Magnet programs & CTE pathways
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  • Year-Round Schools (Calendar Magnet) (información en español) 

    What are year-round schools?

    Year-round schools provide the same curriculum, instruction, and programming as DPS neighborhood schools (with the exception of The School for Creative Studies which also has a specialized program and Holt Elementary which has a specialized program for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years) but do so on a calendar that starts the school year in mid-July and follows every 9 weeks of instruction with a multi-week student intersession break (typically 3 weeks). The school year ends at the same time as DPS traditional calendar schools. DPS year-round schools are single track and are all on the same schedule. DPS provides priority seating for siblings to support the alignment of whole families to the year-round calendar. 

    While not providing a specialized instructional programing, opportunities for enrichment or remediation are available to students during intersession break. In addition to DPS programs, there are community providers that offer enrichment programs aligned with the year-round calendar. 

    Durham Public Schools calendar magnet schools:

    • are governed by the DPS Board of Education
    • provide the required NC Standard Course of Study
    • provide all qualifying students with full access to Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG/Advanced Academics) services
    • provide all qualifying students with full access to English Language Learner services
    • provide all qualifying students with full access to Exceptional Children's services (inclusion services at all schools and separate setting services centered at various magnet locations)
    • provide all qualifying students with full access to 504 accommodations 
    • DPS magnet schools do not have academic or other application criteria. Any student residing in Durham County, within the designated geographic zone for each school, may apply

    How do I know if a year round school is right for my family?

    Many families love the year-round calendar because it provides consistency throughout the year and more frequent breaks for students to maintain a school/life balance, explore their own interests, and stay rejuvenated throughout the school year. Students can take advantage of enrichment or remediation opportunities during intersession breaks and experience less learning loss without an extended summer break. However, parents should consider the potential need for childcare during intersession breaks as well as their own seasonal schedules in deciding to attend a year-round school.

    What options are there for childcare and enrichment during intersession breaks? 

    Many community organizations in Durham and surrounding areas offer programing during these breaks, many that are free or low cost for families that qualify. While Durham Public Schools does not sponsor or endorse these programs, we have listed them here for your convenience. 

    Durham Arts Council: https://durhamarts.org/product/intersession-spring-break-and-teacher-workday-camps/

    Durham Parks and Recreation: https://www.dprplaymore.org/365/Intersession 

    Kidzu: https://www.kidzuchildrensmuseum.org/schools-out-camp/

    Museum of Life and Science: https://www.lifeandscience.org/learn/schools-out-camps/

    Schoolhouse of Wonder: https://schoolhouseofwonder.org/programs/

    Spence's Farm: https://www.sunrisecommunityfarmcenter.com/mini-camps

    Triangle Rock Club: https://www.trianglerockclub.com/durham/youth/school-holiday-camps/

    YMCA: https://www.ymcatriangle.org/programs/camps/track-out-camps

     

    2023-2024 School Year

    Elementary Schools 

    Holt  

    Holt Elementary School (will transition to DLI and the traditional calendar in the 2024-25 school year)

    Current Lottery Policies:

    Entry Grade: Kindergarten–Former Pre-K students must enter the lottery 

    Attendance zone: YES–no lottery application required in attendance zone

    Lottery zone: YES–students who reside in the attendance zones of Eastway, Glenn, Little RIver Mangum, Merrick-Moore, Oak Grove, and Spring Valley 

    Sibling Priority: YES–siblings of current students have priority seating

    Transportation: Regional only—students who reside in the attendance zones of Eastway, Glenn, Little RIver Mangum, Merrick-Moore, and Spring Valley Elementary Schools 

    Contact for program questions: Anita Jarrett (anita_jarrett@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3928   

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

     Easley

    Easley Elementary School

    Current Lottery Policies:  

    Entry Grade: Kindergarten

    Attendance zone: YES–students residing in the attendance zone do not have to enter the lottery  

    Lottery zones: YES–attendance zones for Eno Valley and Hillandale Elementary Schools

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Only for students residing in attendance zones for Eno Valley and Hillandale Elementary Schools

    Contact for program questions: Leah Rubow (leah_rubow@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3913 x3220 

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Pearsontown

    Pearsontown Elementary School

    Current Lottery Policies:    

    Entry Grade: Kindergarten–(former Pre-K students must enter the lottery)

