | 176 students Tuition listed
721 Burch Avenue
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5847
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5847
6.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 487 students Avg. class size: 20 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 12 Tuition listed
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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