Durham Academy

3601 Ridge Road

Durham, NC 27705

11 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 21, 2025

Very happy with our time at DA, since enrolling our child in the middle school. Our child is excited about the curriculum being taught and oftentimes comes home eager to discuss it with us. Many of the teachers are seasoned instructors, having been there a long time- also a testament to the staying power of those who teach at the school. Plenty of opportunities for parent involvement. Staff are friendly and welcoming.
Submitted by student on November 29, 2023

I am a lifer at DA, been there since pre- k and currently in 8th. It’s a great school, supports kids and makes them feel noticed. If you want your child to get the best education then definitely choose DA, I always feel at a better place in learning than people in my grade in other schools despite my average grades at DA. It teaches innovation and the new campus they are building will house all the students and their passions. Someone said it was a woke school, it’s an accepting school, not pushing agendas. They try and make everyone noticed. They have affinity groups and students can create their own if they think that they are un represented. Teachers are definitely very kind and want the best for their students. My teacher noticed I was struggling this year and had a conference with the counselor, never told my parents about what I talked about and told he was there for me as well as other teachers. If the school does not tell a parent something it’s usually either related with outing a student or a student in counseling, they only tell others if a student is going to harm themselves, others, or others are harming them. DA also teaches students to be individuals and try to let students take ownership for their work and show their parent’s themselves, if they don’t no worries, at a parent teacher conference or at an email or call, teachers will happily tell you. Never at DA have I ever felt threatened or bullied, DA is a school I will never stop recommending. My only drawback from it is that it’s very expensive and being qualified for a lot of financial aid takes a lot, if not equipped with money then students may not be able to go on trips (highschool) since those require 5k-10k.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2023

This school is very woke and they are pushing an agenda on children. Parents are not kept up to date on what is said and if your child doesn’t tell you then you wouldn’t know. They claim unity but teach division. Honestly considering taking my child out because they shouldn’t be made to feel bad about being white.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2017

I believe this school gives the children great learning and helps Him or her to reach there greatest potential and ability in every day learning and in life.
Submitted by other on November 11, 2014

I was a DA "Lifer," meaning I went to Durham Academy from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The education that I received at DA was excellent. Upon graduation, I was well-prepared to succeed academically at a top national university and later at a highly ranked graduate business school. Today, I run a successful non profit that I founded. My success in life is do in large part to the education that I received at DA during my formative years. Having an education from DA opens doors to the elite universities in the United States. If your academic goals include going to an Ivy league university or at worst attending a top 100 university, then Durham Academy is the right school for your children.
Submitted by other on May 23, 2014

I am a 9th grade student here coming from 9 past years at Chapel Hill Carrboro Public Schools. Durham Academy has been an absolute dream come true. The staff, administration and students are the most kind, compassionate, thoughtful people. The teachers and headmasters find each child's passion and help them achieve this. Every child is recognized for what makes them special. The academics are incredible and the teachers truly want you to do your absolute best and will do what ever they can to help you achieve this. In recent years Durham Academy has made tremendous effort to make the student body very diverse and make every student feel welcome. I honestly believe there is not a better school in existence than Durham Academy and I am so grateful that I am able to attend here.
Submitted by student on May 18, 2014

I was a student at Durham Academy from Pre-K-12 and found it extremely effective in setting me up for success at both a top 5 college and then law school. Of particular note I think is the quality of the school's integrated writing curriculum: I have always felt like I was far more prepared than peers from similar backgrounds in any academic and professional writing setting, all the way through graduate school, which I attribute in large part to DA. The teachers were excellent and vastly higher quality than any of the public or private schools in the state that I had friends at.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2012

Our daughter has attended DA since Pre-K, and will be in the 3rd grade this fall. The teachers are amazing - we have been blessed each year to be placed with the perfect match for our child - someone who is warm, loving and encourages her to open up and be the best that she can be, and who also challenges her academically. She entered DA as a shy child who has blossomed into the girl on the front row behind the mike at SongFest. The computer lab since K has caused her to be more familiar with a computer than I was in law school. She loves her school, her teachers, and her friends. This is a true community, and a family, not just a school. Yet, as a school, it is the best around by far! Academics are stressed, but so are the arts, sports, and especially character development. Parental involvement is greatly encouraged.
Submitted by other on August 25, 2011

DA's outdoor campus makes it one of the most special school environments that I have ever seen. It is such a great place to not only learn, but to make friends, play sports, and just interact with all members of the DA community. Everyone is very accepting of new students and tries to get them involved with everyone. Not only are the teachers great and smart, but so are the students. There are very few students here that aren't above average or higher in terms of intellectual prowess. It's college placement of seniors speaks for itself. Overall, it is an incredible place to be.
Submitted by other on August 05, 2011

As a DA alumni, my appreciation for my experience at Durham Academy grows more as tome goes on. DA provided me with the most academically challenging experience of my life. DA taught me how to think critically and understand my strongest learning modalities (and how to capitalize on them). I have since gone on to get a Bachelors and Masters degree, and never once did I feel as challenged in my post-secondary education as I did at DA. I am a teacher now, and looking back, with my insider's perspective on education, this school completely astounds me. The passion of the teachers, the focus on critical thinking, the development of writing skills, and the expeditionary learning are simply unparalleled. I still keep in touch with many of my wonderful teachers, who I am thankful to have as mentors still today!
Submitted by other on January 02, 2011

I am a student at Durham Academy currently in the Middle School. I think it's a really good school. The teachers are nice and seem to really care about you. The campus is really creative and outdoorsy. The library and technology programs are excellent. And so are the academic programs. DA makes learning fun.