Interested In SCS?
Want to come to SCS? Lottery opens January 5, 2026 and ends January 30, 2026. Visit the DPS Main Webpage to learn more about the lottery.
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About Us
The School for Creative Studies is a year-round magnet middle school where creativity meets academic rigor. We believe in nurturing the whole child with a caring staff, a strong arts program, and engaging academics that empower students to think beyond boundaries—because here, there is no box. As Gryphons, we let the lion lead with courage so the eagle can soar with vision. At SCS, students don’t just learn—they create, explore, and thrive.
Contact Us
The School for Creative Studies operates on a year-round academic calendar.
Course Offerings
Advance Core Offerings High School Credits
6th (Advance Math &Reading)
7th (Advance Math, Math I- must meet criteria)
8th grade (Math I, II, English I, Spanish I, Earth Environmental Science)
Elective Offerings
Computer Science
CTE (Career Exploration, Etc)
Chorus
Band
Theatre
Visual Arts
Additional Courses Added Yearly
Transportation
Durham Public Schools provide transportation via Express Bus Stops. These express stops, which act as centralized boarding locations for students.
Sports
2025-2026 Sports for grades 6-8
Volleyball
Cross Country
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Basketball
Track & Field
Cheerleading
Wellness Wednesday and SCS Clubs
A dedicated time for students to focus on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Activities and discussions are designed to help students build healthy habits, manage stress, develop self-awareness, and connect with others. Wellness Wednesday encourages our Gryphons to prioritize balance, resilience, and self-care because thriving in school starts with taking care of yourself!
Soccer Club
Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
Drama Club
Game Room Club
Horror Movie Club
Journalism Club
Photography Club
Creative Writing
Study Hall/ Quiet Spot
Cheer Club
Nintendo Club
Peaceful Pause
Book Club
Asian Culture Club
We Are Kings
Student Government
Bulletin Board Club
Chess Club
Basketball Club
Dungeons & Dragons
"What I like about this school is that when we have our clubs, they give you new opportunities to learn new things in life. I also like that the teachers push you to do your best so you can pass your grade. I love our cool events at SCS, one of my favorites so far was the Fall Festival for Halloween. I’m really glad I came to SCS because now I can show what I really like to do, like band, art, and other things. I think you’ll like it too."
Dallyce Toliver
6th Grade
“What I love most about SCS is how nice the people are. The teachers are kind and supportive, and the students are also welcoming and friendly. I love the classes and clubs—they’re really fun and exciting. Being a part of SCS is truly amazing. I’m looking forward to making new friends, trying new things, and so much more to come.”
Ji'Leah Palmer
6th Grade
“Some things I like about my school is that the teachers are very nice, it is not hard to find friends, and you always have a lot of opportunities for different things. Some opportunities are theatre plays, sports, and clubs. Another thing people like, are the events, some of the events or activities we have done is the Wellness Wednesday, haunted house, and the STEM Beta Box. Even though I am a 6th grader, and this is my first year as a middle schooler, I am really enjoying The School For Creative Studies.”
Aiden Jones
6th Grade
"What I love most about SCS is how there is respect. The respect keeps the community together so it doesn't break. This helps people become friends or creates stronger relationships. This is why I love SCS!"
Brianna Childs
6th Grade
“I like the teachers here the wellness Wednesday and the students. I like the sports here and their electives like P.E. and Chorus.”
Kevin Lassiter
6th Grade
“SCS is a nice school because I’ve met most of my friends here. The environment is very safe and educational. The teachers and club options are really cool and fun. Overall, SCS is an amazing school to attend!!”
Liam Frye
7th Grade
“The reason why I like SCS because when I come here I feel more safe. The second reason I like SCS is the teachers are nice and care about us. The third reason is coming here everyday make me feel like home when I’m here. The last reason is the whole school try their best on everything and they do their best to make the students happy.”
Kyrie Bagley
8th Grade