MULTIMEDIA PUBLISHER & DIRECTOR OF CLIENT DIGITAL STRATEGY Jenna Parks
MANAGING EDITOR, HEART OF NC WEDDINGS Renee Ambroso
CLIENT ONBOARDING & OPERATIONS MANAGER Brian McIndoo
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jack Fry
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT DIRECTOR Morgan Cartier Weston
MULTIMEDIA CONTENT PRODUCER Caleb LeJeune
DISTRIBUTION Matt Bair
CO-FOUNDERS
Dan Shannon & Ellen Shannon
Durham Magazine is published six times a year by Triangle Media Partners, founded in 2006 by Dan and Ellen Shannon. Subscriptions, $38 for two years, are available at durhammag.com. To purchase copies, call 919.933.1551.
OCtober/NOVEMBER 2025 contents
DOWNTOWN
20 Tomorrowland
Center Studio Architecture’s Scott Harmon on how downtown can grow stronger through connection
24 Main Attraction
Get to know the people behind new businesses on this primary downtown thoroughfare – from artisan galleries to vibrant bars and so much more
36 Shaping Up
Fresh faces, new spaces and all the ways to move in downtown
42 Downtown, Rising The latest development news
50 Home Away From Home
A downtown condo goes from blank slate to move-in-ready escape in just a few weeks
SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
60 Star Students
These kids shine both in and outside the classroom
68 Built to Perform Durham School of the Arts’ new campus is designed to shine with daylight-filled classrooms, professional theaters and a sustainable footprint
70 Making the Grade
Durham Tech’s Abraham Dones shares his vision for equity, innovation and preparing students for success in today’s evolving higher education landscape
74 Directory of Independent, Regional Boarding, Charter & Application Program Schools
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
86 Goal Oriented
Soccer practice becomes a playbook for teamwork, resilience and respect on Durham’s elementary school fields
96 Changing the Game
Durham Queer Sports welcomes LGBTQIA+ players and allies to the field with no fees, no judgment and all joy
Letter from the Editor
Go.See.Do. Kick back with these festive fall happenings
16 Let’s Dish at Barsa New Indian
18 News Bites
Now serving: the latest Bull City restaurant news
PEOPLE & PLACES
100 El Centro Hispano’s 33rd Annual Gala
102 Urban Ministries of Durham’s Auction Gala
WEDDINGS
103 Combs & Upchurch
Katic & Welch
In Good Company
Ifirst met Ashleigh Ratchford in my neck of the woods, when she was selling her ooey-gooey Ashleigh Bakes Daily cookies out of a charming, if tiny, shed behind Crafts & Drafts NC She was clearly passionate about her product, as was I, after nabbing a big box to share with the team back at the office (though I’ll admit a few didn’t make it past the parking lot) and radiated pure joy, a love that you can absolutely taste in every bite. She’s one of several business owners featured in this issue who have taken the leap over the past year to open a downtown shop in Durham. Beginning on page 24, you’ll meet people who are pursuing passions, chasing long-held aspirations and bringing fresh energy to our city.
Supporting local isn’t just about dollars spent – it’s about sustaining the character and identity of Durham. Whether it’s a new bakery or a longtime shop that has weathered decades of change, these businesses thrive when we show up. (I know I’ll be bringing my suit-obsessed brother, Erich, to Ascend Collection Menswear soon!) And what struck me most with this latest group of entrepreneurs is that none of them are in it just to make a buck. Time and again, one word kept coming up: community. They’ve chosen Durham to launch and grow their dreams because of the people here. In return, we have the chance to choose them back –by visiting, purchasing, spreading the word and celebrating the joy they bring to our neighborhoods. I hope you’ll join me in doing just that – after all, your new favorite hang might be just around the corner!
amanda.maclaren@durhammag.com
by John Michael Simpson
NEW NEST
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles spreads its wings, bringing iconic flavors to East Durham’s growing food scene.
AHEAD OF THE CLASS
Find the right school for your child with our online guide to education choices in the Triangle.
BABY JUST SAY, ‘YES’ We’re getting close to engagement season! If you live in Durham or are from here and want to share your love story in the magazine, let us know.
THE COVER
Photo
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Bull City Race Fest
OCT. 19
The 13th annual race, which begins and ends at the American Tobacco Campus, will follow new routes this year as it winds through Trinity Park, WattsHospital Hillandale, Lyon Park, Durham Central Park and surrounding downtown areas. Choose the half-marathon, 5-mile run or the new team challenge then toast your achievement at the post-race party!
Barktoberfest
OCT. 25
Durham Parks and Recreation partners with Beyond Fences, an organization that provides free pet services and supplies to neighbors in need, to host an afternoon of howling good times for furry friends and their owners at Durham Central Park Compete in costume contests, take a photo booth picture with your pups, go on a walk through the park, enjoy local brews and eats, visit the pet market and learn about local foster and adoption organizations. Don’t forget to bring canned dog food to contribute to the food drive.
Griot & Grey Owl Writers Conference
NOV. 7-9
The annual event celebrating Black Southern storytelling takes place at downtown venues like American Underground, NorthStar Church of the Arts and the Durham Arts Council
see go
Is It Thursday Yet?
NOV.14-15
This Duke Arts Presents performance at Reynolds Industries Theater weaves dance, live music and home video footage into a powerful portrait of choreographer Jenn Freeman as she reflects on life after receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis at age 33. Featuring an original score by composer and vocalist Holland Andrews, set design by Tony Award winner Rachel Hauck, and co-direction and choreography by Jenn and Tony winner Sonya Tayeh, the work offers a raw and intimate exploration of memory, identity and self-discovery.
KICK BACK WITH THESE FESTIVE FALL HAPPENINGS
Compiled by Kate Loeffel
This year’s theme, “Mining Black Stories from the Appalachia to the Gullah Coast,” honors narratives that span the Carolinas and are rooted in memory, magic and legacy. The conference features writing workshops, publishing panels, networking mixers and special events with guests including Nnenna Freelon, Pierce Freelon and North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, among many others.
Durham County Pottery Tour
NOV. 8-9
The 12th annual celebration of the local pottery scene and its craftspeople returns with an open studio tour that showcases functional and decorative wares, sculptures and jewelry crafted from a range of materials and modalities. Enjoy a wide variety of styles from potters such as Brookestar Jorgensen, Katherine Marting, Elizabeth Paley, Gaines Bailey and Anna Schroeder. Visitors can explore up to 30 studios across the county, and meet the artists to learn more about their craft. Pottery will be available to purchase at all tour locations.
Shop Seagrove!
Handmade Pottery Capital of the United States
Kick off Fall 2025 by joining Seagrove Potters on the first two Saturdays in October in celebration of “American Craft Week”.
Find your perfect pottery pumpkin on the Potters’ Pumpkin Patch Trail along NC Pottery Highway 705, weekends, during the month of October at participating potters.
the
Get a head start on your holiday shopping and immerse yourself in the world of handcrafted artistry at the Seagrove Pottery Event Weekend, Saturday & Sunday, November 22nd & 23rd. It’s the perfect chance to find unique gifts, add to your own collection, and experience the rich tradition of Seagrove pottery in a festive, pre-holiday atmosphere. yourself
and
and
Iron Pour
NOV. 15
Join more than 5,500 attendees who gather every year at Durham Central Park to witness teams of artists construct furnaces that heat iron to unbelievably high temperatures. Liberty Arts’ ninth annual public event features performances, local food trucks, craft beer, art vendors and opportunities to learn from and engage with the art form. Watch as thousands of pounds of molten iron are poured into molds in an exciting, fiery display throughout the night, creating iron tiles designed by the public and sculptures crafted by North Carolina artists.
NOV. 14-16
Head to the Durham Performing Arts Center for an electrifying tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Follow Tina Turner’s inspiring journey as she broke barriers and rose to global stardom, all set to the thrilling soundtrack of her greatest hits, including “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep –Mountain High,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” and “Proud Mary.” Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, this high-energy production captures the resilience, power and unforgettable music of one of the bestselling artists of all time.
Durham Art Walk Holiday Market
NOV. 22-23
Kick off the holiday season with the Durham Arts Council during this annual weekendlong shopping experience in the heart of the City Center District. The market allows patrons to stroll through and shop from dozens of local artists and craft vendors, enjoy live music and dine at downtown restaurants.
Tails at Twilight
NOV. 22
NOV. 15
Experience the spellbinding artistry of one of the most acclaimed voices in indie folk at the Carolina Theatre as he tours in support of his long-awaited fourth studio album, “Local Valley.” Expect an evocative evening that showcases both new tracks like “Visions” and favorites such as “With the Ink of a Ghost” as José blends delicate nylon-string guitar with lyrics sung in English, Spanish and Swedish performed with understated elegance.
The Animal Protection Society of Durham hosts its annual gala at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. This one-of-akind fundraiser supports the thousands of homeless animals served by APS every year, and includes a silent and live auction of unique items and experiences interspersed with fun and heartwarming tales. Tickets include a three-course dinner with drinks and unforgettable, moving stories of the lives of rescued furry friends.
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical
José González
Photo credits Page 10 Is It Thursday Yet? photo by Matthew Murphy; Durham County Potter Tour artwork by Elizabeth Paley; Griot & Grey Owl Writers Conference photo by Law Bullock, courtesy of Griot & Grey Owl; Barktoberfest photo courtesy of Durham Parks and Recreation
Page 12 "Tina - The Tina Turner Musical" photo by Manuel Harlan; Iron Pour photo by NS Media Group; José González photo courtesy of the Carolina Theatre; Tails at Twilight photo by Ashley Sherrow of Assorted Poppies; Durham Art Walk Holiday Market photo courtesy of the Durham Arts Council
THE CAROLINA THEATRE HAS EDUCATIONAL & FAMILY PROGRAMMING FOR EVERYONE!
let’s dish
Barsa New Indian
BY SHARON KINSELLA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Expect comforting classics alongside inventive, modern dishes that arrive bright, fresh and flavorful at Barsa New Indian, perched along the north side of the Downtown Loop on the corner of West Morgan and North Mangum streets.
“Barsa” means “rain” in several Indian languages, symbolizing freshness, renewal and clarity.
“When it rains and you go out [afterward], you
[feel] that fresh breeze and [clean air],” co-owner Chandra Yadla explains. “That purity is what we’re giving [with our] food.” He and five fellow owners, all with roots stemming from various Indian villages, channel their grandmothers’ clay pot cooking. Everything is made from scratch; Barsa’s dedicated team grinds and blends its own spices every morning, then pairs them with the highest-quality ingredients: free-range, hormone-free meats (locally sourced whenever possible) and wild-caught seafood like Alaskan lobster and scallops – all prepared without additives, dyes or anything artificial.
COMFORT ZONE
Putting that philosophy into practice is executive chef Vinod Kumar, whose resume includes Michelin-star kitchens and fivestar hotels across India. “Indian cooking is like medicine,” Vinod says. He draws on traditional Ayurvedic principles to craft dishes that not only delight the palate, but also nourish the body. “For me, cooking is all about quality care and creating food that makes people feel good,” he says. “I believe every dish should tell a story and leave a memory.”
Among the favorites: Baarish ka Lamb – slow-cooked, spiceinfused lamb shank with dill and fennel, best enjoyed with an Indian cabernet sauvignon –and Lobster Moilee, a fragrant coconut curry with turmeric and curry leaves, which pairs beautifully with a riesling.
Pro Tip
Follow @barsa.nc on Instagram for a chance to score DPAC tickets and meal giveaways. And if you’re headed to a Bulls game next season, stop in beforehand – the ballpark is just half a mile away.
ABOVE Juicy chicken, marinated with thyme and garlic, cooked to perfection in the tandoor.
BELOW Bartender Sath Naren crafts a Boond Boond (“drop-by-drop”) cocktail, a decadent combination of gin, agave, and lime and pomegranate juices.
