Durham Academy (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked NC School
Grades: Prekindergarten-12
Enrollment: 1,253 students
Yearly Tuition: $35,700
Acceptance rate: 18%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 9
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Durham Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Prekindergarten-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Durham Academy
Pre-K	36
Kind	72
1	72
2	73
3	74
4	73
5	94
6	97
7	103
8	102
9	116
10	115
11	111
12	115

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1933

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Campus Size

84 acres

Student Body

Total Students

1,253 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

49%

State avg.: 24%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

164 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

72%

Average Class Size

15 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Number of AP Courses

25 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

AP Art HistoryAP Biology

AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BC

AP ChemistryAP Chinese

AP Computer ScienceAP English: Gothic Literature

AP English: Intro to PoetryAP English: Magical Realism

AP English: Money and Class in American LiteratureAP English: Post Modernism

AP English: ShakespeareAP Environmental Science

AP French Language and CultureAP Latin

AP Modern European HistoryAP Music Theory

AP PhysicsAP Psychology

AP Spanish -- LanguageAP Spanish -- Literature

AP StatisticsAP Studio Art

AP U.S. Government & PoliticsAP United States History

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School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association
Other school association(s)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Dec. 9

Yearly Tuition Cost

$35,700

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

$19,350 - $34,050

% on Financial Aid

18%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$18,516

Acceptance Rate

18%

National avg.: 85%

Admissions Director

Kemi T. Nonez

Admissions Associate

Caroline Farrell

Application URL

Online Application

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Sports

Total Sports Offered

12 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

Cross CountryField Hockey

GolfLacrosse

SoccerSoftball

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

38 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Amigos de Hope Valley SchoolAmnesty International

Art ClubBadminton Club

Cavalier NewspaperChange for Chordoma

Chess ClubCroquet Club

CycledelicsDance Team

DebateDurham Student Connections Tutoring Club

ExurbiaFrancophone Film Club

Friday Night Film ClubGo Green Club

Habitat for HumanityHelping Hands Tutoring

Indian Dance ClubInternational Club

Lunchtime Music GroupsMake a Difference (MAD) Club

Miracle ClubModel United Nations

MS 150 ClubNicarauga Club

Outdoor ClubPing Pong Club

PrideRed Cross Club

Ronald McDonald House ClubSalsa Club

Science OlympiadSoup Kitchen Club

Student AmbassadorsWiser Club

Writing ClubYoung Life Club

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School Notes

Durham Academy is an independent, coeducational day school with 1,252 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
The school was founded in 1933 as the Calvert Method School.
Durham Academy's mission is to provide each student with an education that will enable him or her to live a moral, happy and productive life. The development of intellect is central to such a life and, thus, intellectual endeavor and growth are the primary work of the school.The acquisition of knowledge; the development of skills, critical judgment and intellectual curiosity; and increased understanding are the goals of the school's academic program. Durham Academy believes that enhancing the spirit of community among faculty, students and parents is essential to the achievement of its goals.
The faculty approaches each student as an individual, and the school encourages close personal relationships fostered in an atmosphere of trust, respect for individual differences and appreciation for the racial, cultural and religious diversity in our society.
In addition, Durham Academy offers extensive opportunities in athletics, fine arts and community service.
Durham Academy is committed to helping each student achieve personal growth in an atmosphere that is both supportive and challenging.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Collin Suggs - Contributes to community projects. -
- Ali Laros - State champion in athletics. -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Durham Academy cost?

Durham Academy's tuition is approximately $35,700 for private students.

What schools are Durham Academy often compared to?

Durham Academy is often viewed alongside schools like Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Durham Academy?

The acceptance rate of Durham Academy is 18%, which is lower than the national average of 85%. Durham Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.

Who are famous alumni from Durham Academy?

Durham Academy famous alumni include: Collin Suggs - Contributes to community projects. and Ali Laros - State champion in athletics..

Does Durham Academy offer a summer program?

Yes, Durham Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Durham Academy offer?

Durham Academy offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Durham Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for most sports offered.

What is Durham Academy's ranking?

Durham Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Durham Academy?

The application deadline for Durham Academy is Dec. 9.

In what neighborhood is Durham Academy located?

Durham Academy is located in the North Garrett Road neighborhood of Durham, NC. There are 4 other private schools located in North Garrett Road.

School Calendar

View the Durham Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:

Event

Date

No School: Fall Break

October 19, 2026 (Monday)

NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break

November 23, 2026 (Monday)

NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break

November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)

NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break

November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)

NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Break

November 26, 2026 (Thursday)

School Reviews

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Durham, NC is $17,894 for elementary schools and $23,591 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Durham, NC is 68% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).