Pursuing the 30-year vision of strong leaders and loyal community members, Beyond the Threshold delivers on a commitment to create student-focused learning environments that meet Durham Academy’s standard of excellence. With the completion of that plan in sight, a cohesive, connected and collaborative learning experience will be secured for the next generation of Cavaliers.
Ridge Road Campus
Photo by Dave Chandler
1. August 2018/April 2019 - STEM & Humanities Center and Smith Hall
Collaborative, interdisciplinary learning environments for engineering, science, technology, math and humanities. Smith Hall hosts 100+ for meetings and events.
2. November 2019 - K Family Outdoor Commons
Amphitheater and pavilion/performance space with stepped seating that opens to athletic fields. Supports social activities and celebrations.
3. November 2023 - Lower School Playground
Expands the playground's footprint and incorporates natural elements for creative play.
"A good environment makes learning more meaningful. The Arts & World Languages Center provides so many opportunities for interaction and creativity and shows our students the importance of a good education. We really care about their learning and want their environment to be one that builds happiness and success." Jesús Sánchez, Middle School Spanish Teacher
Academy Road Campus
Photo by Dave Chandler
4. March 2021 - Arts & World Languages Center and Horton Hall
Collaborative spaces enhance teaching and learning for world languages and arts.
5. May 2023 - Gateway Center
Interdisciplinary learning environments for science, math and social studies including flexible classrooms, labs, student services and administration.
6. Late Fall 2023 - Quad
Creates a true heart of campus with space for outdoor learning, eating, recreation. Graded walkways improve accessibility.
7. Fall 2024 anticipated completion - University Drive Entrance and Alumni Way
Creates new main entrance aligned with an existing intersection. Eases dropoff/pickup and traffic flow, increases available parking.
8. Future Phase - New Gym and Extended Day Center
New, regulation-size gym with built-in seating supports athletics, doubles available PE space. Renovation of existing gym expands after-school programming.
"We chose to support the Beyond the Threshold campaign in honor of the amazing families, faculty and administrators who helped build this school before us, the incredible community we've become a part of today, and those who will thrive as the result of a DA education in the future. We see and feel the positive impact the mission and vision of DA have on our entire family and are thrilled to contribute to its legacy." Ashley and Lyle Yetman, Lower and Middle School parents
Campus Master Plan
Campus Master Plan created - 1998
The Cornerstone Campaign ran from 2000-2004 with a goal of $13 million.
Strategic Plan prioritizes 1998 Campus Master Plan - 2001
2001-2002
Preschool/Lower School - Ridge Road Campus
2002-2003
Brumley Performing Arts Building - Preschool/Lower School
Beyond Excellence Strategic Plan includes revisions to 1998 Campus Master Plan - 2006
The Evergreen Campaign ran from 2010-2013 with a goal of $9 million.
Beyond Excellence Strategic Plan prioritizes Upper School campus - 2010
2011-2012
Learning Commons - Upper School
2012-2013
Kirby Gym - Upper School
The Beyond the threshold Campaign is scheduled to run from 2018-2024 with a goal of $30.7 million
2017-2019
STEM & Humanities Center - Upper School
K Family Outdoor Commons - Upper School
2019-2021
Arts & World Languages Center - Middle School
2021-2023
Gateway Center - Middle School
2023
Quad - Middle School
Playground - Lower School
2024 projected completion
New campus entrance & Alumni Way - Middle School
Future projects dependent on continued philanthropic giving
New gymnasium & Extended Day center - Middle School
Literature & Language Arts Building - Middle School