Tour Dates

Scheduling tours in 2027!

DCS is now scheduling tours and info sessions in January and February for the 27-28 school year!

Schedule a Tour
Don't show again

Durham Charter School Home

Group of students playing their violins for the next concert
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.
Scholars at work, writing and reading.

DCS Events

Show All Events

DCS News

picture

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, 2026

Have questions about enrollment? Contact our front office.
We'd love to meet your family!
survey data

Q1 New Family Survey Results are in!

98% of families agree or strongly agree that they feel safe having their child at DCS.
100% say the school communicates with families in multiple ways.
100% say it’s easy to communicate with their child’s teachers.
86% are very likely to recommend DCS to another family.
Show All News
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.