WE’LL DRINK TO THAT
Barsa’s beverage program reflects the same devotion to freshness and artistry. The restaurant currently pours about 25 distinctive wines by the glass or bottle, with plans to expand the program into a full wine cellar holding 100 to 150 bottles along the main dining room wall. Its cocktail and mocktail offerings highlight Indian flavors with playful twists. Sip a Garam Barsaat, or “warm rain,” – a cognac-based hot toddy with garam masala – as the weather cools off, or try the Khatta Meetta Badal (“sweet and sour clouds”), a tequila-and-chili creation featuring gulkand, a sweet rose petal preserve, and served with betel leaf for a refreshing finish.
SWEET ENDINGS
The experience continues past the main courses; Barsa also boasts an in-house pastry chef – a rarity in most restaurants and especially uncommon in Indian dining, Chandra says. Guests can expect three mainstays: a burnt butter panna cotta, a lychee sorbet and the pudding-like millet halwa, alongside rotating monthly specials.
LEFT Flambéed tableside, these tender “gunpowder” lamb chops burst with robust spices and smoky flavor.
NEWS BITES
YOU’RE INVITED TO
Tails at Twilight for the
NOVEMBER
22, 2025
ANIMAL PROTECTION
SOCIETY OF DURHAM
Who is that behind the mask? Could it be your new best friend?
• In August, the team behind Durham restaurant staples Namu, Bulkogi and The Can Opener opened Baekho Coffee & Ice Cream, which serves inventive drinks and scratch-made, locally sourced ice cream through a large walk-up window connected to the STEAM-focused maker space The Makery at Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Dr., Ste. 155. The cafe’s menu features espresso drinks made with Counter Culture Coffee beans, yuzu slushies and signature creations like the Peachy Sweet Matcha Latte and Korean Coffee Slush. The group, including Charlie Ji, Joe Choi, Bo Kwon and Jin Song, also signed a lease agreement for another suite at Boxyard RTP, where they plan to introduce a unique concept featuring Korean corn dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, kimchi fries and a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
• Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, a longtime Bull City fave, is moving to East Durham. The iconic spot is taking over a renovated space in the Garland Building on South Driver Street, and, as of press time, is expected to open in late September. The new location will continue serving up its classic chicken & waffle combos while still offering its build-your-own options and in-house specialties but now with more parking and outdoor seating to enjoy.
• Ponysaurus Brewing Co. won medals for three of its beers at the U.S. Open Beer Championship: Its gosé took home a silver medal in the Leipzig-style gosé category, the fourth year this brew has placed. The brewery’s rice lager also took home a silver medal, and its “Ponyvana,” a collaboration brew with Brewery Bhavana, earned bronze in the “Collaboration Beer: Dark Beers” grouping. Fullsteam earned a gold medal for its Green Envy beer in the American strong pale ale category, while Clouds Brewing nabbed a silver medal for its Rain Czech in the dark lager group.
• Soul Forking Good food truck opened a storefront at 2500 Meridian Pkwy., Ste. 135, in the former location of Chef Chick’s Bakery. The restaurant serves soul food with traditional Southern flavors with favorites including chopped steak with gravy over rice, turkey wings, mac and cheese and collard greens.
• Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub now offers a new bar fare menu featuring eats from TanDurm Kitchen. Managed by the team behind its sister restaurant, Viceroy, the new concept blends fresh Indian and Asian street food flavors with pub classics (yes, the famous McCabe’s fries are still on the menu!) including starters like chips and curry or falafel and hummus, along with bar classics like wings, which you can now order with a hakka sauce. TanDurm’s story comes full circle, too – the food
truck once parked on the pub’s lawn nearly a decade ago was the very beginning of Viceroy. This latest collaboration reflects Bull McCabe’s’ long-standing vision as more than just a traditional Irish pub: It’s designed to be an international gathering place where community and flavor meet.
• Gyu-Kaku Japanese Barbecue is slated to open at 214 Hunt St., Ste. 100. Gyu-Kaku operates restaurants in close to 20 states – including two in North Carolina, one in Charlotte and the other in Greensboro – across the country as well as several territories in Canada. The restaurant provides an authentic Japanese yakiniku (grilled barbecue) dining experience where customers share premium cooked meats over a flaming, smokeless grill while sipping Japanese sake, shochu and frosty cold beers.
• Renowned chef Katsuji Tanabe is bringing back his High Horse restaurant, this time at Horseshoe at Hub RTP. The original concept opened in downtown Raleigh’s City Market in 2019 but closed shortly after due to the pandemic. Katsuji is partnering with Raleigh restaurateur Anthony Rapillo on the relaunch, with new menu items but the same modern look and inviting atmosphere, complete with a cocktail bar and patio, that is set to open next summer.
• Cucciolo Famiglia opened Aug. 23 in south Durham’s Sutton Station, bringing a family-friendly spin to the Cucciolo restaurant group owned by Jimmy Kim. The most casual of the three concepts – joining Cucciolo Terrazza in North Hills and Cucciolo Osteria downtown –the new spot serves classic AmericanItalian favorites alongside modern pasta dishes.
• The Chicken Hut, the second-oldest continually operating restaurant and oldest Black-owned restaurant in Durham, was awarded a $50,000 grant from American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Backing Historic Small Restaurants program. Owned by Peggy Tapp and Claiborne Tapp III, the business is one of 50 grantees chosen in the nationwide program with the intent to spotlight small, family-owned restaurants and fund renovations and expansions.
• The Old North Bar opened its doors at 316 W. Geer St. in the former Accordion Club space Sept. 13. The bar brings an old-school, relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere; a full bar mixing classic cocktails and new creations alike; local beer on draft, cans and bottles in the fridge; plus hot dogs from Hawk Dogs served 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. each day the bar is open (every day but Tuesday).
• Moe’s Original BBQ permanently closed Sept. 12 after five-and-a-half years at 2014 Hillsborough Rd. – compiled by Zahra Alqudaihi
STAND UNDER MY UMBRELLA
Barsa’s atmosphere strikes a balance between upscale and inviting. A canopy of colorful upside-down umbrellas float above the dining room, echoing the hues of the vivid dishes served below them. Doodle-inspired wallpaper pops against a clean, modern aesthetic of warm woods and slate gray, and bronze cutlery adds a refined touch.
Guests can find table, banquet and pet-friendly patio seating for full meals, or bar seating for drinks and small bites. The restaurant welcomes all, whether you’re planning a group dinner, date night or family outing, and takes care to accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions and special celebrations. At Barsa, attentive service, artful presentation, heart and authenticity come together to create an experience worth savoring. Visit for lunch and dinner; reservations are highly recommended on the weekends.
RTP-DurhamMag-final.pdf 1 8/14/25 12:12 PM
The future of downtown is about connection. My first job in North Carolina was about exclusion, not connection. The firm I worked for designed homes for gated golf courses and gated retirement communities. I remember the fake street we designed for an assisted living center. I really didn’t want to retire on a fake street with a bunch of old white people like me. I dreamed of a tiny apartment overlooking the glorious mayhem of a real street, and a corner cafe where I could sit, watch, talk and connect with whole humans and their messy lives.
Work Ahead
BY SCOTT HARMON
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Tomorrowland is a column in which community members share their visions for Durham’s future. Scott Harmon is an architect and real estate developer. He and his colleagues at Center Studio Architecture have worked in Durham for 25 years, creating more than 500 homes for their fellow humans. Originally from Atlanta, Scott studied architecture at Rice University in Houston and interned with Robert A.M. Stern in New York City. He facilitates white anti-racist organizing, loves political crime dramas and plays Zelda on Nintendo Switch. He lives downtown with his husband, Stoney Bowman-Harmon, and, like everyone else in Durham, is trying really hard to leave things better than he found them.
In 2000, I escaped my gated job, started my own practice and chased my downtown dream. In 2004, David Arneson and I opened Center Studio Architecture. Downtown has come a long way in the past quarter century. Back then, a couple dozen folks lived here – now there are thousands. Now that we have the numbers, it’s time to work on the connections.
We’re still recovering from the decimation of urban renewal a half century ago. I hope we can heal our big streets: Mangum, Roxboro, Duke, Gregson and The Loop. These one-way racetracks don’t connect – they isolate. Restoring the original fabric of two-way streets is essential. I hope we can heal the canyons of blank walls, like the one along East Chapel Hill Street and the Durham Convention Center. These gaps in the retail fabric profoundly limit connection and commerce. Do y’all remember the first Parlour ice cream summer? Self-Help Credit Union transformed that tiny block of Market Street into retail storefronts. The plaza came alive every night with people and pets and kids ... just hanging out and connecting. To me, that was the first time downtown felt like a neighborhood. Before then, most people drove downtown for the great food and drink, then drove back home. Place-making is the art of building things that foster connection with our neighbors and community. It’s how we create desire and devotion for our city. Create the backdrop, and let The Parlour do the rest.
The most important connections (and the hardest ones to heal) are those that cross boundaries of race and class. When the Durham Freeway cut down the Hayti community, we didn’t just lose buildings. We lost the places where our Black neighbors – half of Durham’s population – had figured out how to thrive and support one another despite four centuries of enslavement, violence, oppression and disinvestment. We didn’t hesitate to extract every last resource out of that community so we could build that road. We decimated their history, their businesses, their ice cream shops, their culture and their health – no aspect of their lives was untouched.
Downtown Durham doesn’t work if everyone looks and acts like me. I can’t find my whole humanity if I’m disconnected from half of my neighbors. My white friends and I have lots of work to do. It’s daunting, and we won’t solve it in our lifetimes, but let’s connect and do what we can.
Scott Harmon at Dillard Co-Living, Center Studio Architecture’s most recent downtown housing development.
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attraction ma i n
Get to know the people behind new businesses on this primary downtown thoroughfare – from artisan galleries to vibrant bars and so much more
BY SHARON KINSELLA
PHOTOGRAPHY
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
BATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Ashleigh Ratchford launched Ashleigh Bakes Daily in February 2021, turning a pandemic pivot into a full-fledged passion. This past June, she solidified her vision with the opening of her 307 W. Main St. storefront. “The pandemic got me started, but the feeling of bringing people joy through baking is what keeps me in it every day,” she says. “I love knowing that doing something I love can bring happiness to others.” Every treat, from cookies to brownies and more, is handmade in small batches – no machines, just careful craftsmanship – ensuring that quality remains the heart of her work. Ashleigh says that visibility was one of her business’s biggest challenges, and
BY
Primrose Bar & Lounge plays host to Main Street business owners Gerald Allen, Mike Douglass, Nikki Chhatbar, Darryl Coleman, Alexa Kapoor, Roy Guerrette, Jecenta Merritt, Tom Sowders, Anjanette Jackson, Cameron Luke, Prakash Sambath and Ashleigh Ratchford.
now that dessert lovers know where to find her, she’s already seeing steady growth. Up next? Bringing “Reserved Batch” – a new bake-it-your-way pastry shop concept where customers pick their own dough and mixins, and enjoy warm, fresh-fromthe-oven cookies – to life.
DRAWN TOGETHER
Visitors to Fusion Gallery & Classes often leave with the same reaction: “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.” That enthusiasm fueled the rapid rise of the project launched by Samm Quiser, Alexa Kapoor and Roy Guerrette. What began in July 2024 as a three-month pop-up inside Cecy’s 2.0 quickly blossomed into a permanent downtown presence a year later with the opening of its 321 W. Main St. location in July. The initial response exceeded expectations and revealed what Durham’s artistic community had been craving: a creative home rooted in accessibility and connection. Fusion grew from solely showcasing the founders’ work to representing more than 60 local artists in just a year. The gallery added classes and events, and began partnerships, including school
“Being visible in such a vibrant and thriving environment is a blessing,” says Ashleigh Bakes Daily owner Ashleigh Ratchford. “I’m so grateful.”
collaborations that help fund art programs and studentcurated shows. The team says downtown provides the ideal environment, with steady foot traffic, curious neighbors and an electric energy that fuels the inventive spirit of both the gallery and its visitors.
