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Duke School is an independent preschool through eighth grade project-based school located in Durham, NC since 1947.
Early Childhood
Preschool (Ages 3 & 4) and Kindergarten
Our Early Childhood program is for students aged three years old through Kindergarten, providing a full day of developmentally appropriate experiences designed to advance each child's cognitive, language, emotional, and motor skills.
Lower School
Grades 1-4
In our Lower School program, we maintain a small teacher-student ratio to allow for teachers to respect students' individual differences and set challenging but achievable goals for each student.
Middle School
Grade 5 to 8
It is with understanding of and respect for young adolescents that we design our Middle School around their characteristics and needs, enabling each student to develop intellectually and personally.
497
Total Enrollment
1947
School Founded
7:1
Student/Faculty Ratio
39%
Students of Color
We inspire learners to boldly and creatively shape their future. Our students not only master skills of traditional academic disciplines, but they also develop a sense of self, community, and culture.
Upcoming Events
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Bldg. F - Dayna & Lily's Classroom
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High School 411 will be hosted by Duke School's High School Alumni Council on Tuesday, May 27th at 6:00pm. This event will give current DS 8th graders a chance to meet alumni that currently attend their future high schools. If you have any questions, please reach out to Alexandria Turnley.
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Bldg. F - Common Room
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Bldg. F - Leslie & Olivia's Classroom
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Center for Ideas
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Bldg. G - LS Gym - 3
Brennetta Simpson / Student Recital
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Bldg. F - Common Room
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Bldg. E - Jennifer & Emily's Classroom
![Duke School Announces Annie Gentithes as Next Middle School Director]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1739301329/dukeschoolorg/hlmxfud5rqbmx3qwncqd/Annie_website.jpg","width":2200}])
After an extensive national search, Duke School is thrilled to announce that Annie Gentithes has been named the next Middle School Director. A respected educator and leader at Duke School for 15 years, Annie brings a deep commitment to progressive education, equity, and innovation, making her the ideal choice to lead the middle school into its next chapter.
![How 2nd Grade Teacher Dan is Elevating Project Work Through Experience]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1731687975/dukeschoolorg/imwe5smnyera2jiyfibp/CobbwallBuildingSecondGrade2nd202432.jpg","width":2200}])
Join second-grade teacher Dan Heuser and Duke School to learn about elevating project work through experience. Dan is sharing his study through the John Watson Moore Grant he got this summer and introducing the world of cob house building to his class, bringing their "Garden Helpers" project onto a new level.
![Under the Oak - New 2024 Issue of Duke School's Magazine]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724770143/dukeschoolorg/nl6mfdo9ub2lgmxktwvt/UTO2024UPDATED3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724770143/dukeschoolorg/nl6mfdo9ub2lgmxktwvt/UTO2024UPDATED3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724770143/dukeschoolorg/nl6mfdo9ub2lgmxktwvt/UTO2024UPDATED3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1724770143/dukeschoolorg/nl6mfdo9ub2lgmxktwvt/UTO2024UPDATED3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724770143/dukeschoolorg/nl6mfdo9ub2lgmxktwvt/UTO2024UPDATED3.jpg","width":1545}])
We are excited to announce the new 2024 issue of our Duke School Magazine Under The Oak and our school's theme for the 2024-2025 school year - "Building Belonging" - an essential aspect of our students' success and well-being.
![Reaching Goals Together. Welcoming Heather O'Reilly to Coach Duke School's Girls Soccer Team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1706804603/dukeschoolorg/mgggndgero7ew0crn63q/GirlsSoccer2023HeatherOReilly1.jpg","width":2200}])
Duke School's reflection on hiring Heather O'Reilly, the three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the three-time World Cup medalist, as a head soccer coach for girls and their fascinating and successful spring athletic season.
![Think BIG, Duke School!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1692986185/dukeschoolorg/wnkp2olggmtlxdgbw2ix/UndertheOak2023FINAL5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1692986185/dukeschoolorg/wnkp2olggmtlxdgbw2ix/UndertheOak2023FINAL5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1692986185/dukeschoolorg/wnkp2olggmtlxdgbw2ix/UndertheOak2023FINAL5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1692986185/dukeschoolorg/wnkp2olggmtlxdgbw2ix/UndertheOak2023FINAL5.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1692986185/dukeschoolorg/wnkp2olggmtlxdgbw2ix/UndertheOak2023FINAL5.png","width":1545}])
We are Thinking BIG for the 2023-24 school year!
![An update about our Director of Development search]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1681915582/dukeschoolorg/zn73vdccixdqvy5gknrc/SheniseFoote.jpg","width":2200}])
Head of School Lisa Nagel shares an update about our Director of Development search.
![An exciting update on our Next Lower School Director]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1680703211/dukeschoolorg/kohxkmcjnpsnvihkzmwt/LSdirectorsearch.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1680703211/dukeschoolorg/kohxkmcjnpsnvihkzmwt/LSdirectorsearch.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1680703211/dukeschoolorg/kohxkmcjnpsnvihkzmwt/LSdirectorsearch.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1680703211/dukeschoolorg/kohxkmcjnpsnvihkzmwt/LSdirectorsearch.png","width":1080}])
After a national search, Duke School looks ahead to an exciting future on our Lower School campus.
![A $1,000,000 Gift will Endow the Scholarship for Equity in Education at Duke School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1666799031/dukeschoolorg/plejer0u2wckbaozbgx9/Fifth_Grade_Values_Project_Oct_202224copy_Linda.jpg","width":2200}])
A historic $1,000,000 Gift will Endow the Scholarship for Equity in Education at Duke School.
![DEJB Updates: Scholarship for Equity in Education & The Duke School Teaching Fellows Program]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1664462971/dukeschoolorg/nyl4zj96v6op3qbu8ope/5th_Grade_Guest_Expert_Sheila_Turnage3.jpg","width":2200}])
Exciting updates in our Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Belonging work.
![Alumni Spotlight: Pursuing Her Dreams]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1635354002/dukeschoolorg/oos66g57uuhsodezw1qu/Marisa-1.jpg","width":2200}])
Marisa Rauwald ‘12 reflects on her career in sports broadcast jouralism and foundations built at Duke School