Apply to Duke School

Welcome to Duke School. We're so glad you're here. 

We’re excited you're considering Duke School—a community where children are known, challenged, and inspired to grow. Whether you're just starting your search or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you find the right match for your family.

Our 2026–27 admissions season (for the 2027–28 academic year) will include campus tours, open houses, and casual conversations designed to give you a meaningful glimpse into our program, values, and community.

We're still setting our dates for the coming season. Please check back in late August for the full schedule.

In the meantime, we'd love to stay in touch. Inquire below to join our mailing list, and we'll make sure you're the first to know when tours, application dates, and deadlines are announced.

We're committed to making the admissions experience smooth and personal, from your first inquiry to your first day on campus. We look forward to getting to know your family.

  INQUIRE NOW 

Date                                               Admissions Process & Deadline                             
September 2, 2025 Applications Open for 2026-27 Academic Year  

December 4, 2025

                                 

First Round Applications Due / Preschool through 8th Grade; Indexed Tuition* (Clarity) Applications Due

 

February 17, 2026

First Round Early Childhood (Preschool & Kindergarten) Decision Notifications  
February 25, 2026 First Round Early Childhood Commitment Deadline  
February 27, 2026 First Round Lower School (Grades 1-4) and Middle School (Grades 5-8) Decision Notifications   
March 11, 2026 First Round First through Eighth Grade Commitment Deadline  
Two students of Duke School, near orange county nc, standing in our elementary school classroom
Student of Duke School, our middle schools in durham nc, sitting at a desk working on a computer
Students of Duke School, our elementary school near chapel hill, sitting inside of their classroom

AN UNMATCHED ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND EMOTIONAL EDUCATION AT DUKE SCHOOL

Duke School offers an unmatched academic, social, and emotional foundation in which one year builds upon the next. Eighth graders are leaders, role models, and valued contributors to the community in ways that empower each of them. Project work starts as early as preschool and grows more sophisticated each year. And our small class sizes allow teachers to form close relationships with students and families—and to tailor instruction to the needs and interests of the individual.

Best of all about Duke School, our students and families become part of a tight-knit community built around a shared love of learning. And that shared love of learning stays with our students for life.