Fusion continues to expand offerings with classes in jewelry making, silver clay sculpting, mosaic making and copper enameling – mediums that are difficult to do at home –giving people a chance to try something new in a supportive setting. Fusion also hosts monthly solo exhibitions during Third Fridays and is forming
Game On
E.O.’s Athletic Club, the latest venture from the team behind Kingfisher, Queeny’s, QueenBurger and Killer Queen Wine Bar, is slated to open January 2026 at 341 W. Main St. The sports bar aims to be a community hub where die-hard fans and casual viewers alike can connect over great food, drinks and shared moments. Expect TVs showing both men’s and women’s sports, from college and Olympic events to professional leagues. The menu will feature Northeast-style pizza, loaded baked potatoes, wings, salads and more. Even the decor will carry community ties, with childhood sports photos submitted by locals literally sealed into the bar top. Watch parties, theme nights and specialty competitions will keep the energy high, with programming that highlights everything from the NFL and March Madness to the WNBA, National Women’s Soccer League, niche sports and local favorites. E.O.’s is “more than just a sports bar,” co-owners Michelle Vanderwalker and Sean Umstead share – it’s a place to belong.
Fusion Gallery & Classes founders Samm Quiser, Roy Guerrette and Alexa Kapoor named the space to reflect their glass and ceramic roots as well as their philosophy of bringing people together.
new satellite gallery partnerships with other businesses. Samm, Alexa and Roy envision a long-term role in shaping Durham as a premier arts destination in the Southeast.
STYLE THAT SUSTAINS
Rustic Passport Studios began as a promise to honor endangered traditions and has evolved into a fashion brand with a purpose. Designer and owner Nikki Chhatbar celebrated the grand opening of her first permanent storefront downtown in July. She launched the brand with a mission she calls CARE: “Creating awareness about sustainability; Assisting artisans; Reviving age-old art; and Empowering women.”
Her journey began years ago in India, where she saw the struggles of traditional block-printing artisans and vowed
to help preserve their craft. That promise, combined with her own frustrations with fast fashion and a passion for sustainable design, ultimately led to the creation of Rustic Passport.
Every piece in Nikki’s collection is made from 100% organic cotton and dyed with natural, chemical-free vegetable dyes. The designs are intentionally versatile – one size fits most, reversible, unisex and meant to be worn for years – even shared or passed down among family members. “I want people to feel the difference,” Nikki says. “When you wear clothing that’s natural and intentional, it’s not only good for the planet – it’s [also] good for your body and your mind.”
Nikki also teaches hand block printing and carving classes, allowing visitors to learn about the craft as well as shop at her 321 W. Main St. store and studio, which shares space with Fusion Gallery & Classes. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand into wellness offerings, carrying forward her lifelong dedication to sustainability, inclusivity and community.
CONSCIOUS CLOSET
Rose & Lee Collective marked its first anniversary at 213 W. Main St. this August, adding to six successful years at its original Apex location. Amber Brennan co-founded the boutique with Prisca D’Rozario before becoming sole owner in 2022. Her inspiration began years earlier while
ABOVE Rustic Passport Studios owner and designer Nikki Chhatbar models one of her custom creations.
RIGHT Rose & Lee grew from a simple list of sustainable brands into a boutique showcasing ethically made fashion and goods.
working in big-box retail, where she witnessed firsthand the harmful impacts of fast fashion. She started compiling a catalog of sustainable, ethical brands, not realizing it would one day become the foundation for her own store. That list eventually evolved into Rose & Lee, named after the founders’ middle names, and today it features a curated mix of socially conscious brands that align with Amber’s vision.
Amber says downtown has provided the perfect home for the boutique, with its steady energy, packed calendar of events and constant flow of visitors. She adds that the sense of community is what makes being in Durham so special – fellow business owners, neighbors and newcomers alike have made Rose & Lee feel welcomed from the start. Amber continues to dream big about what’s next. “There’s always something exciting on the horizon,” she says, “so stay tuned!”
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
Ascend Collection Menswear opened its brick-and-mortar shop at 329 W. Main St., Ste. A, in December 2024, a culmination of owner and style consultant Cameron Luke’s longtime passion. His upbringing in church, surrounded by “Sunday best,” planted the seeds of his love for suiting and personal style, which took root as a teenager and steadily grew
Stretching the Scene
Main Street is flexing its muscles with four new fitness studios. Discover more options on page 36.
through years of research, experimentation and eventually client work at American Underground. Opening a storefront, he says, was about providing a personal experience for customers and creating “a space someone could walk into that looked like what [I] wanted to showcase.”
The location carries added significance: According to Open Durham, the building once housed the Federal Clothing Company in the 1920s. A century later, it has come full circle as a fashion destination. “Everybody who walks in says it’s so great to see a menswear store on Main Street again,” he says. The shop has already attracted repeat clients, as locals choose to support a Durham-based business over online retailers.
In the coming year, Cameron is exploring Duke-inspired custom garments and planning a one-year anniversary and holiday event this December. For him, Ascend is as much about connection as it is about clothing – a place where quality garments and personal service never go out of style.
CURRY FLAVOR
Anjappar Indian Bar and Grill opened in November 2024, adding southern Indian cuisine to the mix of downtown dining. Owner Prakash Sampath, who operates additional Anjappar locations in Cary and Seattle, Washington, with another set to open soon in Charlotte, has long wanted a Durham presence. He got his first big business break here in 2004 and says he’s looked for a downtown opportunity ever since. The space at 201 E. Main St. required nearly two years of upfit before opening, but the result is a modern bar and grill in the heart of the city.
Ascend Collection Menswear owner Cameron Luke says one of his favorite things about being downtown is the tight-knit community of fellow business owners.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANJAPPAR DURHAM
Anjappar Indian Bar and Grill’s location in The Bullpen offers diners the flexibility to enjoy a sit-down meal or carry drinks out into the social district.
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Anjappar sets itself apart from other Indian restaurants in the area with its menu that focuses on food from the southern part of India. “Our food is niche,” Prakash says. “It’s not your regular Indian restaurant food.” Diners have responded enthusiastically, and many have already become regulars. “They have been craving some good Indian food,” Prakash says of his customers. Adding live music on weekends and adapting the menu with faster lunch options to better serve downtown’s office workers are on the horizon for Anjappar. Prakash also hopes to see weekday activity increase as more nearby office spaces open and downtown foot traffic grows.
IN FULL BLOOM
Primrose Bar & Lounge owes its origins to family tradition. Co-owner Mike Douglass still remembers his Aunt Flossie’s famous daiquiri – a frozen rum cocktail that became the highlight of every celebration.
Downtown’s blend of history, creativity and community made it the clear choice for Darryl Coleman and Mike Douglass to open Primrose Bar & Lounge.
Enjoy tequila cocktails – Becky with the Good Pear and Here’s Looking at You, Kid – paired with eats from Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas. Order from across the street and have it delivered straight to Primrose!
When he turned 21 and earned the right to finally try it, he was hooked. He began experimenting with flavors, hosting tasting nights and refining his method. In time, his friend and now co-owner, Darryl Coleman, suggested turning that passion into something bigger, and the idea for Primrose was born.
The two began planning in 2018, determined to create more than a bar. They imagined a high-end cocktail lounge that felt like an experience, where every drink has a story and the space itself carries the same artistry. Their vision took shape with the assistance of designer Jodie Evans, and Primrose officially opened at 111 W. Main St., Ste. 100, in April.
The name nods to the evening primrose flower, which blooms in low light and is known for its restorative qualities – a fitting symbol for Durham’s resilience and tenacity.
“Durham has that ‘you belong here’ feeling,” Mike says. “It celebrates art, diversity and [community], and we’re honored to provide a place that adds to that spirit. … We hope everyone who visits feels that same sense of beauty, warmth and purpose.”
THE LOCAL BEAT
Downtown has no shortage of nightlife, but Houston’s Bar and Lounge, which opened in October 2024 at 108 E. Main St., stands out for its infectious energy. Owner Gerald Allen wanted a spot that felt lively and welcoming, with weekly events that keep people coming back. Karaoke nights with free wings, Taco Tuesdays and Sunday Funday have already built a loyal crowd. “I think the community really loves it,” Gerald says. “Locals come out and enjoy everything we’ve got going on.”
Gerald, who also owns Let’s Eat Soul Food, named the bar after his son, Houston – a personal touch that grounds the business in family even as it grows into a downtown destination. He says the best part of being on Main Street is the buzz of the community and being in the mix of it all.
The response has been so strong that Gerald is already planning his next move: Another bar is in the works on Chapel Hill Street, part of his larger goal to expand and leave a lasting imprint on the city where he grew up.
More to Explore
Several other newcomers have joined the downtown scene this year. Vessel Coffee House & Art Cafe opened in June at 506 N. Mangum St., Ste. 102, supplanting the former Everlou Coffee space. After years of serving from a mobile trailer, owner Rod Lawson set up Narrative Coffee Co.’s brick-andmortar inside Durham ID’s 300 Morris St., Ste. 101, in July. Fate & Folklore, a mystical shop by Diana Abreu, opened in April at 123-B Market St. April also saw the arrival of Zeitgeist Gallery and Bar at 725 N. Mangum St. while Switchyards, a 24/7 neighborhood work club, opened in August at 733 Foster St.
YOGA | SCULPT | PILATES | WELLNESS | COMMUNITY
In the heart of downtown | Durham ID
OFF THE WALL
The Boulder Garden is arguably unlike any other rock climbing gym you have ever visited. Sure, there are holds on the walls and routes to tackle, but this space – housed in the 101-year-old former Durham Brazing and Welding Works building at 328 Roney St. –feels more like an indoor oasis and gallery than your standard bouldering setup. Lush greenery fills the space, psychedelic artwork lines the walls, and the vibe is intentionally social, making it natural to cheer on a stranger or strike up a conversation between attempts.
Owner Johnny Davis founded The Boulder Garden to build confidence in climbers and inspire them to explore the outdoors. Membership perks include free crash pad and guidebook rentals for outside adventures, while in-house events like headlamp climbs and
Fresh faces, new spaces and all the ways to move in downtown
MICHAEL SIMPSON
BY SHARON KINSELLA |
PHOTO BY JOHN
Kayla Johnson, Ashley Shechtman and The Boulder Garden’s head setter Henry Ritterpusch tackle the climbing wall, where routes change frequently to keep the experience fresh.
solstice celebrations keep things fresh inside the gym. “It’s a really happy space, and it’s also a bit of an escape for people during the work day and [from] the turmoil of life,” Johnny says. “It’s a chance to just focus on friends, the wall, pushing yourself and attempting to meet your goals.”
Beginners can ease in with the gym’s popular Intro to Bouldering class – an option included with the price of admission – while advanced climbers find challenge in its monochromatic route system and topping-out walls designed to mimic real rock. Youngsters also find a home here, with after-school programs, summer camps, youth teams, birthday parties and Third Friday kid nights providing opportunities for children to grow not only as climbers but as confident, curious people with a passion for adventure. It’s also the only climbing gym downtown, making it an accessible option for those traveling on foot or by bike, or downtown workers who are looking to squeeze in a climb during a lunch break.
New early morning hours and a growing events calendar continue to build The Boulder Garden’s reputation as more than a gym. It’s a third space – part climbing haven, part art gallery, part gathering spot – where adventure and creativity thrive side by side.
HIT THE GROUND SPINNING
Rhythm-based spin studio Revel opened its doors at 115 Morris St., Ste. 111, in June, bringing high-energy rides and a strong sense of community to its location at The Novus Owner and lead instructor Mia Wise first turned to spin after an injury ended her career as a Duke University field hockey player. She found it to be the perfect blend of “gritty athleticism and graceful choreography” and has been hooked ever since.
