Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Academic Excellence
Durham Academy has been dedicated to educational excellence since its founding in 1933. Originally established as the Calvert Method School, the institution has evolved into a comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 12 educational community serving over 1,267 students. Our mission focuses on preparing students for moral, happy, and productive lives through rigorous academics, character development, and community engagement. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and 76% of faculty holding advanced degrees, we provide personalized learning experiences that foster intellectual growth and social responsibility. Our three state-of-the-art campuses feature specialized learning environments including engineering labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities.We emphasize holistic education through service learning, arts integration, and competitive athletics, with 43 interscholastic teams. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our student body, where 49% identify as people of color. The school's strategic vision prioritizes innovation in education, sustainability initiatives, and expanding access through financial aid programs that awarded $5.1 million in assistance during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Services
Preschool Program
Lower School Education
Middle School Curriculum
Upper School Academics
College Counseling
Summer Camps
Arts Programs
Athletics Teams
Learning Support
Financial Aid Services
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We offer a Pre-K to Grade 12 continuum with personalized learning and 8:1 student-teacher ratios
- Our faculty includes 76% with advanced degrees and specialized learning support staff
- We provide 43 interscholastic athletic teams and comprehensive arts programs
- Our strategic vision prioritizes innovation in education and sustainability initiatives
- We awarded $5.1 million in tuition assistance during the 2025-2026 academic year
Services
Preschool Program
Our preschool program nurtures foundational skills through play-based learning and structured activities. Certified educators create developmentally appropriate experiences that foster social-emotional growth and early academic concepts. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, motor skills development, and introduction to classroom routines in a supportive environment.
College Counseling
Personalized college counseling begins in 10th grade with self-assessment and career exploration. Our counselors provide individualized guidance through college selection, application processes, and financial aid strategies. The program emphasizes finding best-fit institutions that align with students' academic goals and personal values.
Learning Support
Specialized learning support services include three full-time specialists and eight support coaches. We provide strategies for diverse learning needs across all grade levels. The program focuses on executive functioning skills, personalized accommodations, and collaboration between teachers and families to support student success.
Summer Camps
DA Summer offers age-appropriate programs for children aged 4-18 through Camp Evergreen, Summits, and Summer Institutes. Activities range from outdoor exploration and arts to specialized skill development in technology and academics. Programs operate on our 84-acre campus with before and after care options.
Athletics Teams
Competitive athletics program features 43 interscholastic teams across 20 sports. Our facilities include state-of-the-art fitness centers and professionally maintained fields. The program emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and character development alongside athletic skill-building in a supportive environment.
People
Michael Ulku-Steiner
Head of School
With over two decades of experience at Durham Academy as teacher, administrator, and parent, Michael leads with a focus on holistic education and long-term character development. He emphasizes incremental progress and whole-child development.
Christian Hairston-Randleman
Director of Student Support & Wellness
Overseeing student wellness and support services, Christian brings expertise in counseling and educational leadership. With multiple advanced degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, he coordinates comprehensive support systems for student success.
Lali Pshyk
Director of Enrollment Management
Leading admissions for the Lower School division, Lali serves as primary contact for prospective families. She provides guidance through the application process and financial aid options for early childhood education programs.
Questions
What grades does Durham Academy serve?
We offer education from preschool through 12th grade across four divisions: Preschool, Lower School (Grades 1-4), Middle School (Grades 5-8), and Upper School (Grades 9-12).
What is Durham Academy's student-teacher ratio?
Our overall student-teacher ratio is 8:1, with 18 students per class in Preschool and Lower School, 17 in Middle School, and 15 in Upper School.
Does Durham Academy offer financial aid?
Yes, we awarded $5.1 million in tuition assistance during the 2025-2026 academic year, with 19% of students receiving some form of financial aid.
What are the school's diversity statistics?
49% of our 1,267 students self-identify as people of color, reflecting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all programs.
How does the school support student wellness?
Our comprehensive wellness program includes counseling services, school health professionals, learning specialists, and mental health support across all grade levels.
What extracurricular opportunities are available?
We offer 43 interscholastic athletic teams, performing arts programs, robotics competitions, speech and debate teams, and over 100 student-led clubs and organizations.