DA Newsroom
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![Helping Chart the Course: Students Help Shape DA’s Strategic Vision]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657029998/durham/xmwbtllb3hhs0vdpypu8/Students-Weigh-in-Illo_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657029998/durham/xmwbtllb3hhs0vdpypu8/Students-Weigh-in-Illo_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657029998/durham/xmwbtllb3hhs0vdpypu8/Students-Weigh-in-Illo_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1657029998/durham/xmwbtllb3hhs0vdpypu8/Students-Weigh-in-Illo_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657029998/durham/xmwbtllb3hhs0vdpypu8/Students-Weigh-in-Illo_1.jpg","width":1300}])
Pre-kindergartners’ to seniors’ feedback has been immediately incorporated into the process to chart the course of Durham Academy.
![Raleigh NC independent elementary school student holding paper on the floor in a classroom]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657029998/durham/t8nihohgf6baxxxvwwg7/DA7_6866.jpg","width":1800}])
Through the Passion Power Hour program, second-graders are given the freedom and support to design projects based on topics that interest them.
![Durham NC private high school students outside planting trees outdoors]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657039163/durham/xjghsyfyqus3auhjrvzp/DA7_5991.jpg","width":1800}])
A couple of the first Innovation Journey Fund grants to be approved include the use of augmented reality for world language learners and a more intentional environmental sustainability structure.
![Student standing inside of an independent high school in Raleigh NC]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1657029997/durham/ukg4kor7excfrly1naal/DA7_7815.jpg","width":1800}])
Students are exploring interests in everything from engineering a humanure toilet to helping classmates with learning differences.
MISSION-DRIVEN
![Celebrating Life, Humanity and ‘Sublime Beauty’ on the Appalachian Trail]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1643119126/durham/iaykv3njiuhmviahpw6j/070321presidentials_nh-edited-large-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1643119126/durham/iaykv3njiuhmviahpw6j/070321presidentials_nh-edited-large-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1643119126/durham/iaykv3njiuhmviahpw6j/070321presidentials_nh-edited-large-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1643119126/durham/iaykv3njiuhmviahpw6j/070321presidentials_nh-edited-large-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1643119126/durham/iaykv3njiuhmviahpw6j/070321presidentials_nh-edited-large-2.jpg","width":1400}])
Upper School computer science teacher Julian Cochran tackles the adventure of a lifetime through Durham Academy's faculty sabbatical program.
![Senior Service Project Shines Light on Value of Common Humanity]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1643048678/durham/uu2q9xh2s4kqmwyug2ms/Copy-of-IMG_1514-crop.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1643048678/durham/uu2q9xh2s4kqmwyug2ms/Copy-of-IMG_1514-crop.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1643048678/durham/uu2q9xh2s4kqmwyug2ms/Copy-of-IMG_1514-crop.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1643048678/durham/uu2q9xh2s4kqmwyug2ms/Copy-of-IMG_1514-crop.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1643048678/durham/uu2q9xh2s4kqmwyug2ms/Copy-of-IMG_1514-crop.jpg","width":1400}])
DA partnered with the Triangle Nonprofit and Volunteer Leadership Center for the fall 2021 Senior Service Project.
![With New Strategic Vision in Hand, DA is Planning for an Unscripted Future]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1642168476/durham/tfcyjetke81b1iopxdk5/US-Quad.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1642168476/durham/tfcyjetke81b1iopxdk5/US-Quad.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1642168476/durham/tfcyjetke81b1iopxdk5/US-Quad.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1642168476/durham/tfcyjetke81b1iopxdk5/US-Quad.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642168476/durham/tfcyjetke81b1iopxdk5/US-Quad.jpg","width":1400}])
A flexible design-thinking process will help infuse the spirit and the practice of incremental, iterative improvement in our students, our faculty and our school.
![In Fall Seminar, Students Dig into Value of Trees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1642107491/durham/at89pgedbuxiizhqheia/planting1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1642107491/durham/at89pgedbuxiizhqheia/planting1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1642107491/durham/at89pgedbuxiizhqheia/planting1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1642107491/durham/at89pgedbuxiizhqheia/planting1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642107491/durham/at89pgedbuxiizhqheia/planting1.jpg","width":1500}])
A new year can be an opportunity to make more sustainable choices and to spend more time immersed in nature. It can also be an opportunity to learn about the long-lasting environmental and societal impacts of choices made in decades past, as participants in the most recent sustainability seminar learned this fall.
![Senior Service, Reinvented]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":600}])
The Class of 2021 was able to take advantage of the limitations of the pandemic and worked together to learn more about the community in which they live, even though they had to do so remotely.
![Putting Passions to Paper]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":600}])
Seventh-graders write about something they feel passionately about using poetic devices.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
Leslie King
Director of Marketing & Communications
C: 678-613-6707
P: 919-287-1729
Kate Auger
Digital Content Specialist
919-489-3400 (x6155)
Melody Guyton Butts
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
919-489-6569 (x6145)
Tim McKenna
Director of Alumni Engagement
Alumni News
919-489-6569 (x6149)
Kathy McPherson
Content Marketing Writer/Editor
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Jesse Paddock
Videographer
919-489-6569 (x6154)
Durham Academy's Office of Communications is responsible for all DA digital platforms and print publications, including the school's website, social media, photography, videos, e-newsletters, bi-annual magazine, and press releases.
We encourage our accomplished faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and parents of alumni to notify the Office of Communications about personal or professional news, announcements or achievements. Email us so we can share them!
Through the Passion Power Hour program, second-graders are given the freedom and support to design projects based on topics that interest them.
Commencement speaker Gabriel Bump urged the Class of 2022 to nurture the friendships that will support them in times both good and tough.
Groups create spaces for caregivers to get to know others with a shared religion, race or family makeup, or whose children have shared experiences.