For years, Mia noticed a gap in the local fitness scene: Despite Durham’s flourishing downtown, there wasn’t a spin studio within 10 miles. She and her husband, Durham native Kyle Mumma, set out to change that. The couple first tested the waters with a pop-up next to the Durham Farmers Market earlier this year. The buzz around the music drew curious passersby, many of whom became the studio’s first members. “We knew the Durham community would be welcoming and supportive, but it has exceeded our expectations,” Mia says.
Revel distinguishes itself by stripping away screens and numbers to focus purely on movement, music and instructor-led motivation. Each class is designed to be immersive, with lighting, rhythm and coaching that encourages riders to challenge themselves while connecting with others. Popular offerings include Swiftie Saturday rides and Revel Reset, a Sunday evening class that helps participants refocus before the week ahead. First-timers receive personalized guidance to get set up comfortably, then are led through an inclusive class with options for every skill level. “We want Revel to be a place where anyone can feel the benefits of in-person group fitness,” Mia says.
Revel aims to become a true fixture in the community beyond its bikes, too, and has already partnered with several other Durham businesses; hosted free, private rides for local groups; and commissioned artist Mayanthi Jayawardena of Serendib Creative for a custom installation in the space. Mia envisions the studio as a place where riders not only build strength and stamina, but also confidence and connection. “We celebrate progress, both on and off the bike,” she says.
GOOD VIBES ONLY
Play isn’t just encouraged at Recess Yoga Studio, it’s part of the philosophy. The second-floor studio at 345 W. Main St. opened in March, marking the Durham debut of founder and teacher Tom Sowders’ popular Carrboro concept.
Tom’s inspiration came after a night out with friends when a realistic FaceApp rendering of his future self surprised him. The man in the picture still had a spark – backwards hat, easy smile – and represented a version of himself who had pursued his deepest dreams and kept yoga close to his heart. Tom signed his first lease within weeks and, a year and a half later, trusted an inner pull that led him to bring that vision to Durham.
Tom says he values his independence as the sole proprietor of Recess. “I make decisions that benefit my student and teacher community first and the bottom line second. Or third!” he says. That means no bells and whistles, and no gimmicks – just movement, meditation and a lighthearted approach that makes yoga accessible.
First-time visitors can expect beneficial movement and a deeper sense of self. “You’re going to see a bunch of really cool people who are here not to judge or be judged, but to fully inhabit their bodies and lives,” Tom says. Teachers often invite students to bring curiosity and play into their practice – wiggling hips, laughing through a lion’s breath or tapping into the freedom that comes with releasing your inner child. Tom believes motivation comes from pleasure – not pressure. “The things that will make you happier come from within,” he says. “We’re trying to tease them out of you.”
Vinyasa flow remains the most popular class, but students seem to return for the uplifting energy and supportive community. Recess
ABOVE Revel riders power through choreographed intervals as music, lights and collective energy drive the ride. BELOW Recess Yoga Studio owner Tom Sowders says the success of his Carrboro studio led him to follow his heart and bring his practice to Durham.
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
PHOTO BY GRAYSON WISE
also launches its first 200-hour yoga teacher training this fall, offering students the chance to deepen their practice and lean further into the studio’s focus on curiosity, connection and rich mindful experiences.
LIFT, LAUGH, LOVE
Strength, inclusivity and empowerment drive Tribal Fit, a new group fitness studio co-owned by Anjanette Jackson and Jecenta Merritt. The gym opened in January at 807 E. Main St., Bldg. 6, Ste. 20, with a clear objective: create a space where people – especially those 30 and older – can stay strong, confident and supported.
“We’re building a community that’s OK with who you are, right where you are,” Jecenta says. That focus on inclusivity helps remove the intimidation often felt walking into a gym, especially for those returning to exercise after years away. Members and trainers leave judgment at the door, share encouragement freely and hold one another accountable. “Clients end up supporting one another more than we support them in class,” Jecenta, who’s also a trainer, adds.
Classes center on strength and conditioning, with lowerbody and deadlift sessions filling the room. The training itself is popular, but it’s the camaraderie that keeps folks coming back. They swap numbers, check in with one another and celebrate progress together. Jecenta also meets one-on-one with clients for up to two goal assessments per month, offering personal encouragement and tailored support for each member’s fitness journey.
Community doesn’t stop at the gym door. The studio hosts monthly happy hours that bring morning and evening groups together, plus the occasional movie night – opportunities for gym-goers to bond outside the studio. “We get to know their kids, spouses, their lives,” Anjanette says. Tribal Fit reminds its members they can stay strong as they age – and never have to do it alone.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Step inside Virge Yoga, and you’ll quickly feel its “house of wellness” approach. The studio, which opened in January at 200 Morris St., Ste. 140, at Durham ID, embodies owner and CEO Jodi Myers’ vision to create a space where
yoga could be utilized as a vehicle for connection, joy and authentic growth. “Our mission is not only about movement on the mat, but also about empowering people to discover their strongest selves while forming genuine bonds with others,” she says.
Every visit is designed to foster a sense of belonging. First-time students find warm welcomes, caring guidance and encouragement to explore yoga at their own pace. Jodi says the word “family” best describes the Virge community; participants aren’t just students – they’re members of a supportive group that grows together.
ABOVE Tribal Fit members motivate one another, celebrate milestones and stay accountable while pursuing their fitness goals.
LEFT “Virge strives to be the heartbeat of our community,” says owner and CEO Jodi Myers, “where yoga is a vehicle for transformation, laughter and authentic growth.”
Classes range from traditional flows to innovative formats. Power Vinyasa embodies the studio’s focus on alignment and mind-body connection, while Sculpt Vinyasa blends strength training with dynamic movement, creating an energetic, full-body workout that remains rooted in breath. Students find motivation in the laughter and encouragement that fill each class – an energy Jodi believes is far more powerful than pressure. Teachers emphasize that progress comes from showing up for yourself rather than striving for perfection. “Motivation becomes less about pushing and more about discovering joy in the journey,” she says.
The studio balances reverence for yoga’s roots with innovation that keeps its methods fresh and relevant for modern practitioners. That philosophy has propelled growth beyond the Bull City, with two new locations in Holly Springs. Even as it expands, Virge Yoga holds tight to its core vision: providing a sanctuary for wellness and belonging, serving as the center of a community where every individual feels at home.
Double Dose
Two new high-intensity, low-impact boutique studios bring fresh energy to the downtown fitness scene. Solidcore opened its first Bull City location in June at The Novus. The Pilates-inspired franchise is known for its small classes, personalized attention and challenging 50-minute sessions on custom resistance machines, delivering a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance and community. Down the street, FlowCorps arrived in Brightleaf Square at 905 W. Main St., Ste. 19, early this year, joining locations in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Diego, California. Its signature classes blend Pilates, yoga and cardio into full-body workouts set to music, syncing movement with rhythm to build strength, boost mood and improve coordination in a fun, high-energy environment.
PHOTO BY ALEX BOERNER
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBAL FIT
2026 SEASON
Ta-Nehisi Coates • Bakari Sellers
Branford Marsalis Quartet
Melissa Harris-Perry • Brit Bennett Monét Noelle Marshall
American Dance Festival • YahZarah
Hayti Films • Hayti Business Expo
Amaryn Olmeda • Keith Knight
Brandee Younger • John Holiday
downtown, rising
The latest development news
COMPILED BY TAYLOR MOTLEY, KATE LOEFFEL & RENEE AMBROSO | MAP BY KEVIN BROWN
1 BRIGHTLEAF DISTRICT
Includes historic Brightleaf Square at 905 W. Main St., 910-914 W. Main St., 815 W. Morgan St., 810 W. Peabody St. and 112 S. Duke St. In total, the neighborhood aggregation is approx. 220,000 square feet of mixed-use space.
• Charlotte-based Asana Partners purchased the property in late 2019. Over the past year, Brightleaf Square has welcomed several new tenants, including Raleigh-based Afters Dessert Bar and fitness studio FlowCorps. Most recently, floral design boutique Mood Fleuriste opened its doors, adding a distinctive touch to the district’s evolving retail mix. Natural wine shop and bar Sol House Wines is slated to open soon. These newcomers join Emmy Squared Pizza, known for its Detroit-style pies, Nikos, an authentic Greek dining experience by restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias, and Fonda Lupita, a Mexican eatery.
2 THE GREGSON
204 S. Gregson St.
• Developer is Baltimore-based real estate company Wexford Science & Technology, which also developed The Chesterfield building
• Nine levels with 218,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab and office space
• On-site multi-level parking garage
• Currently in predevelopment, expected delivery TBD
3 FORMER DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
505 W. Chapel Hill St.
• 4-acre parcel owned by the City of Durham
• Originally built in the 1950s as offices for Home Security Life Insurance Company and most recently occupied by DPD, the site became vacant in late 2019
• Durham City Council selected Florida-based The Peebles Corporation in August 2024 for a nearly $300 million redevelopment of the site. In June, city council directed city staff to end negotiations with The Peebles Corporation and to instead begin planning for interim site programming.
• It’s yet to be determined if the historic building will be preserved and renovated into a 100-room hotel or replaced with a cultural center and museum.
4 ARBOR VISTA
512 Gordon St.
• 56 one- to three-bedroom townhomes, 1,251-2,043 square feet
• Three distinctive floor plans crafted for downtown living, with rooftop terraces, one- to two-car garages, and 10-foot ceilings in the main living space, plus home offices and/or flex spaces in every home as well as features like quartz countertops, modern cabinetry with a stylish range hood, premium KitchenAid appliances, floating bathroom vanities and LVP flooring throughout
• Features first urban pedestrian malls in the state
• Starting in the low $500,000s; homes available for move-in now through 2025
• Construction slated for completion in winter 2025
5 CITY PORT II
505 Yancey St.
• Adjacent to first phase of City Port (600 S. Duke St.)
• Joint venture of Center Studio Architecture and White Oak Properties
• Focus is on smaller flats with great design and rooftop amenities
• 55 flats, ranging from 347 to 869 square feet
• Construction estimated to commence early 2026
6 THE TERRACES AT MOREHEAD HILL
783 Willard St.
• 25 townhomes featuring 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, two-car garage and a private rooftop terrace, each surrounded by greenspace and Durham skyline views
• Urban development led by The Florian Companies; California Commercial Investment Companies is a development partner
• Phase 1 and 2 are sold out; Phase 3, the final phase, is available now and features 11 townhomes including: seven move-in ready, Parade of Homeswinning, Promenade-style floor plans on Willard Street with designated office space on the third floor; and five larger, terrace-style floor plans on Manor Way, each with a full-size elevator and a first-floor bedroom
• All Phase 3 townhomes include a two-car garage, an elevator or elevator-ready (prewired and shafted), and unique design selections among the units
• Willard Street is a newly constructed city street with brick borders, streetlights, benches and a new public footbridge at the end of the street that crosses over a creek and connects to the Miracle League of the Triangle field, American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Athletic Park and beyond within minutes.
