Mission & History

Durham Academy Mission

The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. The development of intellect is central to such a life and, thus, intellectual endeavor and growth are the primary work of the school. The acquisition of knowledge; the development of skills, critical judgment and intellectual curiosity; and increased understanding are the goals of the school's academic program.

Durham Academy is committed to helping each student achieve personal growth in an atmosphere that is both supportive and challenging.

Recognizing that intellectual growth cannot by itself lead to a rich and responsible life, Durham Academy is committed to helping each student achieve personal growth in an atmosphere that is both supportive and challenging. Durham Academy provides students with opportunities to develop physically, learn the habits that lead to sound mental and physical health and experience the lessons and satisfactions of competitive athletics; to gain appreciation for the visual and performing arts, discover creativity within themselves and encourage growth of their own imaginations; to develop habits that lead to moral behavior, responsible action and the growth of character; and to gain an awareness of present and future obligations to fellow students, community, country and world.

Durham Academy believes that enhancing the spirit of community among faculty, students and parents is essential to the achievement of its goals. The faculty approaches each student as an individual, and the school encourages close personal relationships fostered in an atmosphere of trust, respect for individual differences and appreciation for the racial, cultural and religious diversity in our society.

The DA Graduate: A Mission-Driven Life

What does a moral, happy, productive life look like? What do we mean when we use those words? What traits or characteristics are essential to living such a life?

The Durham Academy Graduate: A Mission-Driven Life is the product of a yearlong conversation among faculty from all 14 grade levels, with input from alumni, parents, staff and trustees. It is a bold constellation of character traits that drives our daily work and sustains our students long past graduation.

Explore the DA Graduate

90 Years of Changing Lives

Durham Academy was founded in 1933 as Calvert Method School. In 1959, the school changed its name to Durham Academy and began an expansion, which led to the first high school graduating class in 1975. The school is organized into four divisions, each with its own director. The Preschool includes pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, the Lower School grades one through four, the Middle School grades five through eight and the Upper School grades nine through 12.