Early School (pre-K to K) 8:15 am-12:30 pm: $10,000 - $15,710
Early School (pre-K to K) 8:15 am-3:15 pm: $12,000 - $22,610 Early School (pre-K to K) 8:15 am-5:15 pm: $13,000 - $27,240 Lower School (Grades 1-4): $11,075 - $25,616 Middle School (Grades 5-8): $11,614 - $28,328
Carolina Friends School is an independent, co-educationalQuaker school located in Durham, North Carolina. It enrolls students from pre-kindergartenthrough grade 12. The school was founded in 1962 by members of the Durham Friends Meeting and Chapel Hill Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends as one of the first racially integrated schools in the South and the first in the state. While Carolina Friends is guided by Quaker values, it is a secular and inclusive independent school.
Mission Statement
Carolina Friends School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community empowering students to think critically, creatively, and independently. We foster active exploration and quiet reflection, individual endeavor and collaborative engagement. Inspired by Quaker values—pursuit of truth, respect for all, peaceful resolution of conflict, simplicity, the call to service—we teach our children that it is possible to change the world.[1]
Program Highlights
Across all age levels, learning that is experiential and highly relational, emphasizes social-emotional skills and service to the community, and that meets and challenges each student where they are. Student voice and choice and identity development are woven through the program and curriculum.[2]
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is research-driven and built on time-tested practices. Students are prepared for rigorous collegiate experiences. The curriculum builds acquisition of knowledge progressively while teaching students the intellectual and emotional confidence to advocate for themselves and the greater good.[3]
Early Schools
There are three Early School locations[4], serving ages 3-5 (comparable to pre-school through Kindergarten). Durham Early School is located on the grounds of the Durham Friends Meeting, by Duke University's Central Campus, at 404 Alexander Avenue, Durham, NC 27705. Chapel Hill Early School is located on the grounds of the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, at 531 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Campus Early School is located on Carolina Friend's main campus at 4809 Friends School Road. The Early School program is five-day, aligned with an academic calendar, but offers a half day, full day, and extended day schedule.
Lower School (Grades 1-4)
The Lower School program nurtures the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth of elementary students and includes experiential learning and real-world problem-solving.[5] The curriculum focuses on foundational skills in reading, writing, and math and integrates substantive experiences within science, social studies, Spanish, technology, physical education, creative movement, art, and music.[6]
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
The Middle School program continues to use active exploration and problem-solving as students take on increasing responsibility for themselves and their learning. Highlights are a strong social curriculum, intentional community building, and fostering authentic interpersonal relationships.[7] The curriculum has core subject area studies of math, language arts, Spanish, science, and social studies. Students can enroll in two electives per trimester, offering a range of 90 classes in topics ranging from coding, musical theater, journalism, and more.[8]
Upper School (Grades 9-12)
The Upper School program encourages students to be co-creators of their educational experience. Courses are increasingly demanding and varied across the grades.[9] While Carolina Friends School does not use Advanced Placement curriculum, students in advanced classes are given the knowledge and preparation to sit for AP exams.[10] The course schedule and class offerings allow students the opportunity to be challenged appropriately and develop critical thinking skills. The college counseling program works with students across all four years to allow students to explore the right fit for their next step and gain acceptance to a college of their choice.[11]
Carolina Friends School competes as a member of the Central Carolina Athletic Conference.[12] Interscholastic athletics are offered at the Middle and Upper School levels, typically fielding 20 teams across three seasons, with over 360 total team participants, including many student-athletes who play across multiple sports.[13] In 2024-2025, two coaches earned "Coach of the Year" in the conference, and three athletes earned "Player of the Year."[14]
Tuition
Carolina Friends School utilizes a tuition model that offers a range of annual tuition costs through the adjusted tuition program. Total tuition varies by unit (Early, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools). In 2025-2026, $2.2 million in adjusted tuition funds were available, providing tuition support to 34% of students.[15] Prospective families interested in applying to the adjusted tuition program provide financial data through a secure platform at the same time as the admission application.[16] An FAQ offers information on total annual educational costs and how the adjusted tuition program is administered.[17]
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