7 MARKET DISTRICT AT AMERICAN TOBACCO CAMPUS PHASE 1
601 Willard St.
• Former site of University Ford
• Development by CBC Real Estate, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company, and Hines in partnership with Affinius Capital
• 700,000-square-foot mixed-use project on 8 acres bordering the west side of American Tobacco Campus
• 350,000 square feet of leasable space in two Hines T3 (Timber, Transit and Technology) creative office buildings; 350 multifamily units in a 14-story, highrise residential building; and 100,000 square feet of experiential retail, like a theater/draft house, prepared foods grocer, shops and restaurants
• Activated central plaza and intimate pedestrian alleyways programmed with events and experiences
• No definitive construction start date at this time
8 ASHTON PLACE
310 Jackson St.
• Adjacent to the Willard Street Apartments, this 51unit, 52,000-square-foot affordable housing project is for adults age 55 and older
• Studio, one- and two-bedroom units
• Community gathering areas, bike storage, fitness facilities, tenant storage and a business center
• The project is a partnership between DHIC and SelfHelp Ventures Fund and was developed on city-owned land with a 9% low-income housing tax credit and a commitment of funds from the city
• Construction started in Q2 2023; finished in Q3 2024
• First residents moved in August 2024
• Building is at 100% occupancy
9 THE NOVUS
400 W. Main St.
• Close to 2 acres of land
• Existing South Bank building was demolished and construction is underway
• Austin Lawrence Partners project that is being constructed in two phases: Phase 1 encompasses a mixed-use, 27-story high-rise with a residential portion to include 54 condominiums with layouts of up to five bedrooms; 188 apartments; 450 parking spaces
• Ground-floor retail totaling nearly 23,000 square feet; first tenants include local cycling studio Revel and Pilates studio Solidcore, with Dose Yoga + Smoothie Bar slated to open, as of press time, in fall 2026, with other prospective food and beverage tenants in letter of intent negotiations
• Amenities include an outdoor movie theater, resort-style pool with accompanying spa pools, golf simulators, coworking space and expansive indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces plus city views through floor-to-ceiling glass, spacious private balconies, chefappointed kitchens and modern bathrooms.
• Construction of Phase 1 is slated for completion in late 2025. Leasing of apartments began in July, and the first apartment tenants and condo owners have moved in. The public parking deck is also open.
• Phase 2 is currently in concept design
10 THE JAMES
320 W. Morgan St.
• 312 mixed-use apartment units, 32-story tower
• 13,000 square feet of retail space
• Craig Davis Properties project
• In planning stages
11 DURHAM INNOVATION DISTRICT
Total area: 1.8 million square feet, 27 acres, bordered by Duke Street, Morgan Street, West Corporation Street and Roney Street
• 200 Morris – Duke Clinical Research Institute leases entire building; Google is a subtenant in the building; Virge Yoga opened in early 2025; 2,780 square feet of retail space is available.
• 300 Morris – Hoofprint Biome announced in May that it will lease lab space in the building. Narrative Coffee Company opened in July. The second floor has 1,529 square feet of shell space ready for office build out.
• Morris Green Park – at the corner of Morris Street and Fernway Avenue; offers public green space and a dog park. Enjoy a food truck and live music on Third Thursdays during lunch from March through October
• Future phases will include more than 180,000 square feet of lab and office space
• Public parking garage on Roney Street
• Courtyard between 200 and 300 Morris buildings includes seating, signature lighting, Wi-Fi, water features and lawn games. Public art includes Raleigh artist Matt McConnell’s 100-foot sculpture and Charlotte artist Sharon Dowell’s two-part series along Morris Street. Raleigh artist Anna Payne Rogers Previtte’s mural is showcased in the 300 Morris lobby.
12 WYE JUNCTION
501 Washington St.
• Mixed-use development including 310 apartment units; 492 parking spaces
• 8,000 square feet of retail space in new construction; approximately 18,500 square feet in existing historic garage building, which is being upgraded; Atomic Clock Brewing Co., Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar and Bull City Running Co. currently occupy retail space; six additional concepts will open in the next year
• 4,677 square feet of public gathering space, including shaded outdoor seating and a future pocket park
• Delivery of residential units expected fall 2025
13 DURHAM RAIL TRAIL
Abandoned Norfolk and Southern rail bed
• 1.8 mile multi-use trail that reclaims a portion of unused railroad tracks for walking and biking from north Durham to downtown
• City staff engaged historically under-represented communities in alignment with the city’s Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint
• Construction estimated to begin in fall 2026; trail expected to open summer 2028
• An alignment for the basic trail has been set, which includes generous path widths and materials, neighborhood connections and end points, and specific elements for roadway crossings.
• Trail will have proximity to the American Tobacco Trail as well as major transportation nodes, such as the Amtrak Station and Durham Station
14 THE GEORGE
512 W. Geer St.
• Raleigh-based Beacon Street Development, on pause for now; originally slated as a seven-story, 40-residence boutique condominium with five residential floors offering one-, two- and threebedroom penthouse residences over two levels of gate-secured parking
• 3,451 square feet of retail space
• “This project is of immense importance to us, and we are keen to restart it at the earliest opportunity.” – Justin Hime, sales and marketing director at Beacon Street
15 THE CALLISTA
802 Washington St.
• Three 3,000-square-foot townhomes (three bedrooms, four baths) with private decks and a sky room
• $1.75 million
• Durham Performing Arts Center architect Phil Szostak of Szostak Design
• Construction anticipated to begin fall 2025
16 GEERHOUSE
620 Foster St.
• 2.2-acre site near Durham Central Park
• Phase 1 to include 220 new multifamily rental units, averaging 785 square feet (range from 566 to 1,310 square feet) with a unit mix of 20% studio units, 50% one-bedroom units and 30% two-bedroom units
• Amenities include: Landscaped courtyard with water feature, major amenity rooms with west-facing terrace overlooking the historic Durham Athletic Park, ample garage parking and linear park through the site connecting Foster Street to Rigsbee Avenue
• Project includes an expanded Motorco Music Hall, plus 13,000 square feet of new retail space. Tataco, a Mexican eatery by James Beard Award-nominated chef Oscar Diaz, Nectar Cafe and Steelo Salon opened in a portion of the first floor, and a new sushi restaurant is slated to open in Q1 2026. As of press time, an artisanal food and sundry market is slated to open in October 2025.
• First units were delivered in October 2024 and are now in lease-up
• Phase 2 is in planning stages
17 THE RIGSBEE COLLECTION: NO. 815
710 Rigsbee Ave.
• 51 apartments, 2,000-square-foot restaurant with 700-square-foot patio
• Elmwood Development project; architect is Architecture Firm; engineer is Coulter Jewell Thames; interior designer is Murphy Waldron Interiors
• Opened in December 2024
PHOTO BY TONY BELCH
18 THE RIGSBEE COLLECTION: NO. 311
311 W. Corporation St.
• Four-story building with 45 apartments
• Brick and metal facade
• Construction completed in April 2025
• Elmwood Development project with ArchitectureFirm, Coulter Jewell Thames and general contractor HITT Contracting
19 NORTH & BROADWAY
120 Broadway St.
• A Lock7 Development of 24 18- and 20-foot-wide townhomes
• Builder is Concept 8; sales and marketing is handled by Chappell [Powered by Compass]
• Construction started Q2 2023; last delivery expected Q4 2025
• 60% sold (15 of 24 units closed)
• Features include roof terraces in all units; one- and two-car garages in all units; large windows (storefront glass on some units); multiple flex spaces in some units; and skyline views in some units
20 106 BROADWAY
• Joint venture of Center Studio Architecture, White Oak Properties and Chris McGee
• 14 modern two-bedroom, 1,028-square-foot townhomes starting at $499,000; construction slated to begin early 2026.
• Private outdoor balconies off top floor living rooms with soaring ceilings + a one-car garage with flex room
• Taking contracts now
• Sold by Urban Durham Realty
21 501 N. MANGUM ST.
• Developer is Trinsic Residential Group – Carolinas
• 232 unit, 18-story high-rise
• Project is currently on hold
22 THE WILLOW DURHAM
601 N. Roxboro St.
• Two five-story buildings, constructed in two phases
• South building (Phase 1) completed Q1 2025, with four units still available for move-in
• North building (Phase 2) is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, with five units still available
• Ground-floor garage and service areas totaling 7,000 square feet per building
• Seven condominiums per building; plans include two- and three-bedroom units of 1,855, 2,410 and 3,320 square feet; all include a flex room
• Amenities: two to three balconies per unit, dedicated laundry room in each condo, modern mail room with refrigerated delivery, guaranteed parking space per unit; dedicated first-story storage for each unit
• Units start at $1.1 million
• Developed by Lorient Homes and sold by Urban Durham Realty
23 KRESS CONDOMINIUMS
162 W. Ramseur St.
• Corner of West Ramseur and South Mangum streets, current site of a 0.15-acre parking lot next to the historic Kress building
• Development by Raleigh-based real estate firms White Oak Properties and CityPlat
• Six-story building with 26 residential units, including rooftop units, all with balconies
• 2,000 square feet of ground-level retail
• No definitive construction start date at this time
• First-floor suites are currently occupied by High Dive and Strike Martial Arts
24 DOWNTOWN DURHAM YMCA
Corner of Blackwell and W. Pettigrew Streets
• .79-acre site
• 65,000 square feet
• CBC Real Estate project
• Multiple rooftop terraces with outdoor fitness areas, an indoor pool, basketball court, indoor track, group fitness studios, and dedicated space for youth and family programs
• 80 on-site parking spaces and additional reserved spaces nearby
• Construction slated to begin fall 2027, with doors opening early 2029
• Estimated cost of $46 million
25 300 & 500 E. MAIN ST. APARTMENTS
Mixed-use buildings with total of 305 affordable residential apartments, 248 market-rate apartments, 16,500 square feet of commercial space and more than 1,600 parking spaces
300 E. Main St.
• Includes a roughly 753-space parking deck at 115 N. Queen St. with 110 affordable housing units at Renegade, located at 335 E. Main St., which serve households making 30%-80% AMI with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units
• 3,900 square feet of commercial space and a 10,499-square-foot child care location with two pre-K classrooms, allowing Durham County to serve children from birth to 5 years old; Durham County continues to work with Early Years (formerly known as Child Care Services Association) to finalize the request for applications to get a child care operator on board
• Queen Street side of the building includes a structural public art installation that also serves as a screen wall for the parking deck
• Construction of the parking deck is complete and currently operational
• Affordable housing is nearing completion, with leasing currently underway; occupancy began early September 2025
500 E. Main St.
• Redevelopment includes a parking garage with approximately 847 spaces along with 195 affordable housing units at Revive, serving households making 30%-80% AMI with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units along Ramseur Street
• Includes Maizon Durham, 248 market-rate apartments along Main Street handled by Floridabased developer ZOM Living, which has an office in Raleigh, with a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (ranging in size from 555 to 1,450 square feet) and 13,000 square feet of street-level retail space that includes plans for an anchor tenant and a cafe
• A linear park between the two buildings will provide a landscaped pedestrian walkway connecting South Dillard Street and South Elizabeth Street
• Construction began August 2022
• Parking deck is complete; opened in August 2025
• Market-rate housing units are complete and currently available for leasing
• Affordable housing construction began in June 2025 with an anticipated completion in Q2 2027
26 CAMDEN DURHAM
441 S. Dillard St.
• 420 apartments; average unit size around 900 square feet; most units (about 75%) are either studios or one-bedrooms, with the remainder two-bedrooms
• A budgeted cost of $145 million
• Construction began 2021, completed Q4 2024
• 6,000 square feet of retail space
27 HERITAGE SQUARE
606 Fayetteville St.; 401 E. Lakewood Ave.
• Joint venture among national development firms Sterling Bay, Acram Group and Harrison Street to create Multistory Class A office, purpose-built laboratory space and residential units on a 10-acre site located in the Hayti District
28 BORDEN BRICK II
618 Ramseur St.
• Four tenants, which include Peace & Saint, an upscale hookah and cocktail bar, and Fizzwerks, a craft seltzer brewery
• Vida Dulce, an ice cream and dessert shop, is slated to open Q2 2026
29 DILLARD CO-LIVING
218 N. Dillard St.
• 19 co-living townhomes, each with five private suites and shared kitchen/laundry
• Affordable rents, all utilities included, and flexible lease terms.
