Overall, my experience at this school has been average. I am one of several new students here at DA. The academics are rigorous, but not intriguing. I sometimes find myself bored, not out of the lack of rigor, but out of the lack of interest from the whole room, including the teacher. Now let me address
... Read more the social issue. It is extremely hard for me to fit in. I find myself home all the time, not included in virtually everything. And the worst part of that is that I've signed up and I continue to participate in clubs during and after school. I also am in the sports program. What else can I do to fit in?! I keep trying, and I'm still not being accepted. Clearly, the social thing is not going to change. And that does not help my liking of the school any better. Read less
Posted by a student on 10/27/08
I have had my daughter at DA for 2 years now, and our experience has been excellent. Kindergarten is exceptional; kind, loving teachers who really care about the families that join the school, small class sizes, great resources and great special teachers. The Lower School has some star teachers, some
... Read more very good teachers, and some good teachers, but the real value is the special teachers and their programs (PE, Art, Music, Drama, Spanish, Math, Science), and the small class sizes and resources that are available that give the students the excellent education that they are paying for. Read less
Posted by a parent on 07/12/08
As a student, I cant say that this is really a happy place to go to school. The quality of teachers is extremely variable and often times their best teaching methods and kindest care are saved for the students with the most influential parents in the community. Many teachers play 'favorites' and ignore
... Read more those that are not of their liking. The campus needs a LOT more lovin' and it is hard to figure out where all the tuition money goes when the campus looks so terrible. In all fairness, the cacdemics are quite good and they do prepare students for college and the outside world...but definitely not in the social scene. Read less
Posted by a student on 03/07/08
The middle school is excellent, although there is some variability among teachers in their quality. Glass (Spanish), Parry (English), Harger (Science) and Wilson (Math) are outstanding in the 5th and 6th grades. The Lower School is much more uneven in quality. There will be a new director at the Middle
... Read more School starting in 2008-2009. The four years at the Middle School are critical ones, and I hope that the new administrator is more aggressive at building better communications with parents. In general communications between the administration and the parents are poor. For the money we are paying, I would expect it to much more personalized. As for DA's success in getting students into top colleges, rememberth Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/20/08
I have absolutely loved this school for my children. From Pre-K through the Upper School, my kids have been well-served by a wonderful core of teachers and caring administrators. I know that my children are well prepared for college and for life. I think the school gives children a strong moral foundation
... Read more (with planned community service activities) and the academics are simply unparalleled (and my husband and I attended two other independent schools!). DA is the best. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/08/07
The LS does not meet my high expectations (which it should). The teaching methods in the core classroom are weak. The enrichment classes are good. Science and Spanish are the best.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 01/12/07
This is a very mediocre school for the area in which it is located. There are many other (and slightly better) schools in the area. This school overcharges tuition, and lacks in almost all of the categories Please note that this is my own personal experience with my children, and cannot speak for
... Read more anyone else. Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/12/06
I can't yet speak as a parent, but as a graduate (attended 6-12 grades), I can say that I've gone on to UNC-CH & Johns Hopkins and DA set me up for success. As a freshman and sophomore, UNC was easier than high school. DA is where I learned to learn and learned to think, and for that I will always
... Read more be thankful. Read less
Posted by a student on 09/27/06
We have two children at DA and are having a fabulous experience. Both cannot wait to go to school each morning. The assignments are innovative, the teachers are experienced, and the facilities are incredible. The projects our children bring home evidence considerable learning. The teachers are accessible
... Read more and enjoy being with all of the kids. Parents are highly involved and friendly. In sum, I cannot envision a better experience for our children. Read less
Posted by a parent on 02/20/06
i have 3 children at DA, and needless to say it was hailed as 'the best school in the southeast', and for a reason. In the state of North Carolina, Durham Academy has the highest percentage of kids getting admitted to their top colleges. As far as the pre-school, lower school and middle school are concerned,
... Read more there is definitley room for improvement, however Durham Academy Upper School is worth every penny. Many DA graduates say that college is easier for them because they went to the best school in the south eastern region of the United State. Read less
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Durham schools — Durham Academy Middle School is located at 3116 Academy Rd, Durham NC 27707. 3116 Academy Rd is in the 27707 ZIP code in Durham, NC Durham Academy Middle School is a Private school that serves grade levels 5 - 8.
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Test Score Ratings
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