Duke School

3716 Erwin Road

Durham, NC 27705

12 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 26, 2022

Duke School is an inclusive, inspiring environment to teach, challenge, and guide your children from preschool through eighth grade. We have had children there since 2015. Our oldest is now in public high school and constantly says that he is excelling and prepared because of “that good Duke School model of reflect and share.” Some parents may wonder about the lack of grades or calling teachers by their first names. Trust the process - it creates learners who feel valued and engaged. And our teachers are respected as experts and trusted for their insight and knowledge of child development. We have also benefited from the financial assistance of Index Tuition. We are forever grateful for a place like Duke School to help us raise confident, compassionate and resilient kids.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2022

Unsure, I found some compromising information about teachers here that I did not appreciate.
Submitted by other on August 25, 2021

Defnitely would recommend this school for their unique approach to learning
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2020

I think the overall success of the school is most evident in the middle school where the kids are grappling with dramatic physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes. The academic program is designed to meet them where they are and operates under the assumption of these developmental demands and potential conflicts. They beat the odds and continue to keep school a fun, safe and dynamic environment where kids enjoy spending time. By the end of their tenure, kids are eager for another academic adventure, ready to learn and engage with new teachers whom they view as advocates, mentors and collaborators - not adversaries. If that's not a testament to success, I don't know what is.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2019

We recently transferred to Duke School from another private school in the area. The academics are outstanding the teachers are caring and the environment is welcoming.
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2016

Kids and teachers are very collaborative in this school and kids are both challenged early on but also taught how to be critical thinkers and find solutions. The unique project based approach accompanied by highly dedicated staff and a unique international culture of families makes Duke School really stand out among schools in the South, and perhaps even Nationally.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2016

This is a truly unique school where the project-based approach is a collaborative method to learning that actively builds relationships among peers and with faculty members. The environment is very warm and nurturing, but still centered on making the children actively think about coursework, activities, and exploring ideas.
Submitted by parent on November 30, 2015

I encourage all parents to be skeptical about the selection bias that goes into these reviews. The administration at Duke School has recently changed with a very negative impact on the study experience. Ask serious questions if you are applying this year.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2014

Duke School is everything that I could hope for in a primary school for my two kids. I have been a Duke School parent for 6 years and can unequivocally say that it is a fantastic learning environment for kids. I have no concerns/complaints about the school at all. Initially I was concerned about possible elitism at a private school (having done my undergraduate work at Duke University). This does not exist at Duke School. There are also NO drugs, concerns about boy-girl interaction, or cliquish behavior. Duke School benefits from graduating its kids at the 8th grade level, and while at first I thought this would be a drawback, it has turned out to be the opposite. By not having high school kids around the younger kids, there is not the older kid influence on the middle schoolers. I would not change a thing about Duke School and would recommend it to anyone without reservation.
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2014

We have been very happy since transitioning our two children to Duke School. Our son was under the radar at his previous school. We assumed this was because he was well-behaved and had no problems with his schoolwork. Since joining Duke School, his teachers have engaged him, challenging him to improve his work and ask thoughtful questions. Good enough is not enough. We made the transition primarily because of our son. But, within the first several weeks at Duke School, it was clear that our daughter was benefiting greatly. She made a lot of friends and her teachers were dynamic and caring. The curriculum integrates technology with didactic learning, and the project-based work allows the children to be creative and take 'deep dives' into various subjects. it is evident that the teachers put in a tremendous amount of work to help each child execute their vision with the projects.
Submitted by parent on January 01, 2014

Individualized instruction for kids, especially gifted/high performing kids, fabulous, in-depth project work that engages kids and teaches them 21st century skills, caring, tight knit community, safe, beautiful campus. The teachers are warm and caring and the teacher to student ratio is the best around. By middle school, kids are independent learners who care about the world around them and each other. Virtually no bullying, fights, drugs, etc. at all at this school!
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2011

coming up on our 3rd year with Duke School. PRO's: challenging curriculum. lots of extracurricular activities, real life projects. However, seems like we see a few kids go in the lower school classes each yr. Not a school really geared towards "individual" child. If you don't fit the Duke School Learner mold...you suddenly feel like u are under the microscope. Close monitoring of student progress is a plus but it often feels more political, financial, weed out based than on the actual growth of the student. Campus is sterile looking and less community feel compared to previous campus. Can seem elitist but we have still met some very nice individuals. not much room for informal talks with teachers unless pre arranged face to face or you are there volunteering for lunch coverage. Director seems aloof and with chain of communication instructions, you might have little to no interaction with her. Overall good school but does not value uniqueness.