• Community Cafe coming in 2026, offering prepared foods, coffee and tea and is open to the public
• Leasing now at communityroomrental.com
30 VANGUARD APARTMENTS
544 Liberty St.
• 72-unit, $23.9 million project; first phase of Liberty Street/519 E. Main St. redevelopment
• Mixed-income development that includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes for individuals and families. Building amenities include storage lockers, a multipurpose room, fitness center, computer lab, playground and outdoor picnic space.
• Durham Housing Authority co-developed the property with its instrumentality, Development Ventures Inc., as well as Laurel Street Residential
• Construction completed in Q2 2025; grand opening held in September 2025
31 DILLARD STREET APARTMENTS
540 Liberty St.
• Mixed-income development that includes 146 affordable and market-rate apartment homes; third phase of Liberty Street/519 E. Main Street redevelopment
• A community center will be built as part of this phase, which will include a community room, fitness center, computer lab and playground.
• Durham Housing Authority co-developing the property with Laurel Street
• Construction began on the first 48-unit, $22 million project in Q4 2024, with substantial completion estimated for Q2 2026
• Construction on other 98 units slated to begin this fall
32 COMMERCE STREET APARTMENTS
131 & 143 Commerce St.
• Public-private partnership of Laurel Street and the Durham Housing Authority broke ground July 2024
• 172-unit, $56.6 million project; second phase of Liberty Street/519 E. Main Street redevelopment
• 88 of the units will be reserved for older adults, while 84 will be available to individuals and families of all ages
• 71 of the apartments will be public housing replacement units, while another 58 will serve households with incomes below 60% of area median income
• 19 units will be accessible for people with physical disabilities in accordance with the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standard; 4 units will be accessible for residents with hearing or vision impairments
• Substantial completion estimated for Q3 2026
• Walking distance from a center for older adults, Edgemont Park, a police station, convenience store and an elementary school
33 GOLDEN BELT CAMPUS
800 Taylor St., 807 E. Main St.
• Mixed-use: adaptive re-use renovation
• 320,000 square feet of rentable space
• LRC Properties and Alliance Architecture renovated Mill No. 1 and have welcomed occupants including, but not limited to: 25 artist studios, Coupe and Stein, Mettlesome, Durham Art Guild, Hi-Wire Brewing, Strata Clean Energy, WillowTree, Two Roosters Ice Cream, Cugino Forno, MetaMetrics, Urban Tails Veterinary Hospital, MHAworks, 19Fifty-One and The Tipsy Bull
• The Mill Stage features free music programming during the summer in conjunction with the Third Friday Art Walk each month.
• A trellis walkway connects Mill No. 1 to the Golden Belt side of campus, which includes 37 residential lofts, office and lab space, and retail tenants such as Moshi Moshi Salon, The Cotton Room/Belt Line Station, Dogstar Tattoo Company, Empower Dance, Tribal Fit and Yaya Tea
TOGETHER, WE THRIVE.
A Record of Success
When you stand in the heart of Durham, what do you see? You see murals telling stories of our past and future, historic buildings housing innovate businesses, and most importantly, the peopleneighbors, colleagues and friends - each with hopes and challenges. Durham is more than a city; it is proof of what’s possible when we build together. At a time when national politics breeds division, Durham must stay united. Mayor Williams refuses to let that animosity poison our community. Durham is a model for the nation – a place of civil discourse, progressive values and shared prosperity. Together, we’ve proven we are stronger when we work side by side.
Durham’s progress reflects vision and teamwork. Under Mayor Williams and City Council leadership, our city has earned recognition as:
• The No. 15 best-run city in the U.S.
• The No. 2 most educated city in America.
• Part of the Durham-Raleigh Triangle area, the second-fastest growing region in the nation.
• One of only 35 cities with a triple-A bond rating.
• A national model for alternative police response, proving that safety and compassion can go hand in hand.
These aren’t just numbers – they show a city prepared for the future.
Mayor Williams: A Leader for the People
Williams’ journey – from two-time Teacher of the Year to co-founder of Zweli’s – reflects service, innovation and realworld experience. As the only elected official in Durham who makes payroll twice a month, he understands how policies affect families and businesses. In two years, he has:
• Launched the Bull City Future Fund, raising more than $1 million to combat youth violence.
• Overseen a $755M budget, the largest in city history, with fiscal stability.
• Welcomed presidents and vice presidents more than 20 times, spoken at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and represented Durham nationally as a Bloomberg Mayor and Hunt Institute Mayor.
Durham City Council: A Collective Vision
Mayor Williams’ leadership is part of a collective effort. The Durham City Council, under our shared vision, has achieved a tremendous amount over the last two years. Together, the council:
• Invests in Community Safety and Equity: We approved a $772 million budget that expands our Holistic Engagement and Response Team (HEART) response team and supports programs like the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, which helps residents clear their records and restore their driver’s licenses. This is about creating a safer, more just city for everyone.
• Supports Workers and Service Delivery: We raised the minimum livable wage for city workers to $21.90 per hour, ensuring our employees can afford to live in the city they serve. GoDurham buses are still fare-free, and we’ve invested $17 million in expanding bus service.
• Upgrades Our Infrastructure: We have committed significant funds to essential upgrades, leveraging voter-approved bonds. This includes $315.7 million for water and sewer systems and $25.7 million for storm water improvements. We’ve also allocated millions to street repaving and sidewalk repairs and have a plan to clean up lead soil at five of our parks.
• Creates a Vision for the Future: We adopted the fiscal year 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, a guiding vision with five key goals, from Shared Economic Prosperity to Thriving and Vibrant Environment. We have also approved the construction of more than 1,000 affordable housing units, addressing a critical need in our growing city.
What’s Next for Durham?
A Final Plea for Unity
National news may fuel despair, but Durham has chosen another path: respect, cooperation and progress. Neighbors helping neighbors, rejecting hate. We have already achieved so much together, but our work is unfinished. Durham needs leadership that honors our past and drives a clear vision for the future. On Election Day, choose unity over division. Choose proven leadership. Choose Mayor Leo Williams.
Our work is far from over. If the people of Durham entrust him with another term, Mayor Williams will continue to
focus on the issues that matter most to them and building on our strong foundation.
• Housing for All: Expanding affordable housing options, reducing the tax burden on seniors and pursuing new models like social housing to meet demand without displacing residents.
• Stronger Local Economy: Restoring Facade Grants for small businesses, expanding parking and downtown amenities, and launching the Durham Innovation Center to attract new industries.
• Climate Leadership: Codifying the Duke/Durham Climate Plans, investing in green infrastructure and expanding the city’s electrification efforts to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Youth Empowerment: Creating more summer jobs for teens and young adults, offering expanded recreation opportunities and launching programs like the Bull City AI Institute to prepare youth for the jobs of tomorrow.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
A downtown condo goes from blank slate to move-in-ready escape in just a few weeks
BY MORGAN CARTIER WESTON PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
APRIL M C LAURIN
nterior designer Marlaya Ross was presented with a unique challenge in March: transform an empty condo into a livable, layered retreat in time for the new owner to arrive – in April.
Roy Ellis, a real estate agent with Compass, helped the buyer find a two-bedroom, twobathroom unit in City Port that would meet his needs. “The owner is based in Houston, but needed a home base for work while here in Durham,” Marlaya says. She started her own business, Studio One Nine Interior Design, in 2020, helping folks transform their homes for remote work and schooling
Black-and-white baseball stadium photos line the walls of the second bedroom, which doubles as a stylish home office and a guest room, complete with a convertible sofa bed.
throughout the pandemic. “This was really an ideal project for me,” she says. “I love working with soulful, busy professionals on full-service interior design projects, from concept to completion.”
“The buyer loved the downtown Durham location, modern design and value compared to other condo buildings,” Roy says. “When Center Studio Architecture designed these condos, they wanted to bring a product to market that was as affordable and dense as possible without sacrificing design. The floor plans are all very innovative, flow perfectly and live larger than their square footage.” Added perks of the building are a shared rooftop –where residents can enjoy downtown skyline views – and its convenient location.
“I live in downtown Durham personally and want as many people as possible to experience the same joy,” Roy says. He worked with Marlaya on his own kitchen,
ABOVE Natural tones and textures, like the wooden console and abstract blue artwork in the entryway, anchor the home’s design.
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and knew she would be a great fit for bringing a personal touch to the City Port abode. “I love how authentic and always ready to help [Marlaya] is,” Roy says. “I knew she could build rapport and get the job done to the client’s liking – fast. She has a clear vision and will always tell you the truth about what she thinks, which is very valuable.”
Marlaya’s process always begins with asking clients about their interests, hobbies and family. “When I learned the condo’s owner was of Egyptian heritage and had a passion for both baseball and bourbon, I immediately knew I’d lean into bold colors and natural materials to tie the design together,” she says.
Nods to the client’s passions, including a carved wooden bar for his whiskey collection and fine art photography depicting baseball
ABOVE Bold pops of color bring personality and dimension to the primary bedroom.
BELOW The living room, with its large TV and sectional sofa, is designed to facilitate the ultimate relaxation space, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
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Now Is the Time for No Steps* and No Mower
stadiums, bring an additional touch of personality to the walls. In the primary bedroom, bright textiles and artwork punch up neutral furnishings. The second bedroom serves double duty as both an office and a spare guest room for the owner’s son thanks to a spacesaving pullout sofa clad in a warm gray textile. Paint & Co. brought each bedroom to life with bold accent walls, while the team at Honey Do Crew out of Wake Forest made sure every detail was flawlessly installed.
“We had to make a few compromises, but I am really proud of how this came together,” Marlaya says. “There was one thing the client really wanted – a huge TV and sectional in the living room so he could relax and watch baseball.” Though the footprint didn’t quite allow for that large-scale vision, she was able to fit a sofa with a chaise that maximized the space and served the same purpose.
“The biggest thing I’m proud of is making it look and feel authentic to the client within the time frame,”
African-inspired textiles paired with a mix of wood and leather nod to the homeowner’s roots in both Egypt and Texas.
Marlaya says. The finished space was truly turnkey – complete with curated art, furniture and textiles, plus everyday essentials like dishes and cutlery that Marlaya sourced to ensure her client would feel at home right away.
“All he had to bring was his toothbrush,” Marlaya laughs. “And his reaction was everything – he told me I ‘hit it out of the park.’”
Tall windows flood each City Port unit with soft, natural light.
Back on familiar ground: Josiah Jennings belts it out on stage at his alma mater, Hillside High School.
PHOTO BY DES LARA EVANS
STAR STUDENTS
BY RENEE AMBROSO
These kids shine both in and outside the classroom stage might
osiah Jennings lit up the theater in bright, peppy shades of pink and green as Patrick Star during Hillside High School’s 2024 production of “The SpongeBob Musical.”
“Patrick was a role I didn’t want to play [at first],” Josiah says. “I felt like people wouldn’t really like him as a character.”
Hillside’s theater director Tiffany Agerston encouraged him to bring his talent to the part.
“Josiah has a dynamic voice,” Tiffany says. “He’s a leader within his peer group, and [I knew the role] would stretch him to try more comedy and to be the type of character that the youth could really connect to. … Ultimately, even during the rehearsal process, you could see his commitment.”
On opening night, Josiah’s acting stole the show. “People liked my jokes and singing, and I became a fan favorite,” he says. “I realized I don’t have to be so hard on myself.”
The north Durham native’s passion for performing started young – he spent formative years performing in the Durham Children’s Choir and at holiday and Black History Month programs while attending Eno Valley Elementary School. He first auditioned for a Hillside show as a sixth grader, landing a prominent part in “The Bodyguard.”
“That’s when I realized I might have something,” Josiah, now 18, says. “I’m in middle school, and they’re casting me in lead roles that high schoolers would usually play.” He subsequently portrayed Bruce Bogtrotter in the school’s production of “Matilda,” as well as Oliver Warbucks in “Annie” and Mr. Mushnick in “Little Shop of Horrors,” among several other roles.
