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.
Quick Stats (2025)
- 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
Top Rankings
Durham Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1933
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
1,253 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
49%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
164 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
72%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Chinese, AP Computer Science, AP English: Gothic Literature, AP English: Intro to Poetry, AP English: Magical Realism, AP English: Money and Class in American Literature, AP English: Post Modernism, AP English: Shakespeare, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language and Culture, AP Latin, AP Modern European History, AP Music Theory, AP Physics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish -- Language, AP Spanish -- Literature, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP United States History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 9
Yearly Tuition Cost
$35,700
Tuition Notes
$19,350 - $34,050
% on Financial Aid
18%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,516
Acceptance Rate
18%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kemi T. Nonez
Admissions Associate
Caroline Farrell
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
38 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Amigos de Hope Valley School, Amnesty International, Art Club, Badminton Club, Cavalier Newspaper, Change for Chordoma, Chess Club, Croquet Club, Cycledelics, Dance Team, Debate, Durham Student Connections Tutoring Club, Exurbia, Francophone Film Club, Friday Night Film Club, Go Green Club, Habitat for Humanity, Helping Hands Tutoring, Indian Dance Club, International Club, Lunchtime Music Groups, Make a Difference (MAD) Club, Miracle Club, Model United Nations, MS 150 Club, Nicarauga Club, Outdoor Club, Ping Pong Club, Pride, Red Cross Club, Ronald McDonald House Club, Salsa Club, Science Olympiad, Soup Kitchen Club, Student Ambassadors, Wiser Club, Writing Club, Young Life Club
School Notes
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Collin Suggs - Contributes to community projects. -
- Ali Laros - State champion in athletics. -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Durham Academy cost?
Durham Academy's tuition is approximately $35,700 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Durham Academy?
The acceptance rate of Durham Academy is 18%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. 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.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Durham Academy also viewed these schools: Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, Ravenscroft, Cary Academy, Carolina Friends School and Camelot Academy.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Durham Academy is Hill Learning Center (0.2 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Cresset Christian Academy (0.5 miles away)
Show me:
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Cary Academy
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Cary, NC 27513
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Grades: PK-12 | 513 students 3.7 miles 4809 Friends School Road
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Durham, NC 27705
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Grades: K-12 | 134 students 3.3 miles 809 Proctor St
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