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DCS News

Construction continues!

Our construction team from Hubrich Contracting continues to make progress on our new Elementary School building. The building is scheduled to open in the fall of 2027.
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A Day in the Life: Kindergarten Video Live!

What does a day in kindergarten really look like? Follow our Durham Charter kindergartners from morning drop-off to afternoon dismissal: phonics, recess, enrichment in the gym, lunch, math, brain breaks, read-alouds and more!

Durham Charter School is a K–12, tuition-free public charter school located at Hwy 98 & Kemp Rd in Durham, NC. Serving families since 1997.

🍎 Kindergarten applications open December 1, 2026!
Apply online: https://www.durhamcharter.org
📅 Application deadline: February 23, 2027

Have questions about enrollment? Contact our front office.
We'd love to meet your family!
Scholars at work, writing and reading.

Who We Are

Durham Charter School serves more than 1350 students, grades K-12, in Durham, North Carolina. We are the oldest public charter school in the state, a 2022 National Title I School of Distinction, and a 2023 YASS Prize Quarterfinalist. We exist to provide a world-class education for families in Durham who have historically had few high-quality options.

DCS FACTS

North Carolina’s 1st Charter School

  • K-12 Grades
  • 22 Average Class Size
  • 1350 Enrolled
    Students
  • 16 Average Teacher
    Experience
  • 1997 Year Founded
Teacher and Student conferring

Our Mission

Our mission is to build a world-class K-12 school in Durham that empowers students to thrive in college, career, and life.