It didn’t take long for Josiah to dream beyond Hillside’s stage – specifically, of competing in the Durham Performing Arts Center’s Rising Star Awards, which highlights outstanding talent among high school musical theater students across North Carolina. He volunteered at the event as a sophomore, then performed in an opening act his junior year before becoming the first
Hillside student to win “Best Actor” at the 14th annual awards in May.
Josiah went on to compete against high schoolers from all 50 states during the Jimmy Awards in New York City in June. “You’re in the room with the best of the best,” Josiah says of the national event.
“It’s very humbling.” He earned recognition for Outstanding Performance in an Ensemble, along with a $2,500 scholarship, and gained valuable insights from Broadway performers and insiders during the showcase.
The experience motivated him to keep honing his craft, confident that his hard work will pay off. “The future is great for me – I can already see it, I can already sense it,” Josiah says. “Now, I [know I] can do this, and it’s because of [DPAC Rising Stars and the Jimmy Awards]. I wouldn’t have been in this headspace if it wasn’t for them.”
Josiah hopes to join a touring Broadway production when he graduates from New York City’s American Musical Dramatic Academy College of the Performing Arts in 2027. “I want to do national tours so I can come back to DPAC and talk to the next generation of theater,” he says. “[I hope] that my story will resonate with others, [and inspire them] to never doubt themselves and the process.”
numbers game
wame Mensah-Boone, 17, spent this summer traveling through Taiwan, competing in the National Speech & Debate Association’s National Tournament, studying physics and social justice with Massachusetts Institute of Technology professors and leading The Economic Literacy Initiative, a student-run nonprofit he founded. Kwame’s packed schedule might sound ambitious even for a driven college or graduate student, but he’s currently completing his senior year at Durham Academy, which he’s attended since the fourth grade.
Kwame’s academic interests center on math (he’s currently enrolled in multivariable calculus,
Kwame Mensah-Boone spends many hours out on the quad at Durham Academy, where he balances a schedule filled with academics, debate, service and leadership.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DES LARA EVANS
PHOTO BY
JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
and statistics and data science), history, English and interdisciplinary studies, “all focused around solving central issues,” he says.
One such real-world challenge that Kwame is passionate about is financial literacy. “[I noticed] how not only I, but all my peers around me, didn’t really understand economically what’s going on in the world,” he says. “I’ve been in the unique position to [benefit] from things like financial aid, so I had to be more aware of where I was coming from financially. That showed me how important financial literacy is and how it can empower communities.”
He founded The Economic Literacy Initiative in July 2023 to provide free, accessible financial education. “It started from wanting to take action and not being afraid of what that might entail,” Kwame says.
He’s also spent the past several months delving deeper into math and science studies with the MITES Semester, a six-month STEM enrichment and college prep program through MIT that brings together high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds.
“I was initially shocked I got in, because it has such a low acceptance rate – about 5%,” Kwame says. It provided an opportunity for Kwame to explore geospatial analysis, studying map patterns using specialized software to understand social issues. “I was part of a group that did research on gerrymandering here in North Carolina,”
dancing dreams
carlett Vivian Unger eagerly took the Durham Performing Arts Center stage at just 5 years old to portray Lulu in front of a live audience of nearly 3,000 during a performance of the musical “Waitress.”
“That was really special,” Scarlett, now 12, says. “It was so much fun. I got on stage and [thought], ‘This is what I want to do.’ … Also, I got to wear a really cute outfit with overalls and strawberry clips. That made me feel really happy.”
The experience sparked a passion for performing – and cute clothes. Scarlett, now a seventh grader at Duke School, has appeared in nearly two dozen theater, TV and film roles. She began dance lessons at Barriskill Dance Theatre School at age 6 and balances her acting roles with traveling for national competitions with Renner Dance in Chapel Hill. This past summer brought her to Phoenix, to take part in the New
Kwame says. “It was really exciting to dive into how it’s affected my community.”
In between it all, he also volunteers with Cultured Kids Cuisine, a nonprofit that teaches cooking skills to children, and has served as the City of Durham’s Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee Youth Representative since spring 2024.
“I [learned about the committee] through other people’s experiences – I love a LinkedIn scroll – and noticed there was a youth vacancy,” Kwame says. “What drew me to it was [the opportunity] to give back to the city. … I’m also interested in politics and government, and specifically budgeting and economics, so it was this perfect intersection of being able to support my city and give back, and also engage in topics [I want to learn about].”
Kwame says he’d like to continue serving as the youth representative, but that pursuing higher education opportunities could take him far from Durham next year – he says Stanford University is his top school choice, but he’s also applied to Duke University. He envisions an interdisciplinary approach to his university experience and hopes to study economics, public policy, and computer and data science. “I’m really interested in leveraging technology in order to help solve economic and civic issues,” he says. “I think college is a great place for me to gain skills and [learn how I can] change systems in the ways that I want to.”
York City Dance Alliance National Season Finale.
“Over the years, I’ve definitely gotten better [at dancing],” Scarlett says. She trains in nearly every discipline, from ballet to jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop and ballroom to other types of movement like acro and tumbling.
I look up to my [parents]. They're really inspirational; [they] work hard and never give up.
– SCARLETT VIVIAN UNGER
“Jazz I’ve loved for a while, and I’ve had [jazz] solos over the years,” Scarlett says. “I really get to show my personality, because I’m very extra, so I like to show [emotion] and be really happy and upbeat. It’s really fun, because you get to be sharp and smooth and you get to show off tricks.” She also loves ballet and recently advanced to dancing on pointe.
Scarlett excels academically, too – she says her current favorite subjects are social studies and physical education. She credits Duke School, which she’s attended since preschool, with helping to shape her positive attitude. “I love Duke School because of [the feeling of] belonging and how everybody’s included,” she says, adding that their motto is to “‘treat others the way you want to be treated,’ and that’s a big part of my life.”
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
Duke School seventh grader Scarlett Vivian Unger lights up the auditorium stage inside the school’s new Center for IDEAS.
making waves
wimming is in Calvin Schaper’s DNA – or, more precisely, the breaststroke. His mother, Jenn Bond, held state records in Maine for the stroke; his father, Dan Schaper, competed in it during summer leagues and in high school; and Calvin’s great-uncle was nationally ranked in the event.
Calvin, 17, says he grew up with “an aquatic lifestyle” –getting in the pool is as routine an activity as washing the dishes or going to school. He learned to swim with his neighborhood team, the Fairfield Fins, and through lessons at Hollow Rock Racquet & Swim Club. “I started to pick up swimming [around] 4 years old,” he says.
“When I was younger, my parents threw me in everything to see what stuck. I was doing soccer, swimming, basketball and a little bit of martial arts. But come fifth grade, I dropped it all for swimming.”
Calvin’s participated in the Durham Summer Swim League with the Fins for the past 10 years and placed first in the 50-meter breaststroke five times, set the current league record for the event in 2023 and won the 100-meter freestyle this year. He also became a state and regional champion and was named All-Conference Swimmer of the Year in 2024 while competing with his Research Triangle High School team. The year prior, he won both state and Southeast sectional champion races.
Nationally, Calvin placed in the top 10 for his age in the 100-meter breaststroke in 2023 and has qualified for the Next College Student Athlete National Championship Meet each year since. He was also named Scholastic All-American, an award bestowed on the fastest swimmers in the country who also earn a high GPA, in 2023.
These achievements, of course, didn’t come without good, old-fashioned hard work. “It’s been 12 years of constant training,” Calvin says. “When it comes to swimming, there’s skills involved – and breaststroke [is a more] skill-dependent stroke – but at the end of the day, the fastest swimmer is going to be the one who can pull the most water in comparison to their body weight.” Calvin completes eight training sessions per week, resting only on Sundays. He credits his longtime coach, Carolina Aquatic Team Head Coach Cole Dutton, for helping him access his full potential. “I care for him deeply,” Calvin says. “He’s kept me motivated. … He’s more focused on dedication and willingness to learn than just ability, and that’s made a really nice environment that made me actually love to swim.”
Setbacks have shaped him as much as his successes. “Truth be told, I’ve had a rough season,” Calvin says. “I focus a lot on academics, and that stress has [resulted in] minimal growth over the past year, and that’s set me a bit behind my swimming peers. But, the upside is that I’m second in my class.” A history enthusiast, Calvin has tackled Advanced Placement U.S., European and African American history courses, and earned multiple honors for his academic excellence, including College Board recognition for high AP scores and GPA.
His inspiration comes from both family and mentors. He says he strives to “be as kind as my mother, and as accepting as my swim coach.” But his competitive edge stems from wanting to stand out among his peers. “I’m motivated to win by them – I want that gold.”
Calvin Schaper trains with the Carolina Aquatic Team at Hollow Rock Racquet & Swim Club.
PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
trading up
O’Brien Atkins Principal and Project Manager Steven Harris says the performing arts programs stand to gain the most, since the new school upgrades from a basic auditorium to a professional-grade theater and concert hall.
Other areas are fitted with “topof-the-line finishes,” Steven adds, and adequate space, which, he says, the current campus lacks.
“And we’ve tried to give as much access to daylight,” Steven says. “I think that’s something that’s missing from a lot of the spaces at the existing school – people got relegated to basements and are starving for some daylight.”
BUILT TO PERFORM
Durham School of the Arts’ new campus is designed to shine with daylight-filled classrooms, professional theaters and a sustainable footprint
at a glance
• 3000 Duke Homestead Rd.
BY RENEE AMBROSO
• 370,000 square feet (gross total)
• 108 classrooms
• Budget of $240 million – $256 million
the blueprint
• Campus situated around a central outdoor courtyard that serves as a circulation hub, allowing students to move efficiently without bottlenecks
• Four anchors form the ground level: an 800-seat, professional-grade concert hall; 500-seat theater with an adjacent 150-seat black box theater; separate middle and high school gyms and locker rooms, a weight room, training room and coach offices; and a cafeteria and media center with an adjacent counseling suite
• Dedicated arts halls include band, orchestra and guitar classrooms and a piano lab, plus dance, drama, choral and theater tech classrooms
• Middle school classrooms comprise the second floor; high school classrooms located on the third floor
• Comprehensive traffic circulation plan
• Bike paths and bike storage for students to park and lock their bikes
bright ideas
“We are using the Green Globes certification system, which is a parallel to the LEED certification system.” Steven says.
“We’re targeting [the second highest certification possible]. It goes through everything, from energy to water to material to indoor environment and site. [We’ve] used that as a sort of building guide to make decisions for the [site]
• Capacity for close to 2,000 students (about 1,400 high schoolers and about 600 middle schoolers), an increase from the current enrollment of about 1,764
• Designed by O’Brien Atkins and Perkins & Will; building is a joint venture of Raleigh’s Balfour Beatty and Monteith
• Broke ground November 2024
• Construction expected to complete in fall 2027; will welcome students in fall 2028
that positively impact the sustainable footprint. We’re proud that we’re on track for that.”
The inclusion of plentiful windows to encourage that aforementioned abundant natural daylight and views for the students – “There’s many studies about how that can promote better learning,” Steven shares – will result in “a high performance envelope, which means that it’s going to be very energy efficient,” he says.
The roof structure has also been designed to accommodate a future solar array, Steven says. “That’s not going to be installed day one, but the infrastructure allows it to be plug and play when funding is found to incorporate that.”
Durham Technical Community College’s Abraham Dones shares his vision for equity, innovation and preparing students for success in today’s evolving higher education landscape
braham Dones, vice president and chief student services officer at Durham Technical Community College, is a steadfast advocate for equity and student success in higher education. He stepped into the role in 2022 after a nationwide search, bringing with him seven years of experience from his previous position as the college’s registrar and assistant dean of admissions, registration and records. This past summer, he was named one of just 40 leaders from across the country selected for the 2025-26 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, a yearlong experience grounded in more than a dozen years of research from the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program about how to lead an institution to higher and more equitable levels of student success.
