Our School

Academics First

Pillar 1: Academics First

We deliver a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum tailored to each grade level. We employ consistent instructional practices that drive outstanding academic achievement.

Pillar 1: What does it look like? 

1. All curriculum is highly rated by ED Reports and/or customized by expert teachers. 
2. Staff wide Teach Like a Champion teacher training.
3. All leaders trained in the Get Better Faster/Leverage Leadership coaching model.
4. AIG, Exceptional Children, and unique ESL supports. 
5. 94% teacher retention who on average have 10+ years of experience, 90% are certified, and 65% have masters degrees

Pillar 2: Community Through Character

We believe our community is shaped by the daily choices, actions, and behaviors of our students, staff, and families. To be part of this community, we each commit to the highest standards of character and conduct in order to create a school where learning thrives in a safe, supportive environment.

Pillar 2: What does it look like?

1. House System to create a culture of friendly competition and belonging that links students across grade levels and classes. 
2. Strictly enforced no cell phone policy.  
3. Rigorous Code of Conduct across all grades enforced consistently.
4. Schoolwide systems, routines, and procedures that all staff adhere to consistently. 
5. Uniforms. 
6. K-12 SEL curriculum

Pillar 3: Arts, Engineering, and Athletics

We guarantee access to arts, engineering, and athletics by exposing every scholar to each discipline throughout elementary school. Beginning as early as fifth grade, students select a specific focus and continue to develop their skills through high school with daily instruction that builds toward mastery.

Pillar 3: What does it look like? 

1. Students select a Major in 5th grade and take that course daily. Options include: Orchestra, Choir, Dance, Visual Art, and Applied Engineering/Robotics/Chess through 8th grade.
2. Students have weekly PE in K-5, and daily recess. 
3. High School students have the opportunity to move into advanced majors in high school and the opportunity to graduate with the NC Arts Endorsement.
4. Middle school students participate in daily fitness classes that include calisthenics, yoga, walking, and running that culminates with the  Presidential Physical Fitness administered each semester. 
5. We offer intramural sports in elementary school and interscholastic athletics in middle, and high school. 

Pillar 4: Early College for All

All high school students have the opportunity to pursue a College Transfer or Career Technical Pathway at Durham Technical Community College. Through these pathways, high school students become college students, earning college credit or career-technical proficiency.

Pillar 4: How it Lives

1. Highly structured 9th and 10th grade course sequence that ensures students are prepared to be dually enrolled at Durham Tech Community College by their Junior or Senior year.
2. Students have the opportunity to graduate with an associate’s degree and up to 2 years of college credit that will be automatically accepted by 4-year universities in the UNC system. 
3. Students have the opportunity to graduate with career technical certification in a variety of fields that lead to financial independence.
4. Transportation is provided between the school and Durham Tech for free. Books are paid for by the school.
5. Durham Charter staff are on site daily to provide support and oversight of DTCC students.