    Attendance zone: NO 

    Lottery zones: YES–attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Only for students residing in attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Contact for program questions: Nicole Krisko (nicole_krisko@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3964 x64426 

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Middle Schools (6-8)

    Rogers-Herr  

    Rogers-Herr Middle School   

    Entry Grade: 6

    Attendance zone: NO 

    Lottery zones: YES–attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Other priority seating: Rising 6th graders from Pearsontown Elementary 

    Transportation: Only for students residing in attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Competitive Athletics: School has its own teams 

    Contact for program questions: Jennifer Umbarger (jennifer_umbarger@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3970 x70235 

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Secondary Schools (6-12)

     SCS

    The School for Creative Studies 

    Current Lottery Policies:

    Entry Grade: 6th 

    Attendance zone: NO

    Sibling priority: YES–siblings of current students have priority seating

    Transportation: District-wide express stops are provided in the morning (group stops that may not be within walking distance of the home) and neighborhood bus stops (within walking distance of the home) in the afternoon. 

    Competitive Athletics: no competitive sports teams of their own, students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate at base school. 

    Contact for program questions: Catherine Crevoiserat (catherine_crevoisera@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3535 x14102

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    2024-2025 School Year and beyond

    Elementary Schools 

    Easley  

    Easley Elementary School

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: YES view here

    Lottery zones: Northern view zones

    Procedure for those in attendance zone: automatically enrolled, not lottery entry required

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Northern Region only

    Contact for program questions: Leah Rubow (leah_rubow@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3913 x3220   

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Oak Grove  

    Oak Grove Elementary School (school will change to year-round in the 2024-25 school year) 

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: YES view here

    Lottery zones: Eastern view zones

    Procedure for those in attendance zone: automatically enrolled, not lottery entry required

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Eastern Region only

    Eastway  

    Eastway Elementary School (school will change to year-round in the 2024-25 school year)   

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: YES view here

    Lottery zones: Central view zones

    Procedure for those in attendance zone: automatically enrolled, not lottery entry required 

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Central Region only

    Pearsontown  

    Pearsontown Elementary School

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: YES view here

    Lottery zones: Southeast view zones

    Procedure for those in attendance zone: automatically enrolled, not lottery entry required 

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Southeast Region only

    Contact for program questions: Nicole Krisko (nicole_krisko@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3964 x64426   

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    hope valley  

    Hope Valley Elementary School (school will change to year-round in the 2024-25 school year)   

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: YES view here

    Lottery zones: Southwest view zones

    Procedure for those in attendance zone: automatically enrolled, not lottery entry required 

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Southwest Region only

    WG Pearson  

    W.G. Pearson Elementary School (school will change to year-round in the 2024-25 school year)   

    Entry Grade: TBD

    Attendance zone: NO

    Lottery zones: Central, Southeast, and Southwest Regions view zones

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Transportation: Central, Southeast, and Southwest Regions only

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Middle Schools (6-8)

    Rogers-Herr  

    Rogers-Herr Middle School   

    Entry Grade: 6

    Attendance zone: NO 

    Lottery zones: YES–attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Sibling Priority: YES

    Other priority seating: Rising 6th graders from Pearsontown Elementary 

    Transportation: Only for students residing in attendance zones for Bethesda, Creekside, Fayetteville St, Forest View, Hope Valley, Lakewood, Parkwood, W.G. Pearson, E.K. Powe, Y.E. Smith, Southwest, Lyons Farm, and C.C. Spaulding Elementary Schools

    Competitive Athletics: School has its own teams 

    Contact for program questions: Jennifer Umbarger (jennifer_umbarger@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3970 x70235   

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí

    Secondary Schools (6-12)

     SCS

    The School for Creative Studies 

    Current Lottery Policies:

    Entry Grade: 6th 

    Attendance zone: NO

    Sibling priority: YES–siblings of current students have priority seating

    Transportation: District-wide express stops are provided in the morning (group stops that may not be within walking distance of the home) and neighborhood bus stops (within walking distance of the home) in the afternoon. 

    Competitive Athletics: no competitive sports teams of their own, students in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate at base school. 

    Contact for program questions: Catherine Crevoiserat (catherine_crevoisera@dpsnc.net) 919-560-3535 x14102  

    Sign up for an in-person tour here

    Regístrese para un recorrido en persona aquí