Small High School Options

The large, traditional high school is not for everyone.  That is why Durham Public Schools has been at the forefront in developing small, non-traditional high schools to meet the particular needs of students.  In fact, DPS is considered a state and national leader in the small high schools movement.  Students must apply for entry, and much of the work is hands-on, project-based learning with internships and other opportunities for students to become more engaged in learning. 

Educators have traveled from around the state and nation to learn about the small school options in Durham Public Schools.  These options offer individualized attention, close relationships between teachers and students, and flexibility for students who desire a different type of school.  These rigorous academic programs also ease the transition into college.

Josephine D. Clement Early College High School

at North Carolina Central University
1801 Fayetteville Street, 27707, 560-2696
Grades 9-12, www.echs.dpsnc.net

The Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College High School (ECHS) is an innovative partnership with North Carolina Central University. Students will graduate with a high school diploma, plus up to two years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. ECHS is designed to substantially increase the number of minority and female students who will pursue advanced studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Applications are available at the school or by contacting the Office of Student Assignment.

Middle College High School

at Durham Technical Community College
1637 Lawson Street, 27703, 686-3815
Grades 11 & 12, www.mchs.dpsnc.net

The Middle College High School (MCHS) expands opportunities for academically capable high school juniors and seniors to earn a high school diploma and receive credit toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or associate’s degree. It is a partnership among the Durham, Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Orange County School Systems and Durham Technical Community College. Through this collaboration, students will experience a rigorous program of study while on the campus of a community college. Curriculum offerings include core honors-level high school courses and community college courses that will count as career pathway credits or high school diploma elective credits. Applications are available online or by contacting MCHS.

City of Medicine Academy

4100 North Roxboro Road, 27704, 560-2001
Grades 9-12, www.cma.dpsnc.net

The City of Medicine Academy is an academically rigorous high school that contributes to educating future health-care professionals in preparation for meeting the ever-growing health-care needs of the community. Students graduating from the Academy are prepared for post-secondary health-care education or to enter the health-care workforce. The City of Medicine Academy’s current location on Roxboro Road places it in close proximity to Durham Regional Hospital, where students can take advantage of job-shadowing and internship opportunities. The school will move into its own facility on the Hospital's campus in 2011. Students can earn certification in several areas while still in high school. An application and parent orientation are required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Street, 27707, 560-3925
Grades 9-12, www.dpsnc.net/IB

Widely considered a prestigious instructional program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program provides students with an international perspective and critical-thinking skills. The diploma is accepted by universities worldwide. The Hillside High School IB Programme provides students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous course of study, get involved in the community and develop their special talents. Potential students must be interested in learning, willing to actively participate in class, have excellent study and time management skills (generally demonstrated by A’s and B’s in prior coursework), and be prepared to spend an average of two to three hours outside of class on schoolwork.

Southern School of Engineering

Southern High School, 800 Clayton Road, 27703, 560-9184
Grade 9-10, (eventually 9-12) www.southernsoe.dpsnc.net

The Southern School of Engineering is designed to substantially increase the number of underrepresented students who will pursue advanced studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The school is an innovative partnership with the New Schools Project of North Carolina with support from the NC General Assembly, the State Board of Education and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The school of engineering’s small size, starting in 2007-08 with 100 students, will provide the opportunity for students to fulfill DPS graduation requirements through individualized instruction. Students will graduate with a high school diploma, plus up to one year of college credit towards a bachelor’s degree. Applications are available at Southern. Rising 9th-graders in the Southern school district are encouraged to apply.

Hillside New Tech High School

Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Street, 27707, 560-9183
Grade 9-10, (eventually 9-12), www.newtech.dpsnc.net

The cornerstone for Hillside New Tech High School (HNTHS) is project-based learning by capitalizing on novel technological resources. The school is partnered with the New Schools Project of North Carolina, and the North Carolina Department of Instruction. Hillside New Tech will combine rigorous and relevant college preparatory curriculum with several integrated courses, problem-based learning opportunities, and an emphasis on content literacy.  The program also will create unique learning opportunities through collaborative schoolwork with internships in local businesses and required community service hours. The school incorporates Hillside’s computer engineering and electronics courses and offers advanced science courses in a variety of areas. Students will graduate with a diploma and up to 12 semester hours. Applications are available online or by contacting HNTHS.

Performance Learning Center

Northgate Mall, 1058 West Club Blvd. Suite 675, 27701, 560-9190
Grades 10-12, www.dplc.dpsnc.net

The Performance Learning Center (PLC) represents an innovative partnership among Durham Public Schools, Communities In Schools of Durham and Communities In Schools North Carolina, Inc. The school offers students the opportunity for online learning with internships and job shadowing in a unique setting. PLC provides an ideal experience for students who want a more flexible schedule. These students may be chronically tardy or absent, or behind on their course credits, but have average or above average ability, and may be facing non-academic challenges to success. Students who are accepted into the Durham PLC must be self-motivated, as the coursework is completed online. Applications are available in high school guidance/and counseling departments. An online skills test is required, along with a parent/student interview.