“When you look at some of the mentors and many of the networked professionals who are part of the Aspen Institute, there’s opportunity to gain greater insight from practitioners who are in the field, who are actually moving the work forward,” Abraham says. “I really felt like this was an opportunity for me to expand the network, get a greater sense of what it means to be a community college president and to really position myself to be at the top of my professional career when it comes to knowing the best strategies and having the insights on how to transform community colleges to be the great economic engines that they are.”
*responses have been edited for length and clarity
What skills and perspectives do you think the next generation of community college leaders must have? One of the biggest shifts in the world is AI. How do we capitalize on the advancement of AI to be more timely with providing student support? And how do we become innovative with the financial resources needed to ensure student success? Any college leader coming into this arena now needs to understand that education is transforming. Not only are we interested in providing access to students, we now need to create a connection between completing [their degrees] and starting their careers. [As leaders, we] … now need to be aware and research how the industry is evolving to make sure there’s that connection. It’s going to require leaders to be a little bit more mindful of not only what they are doing institutionally but how it connects to the greater overall ecosystem of where they are geographically located.
Community colleges are serving increasingly diverse student populations, many of whom are first-generation college students. How is Durham Tech adapting to meet their needs? We work toward demystifying the higher education complexities, especially for first-generation college students. Creating simpler language and more efficient processes where students know where they are in the trajectory of their admissions process, for example. And how do we leverage early success systems, early alert systems, and how do we then make sure that we have the right resources in place for us to respond to those specific needs for students? If I have a student who is facing some type of life circumstance –say, the electricity was just turned off – and this is a remote student who needs to join their classes virtually, how can we be sure that the student is then connected to somebody on campus to request support to get that bill paid so we can get them up and running? We are finding ways to ensure that students get what they need at the moment they need it – to either eliminate a barrier or to further enhance the experience of their engagement with us, which leads to academic success. We’re trying to make sure that we have
enough resources available to respond to those specific needs for students, that students are aware of where they need to go [and] who they need to contact. We’re utilizing and leveraging technology to communicate with this generation very differently than past generations. It used to be email that we could depend on; it’s now text messaging. We’ve had to adopt systems to help improve our ability to connect with students. Those are the types of things that we’re paying attention to when we talk about how we support students and why Durham Tech should be a go-to institution. We have a food pantry for our students that provides food and supplements for individuals and their families. There are a lot of ways we’re positioning ourselves to be a student-centered and student-serving institution that takes into consideration the whole student and not just the academic aspect.
How do you see anti-DEI legislation and changes in federal funding impacting the way colleges deliver support services to students? When you’re an opendoor institution like Durham Tech, we don’t have an option of who comes through our doors. We accept every student. What becomes complex, when you think of anti-DEI work, or when it comes to the restriction of federal funding, is it creates challenges to ensuring that we’re providing students with what they need to be successful. First-generation college students [are a] population who comes with many diverse needs when it comes to enrolling, getting admitted, taking courses and graduating. When you start restricting certain populations that have a higher representation of that type of student, then you impact the overall institution. But when you improve or enhance the outcomes and the performance of a specific demographic of student – say, I’m receiving funding to support first-generation college students – it doesn’t just improve the outcome for that group of students; it shifts and transforms your institution as a whole [and] raises the overall quality of the institution.
What unique programs or partnerships at Durham Tech are you most excited about for students entering the workforce in the next few years?
technicians are really careers that lead to livable options for students. There are individuals entering these careers who could easily make $60,000 to $70,000 a year and then advance their careers over time by pursuing a higher level of degree or certification.
We don’t just want you to come to Durham Tech. We want you to be successful, complete your degrees, and then we want to assist you in transitioning to the workforce and make sure you’re getting a job that provides value for what you’ve committed to in the time that you spent with us.
– Abraham Dones
One of the amazing programs that we have – and we have many – that really has piqued interest, especially in our area, is the life sciences program, our BULLS program. It focuses on young adults – high school students and recent graduates – trying to get them certifications in the life sciences field, because it’s such a demand right now, especially in the Research Triangle area. Environmental sciences, biotechnology arenas and lab
For teens considering college, what would you say are the biggest advantages of starting at a community college versus going directly to a four-year university? We have a dual-enrollment option for students in the state of North Carolina, where they can enroll in high school and be in college at the same time, and we offer those options with the Durham and Orange county school districts. Not only is the partnership unique, but it’s a completion agenda. It’s not just students coming to us taking a couple of classes. We’re trying to establish pathways for students to know exactly what they will be taking at any given time within their four years of high school at the college level, where their college coursework satisfies their high school credential requirements and also satisfies degree completion at the college. Students in our school districts, homeschool students and even charter school students in our service areas are able to graduate high school with a college degree. In fact, many students will graduate with a college degree before they graduate high school with their diploma. We also have pre-high school programming to try to expose students to what we offer. For individuals who may have completed high school already, the economic factor is extremely beneficial, but also it’s in your backyard. The other thing that will draw students to us is, when we think of the community college system, we’re used to a commuter student population, which means our students are not residential. We position ourselves to ensure that the support and the services – the coaching that we provide our students, the advising – is one that is attentive and ensures that we are paying attention to the specific needs of students. Life circumstances happen, and what we try to ensure is that we’re removing the barriers of life circumstances so the students can maintain focus on their academics.
Affordability is often a deciding factor for students and families. What resources should they know about? Our students are eligible to pursue federal financial assistance, the FAFSA process. Within that, if you meet eligibility for Pell Grant because of your income level, then you’re at an advantage, because typically that money covers your tuition and your fees. Many times there’s a surplus left over that qualifies you for a refund, and it all depends on how many credits you’re taking per semester – there are some eligibility criteria. That extra
financial resource helps with what you have going on in life. If you have to pay rent [or] bills, that refund typically goes toward that purpose. For many of our students, there are scholarships available as well, not only scholarships external to the institution, but our foundation has an [annual] scholarship for our students. Finally, you have state grants. If you are qualified for Next NC, it’s really a tuition-less option – I’m not going to say free, because you put time and effort into your education – for you where your college expenses are being covered in a way that you will not experience any out-of-pocket expenses.
The Aspen Institute research emphasizes ensuring graduates succeed in their next stage – whether in work or transferring to a four-year school. How is Durham Tech measuring and improving in that area? How does the college help students successfully transfer to top universities? We want to make sure that a student who comes to Durham Tech is in fact getting a certification degree that then allows them to transition into the workforce where they’re now positioned in a much better way to gain financially. Or coming back to college as a current employee, gaining a skill set and then having something in their pocket that allows them to advance when they return to employers. We have advisory councils with our business and industry partners who come to us and say, ‘This is the trend in our profession. These are the skills that our students need.’ Then we look at, ‘How do we take what the industry is demanding and pair it with what we offer? What are the learning outcomes for a specific class that can lead to this credential?’ We work with our industry partners, with our educational institutions and even with our K-12 partners to see how we can continue to create pathways that are seamless for transfer or movement from one entity to the other. The other piece of that is making sure that we’re providing career services to our students. How do we expand their portfolios? How do we build their networks of professionals? How do we get them in the spaces where they long to be, but somehow, someway, did not have the right resources to get there? We have many partnerships with our four-year universities, especially the public ones, but – by State Board of Community Colleges code – students who complete an associate degree at any community college in North Carolina are eligible to transfer to any of the 16 public universities and are guaranteed admission. That doesn’t mean that because you graduated from Durham Tech with an associate degree in the arts, that you’re guaranteed admission to UNC Chapel Hill. What it means is that, if I graduate from Durham Tech with an associate of arts degree, I now have admissions options to 16 public universities in North Carolina. Now, my academic rigor and my performance will determine what school I can get into. But one of them has to admit me. And all of my credits that I’ve earned at the community college to satisfy my degree at minimum will transfer and be counted as credits. [That] means I will be entering a four-year university, technically, as a junior versus a freshman. We’ve created Transfer Pathways where, if you’re an English major interested in going into English at NC State or UNC or North Carolina Central University, we’re telling you which classes those universities are looking for you to have to satisfy the degree within that discipline. [The] transfer center supports our students [to] make sure that we are advising, counseling and providing the guidance they need to satisfy those universities’ requirements.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities for Durham Tech over the next five years? It’s happening right now. We have multimillion dollar capital campaign projects so we can grow our institution and have more offerings for these critical areas. We are building a life sciences
building on our main campus and a new health sciences building. The other amazing opportunity is a collaboration among Duke University, Durham Public Schools and Durham Tech. We were awarded a Bloomberg [Philanthropies] grant close to $29 million to create the Durham Early College of Health Sciences. It’s the first of its kind for Durham Technical Community College, which is really trying to position itself in a way like never before. Students are pursuing disciplines within the health sciences such as nursing, clinical trials, surgical tech and medical assisting, because there’s the demand and need for those skilled workers in our service area, and this is a way that we can create a partnership to ensure that these students are being exposed to those disciplines. Not only that, but Duke has committed to accept a certain percentage of those students [as] employees once they graduate. So they’re being offered jobs directly from transitioning from their high school experience.
We’re [also] figuring out ways that we can expose these students to the clinical areas a lot earlier. If you look at state mandates, they require you to be 18 years or older. What Duke has done is create access to and expose [younger] students to this type of learning. It’s really a creative way [to] address needs but also position students very early on in careers that have really promising financial benefits and gains over time.
If you could speak directly to high school students and their parents right now, what would you want them to understand about the value of post-secondary education in today’s world? Make sure that you’re really understanding what it means to commit to a post-secondary education: the financial responsibilities, the academic rigor that comes along with it and the time commitment it takes to fulfill degrees.
I would encourage parents to understand how you align or pair [your child’s] interests with a future that’s promising for them. Sometimes that’s a little difficult, but there are ways to do it. For instance, take a student who may be interested in art. A parent might ask, “Well, you can be interested in art, but how is that going to lead to any type of career?” I’m hoping that families, when they’re having these discussions, don’t dim the light on that student’s interest, but instead become very innovative and understand that a student can pursue a degree in art, then they can become a business owner, or they can become an artist. Instead of closing doors, give them the option and explore what a discipline provides you. What skills does it prepare you with? And then, how are those skills flexible for you to possibly transfer them to a specific career. How does [this discipline] contribute to the greater overall ecosystem of the world, and how does it contribute to meeting workforce demands and business and industry needs? [At Durham Tech], we’re trying to make sure that what we offer is meaningful, that it has value, that it has potential and that it has promise to ensure that a student is going to be better off than they were when they started. – as told to Alison Grau
Holly June, dean of student services, and Jessica Vaughan, director of enrollment management and CRM strategy, are part of Abe Dones’ team at Durham Tech.
OF INDEPENDENT, REGIONAL BOARDING, CHARTER & APPLICATION PROGRAM SCHOOLS DIRECTORY
independent schools
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
1914 S. Miami Blvd., Durham 919-598-0190; bcacrusaders.org
Focus Partners with Christian families to help equip students academically, socially, physically and spiritually. Grades K4-12
Total Enrollment 225
Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1
Yearly Tuition Lower School (K4-5), $8,224; Upper School, $9,069
Special Requirements Student testing and parent interview; students must be 4 by Aug. 31 to apply for K4.
Focus Empowering children from infancy to become confident, successful learners and secure, caring people. Growing young readers, scientists, artists and explorers who are engaged and curious. Programs invite children to approach academics with skills, confidence and a drive for excellence. Grades Infants-pre-K
Total Enrollment Varies by location. Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by location. Yearly Tuition Varies by location.
CAMELOT ACADEMY
809 Proctor St., Durham (main campus, with an additional farm campus in north Durham) 919-688-3040; camelotacademy.org
Focus Features individualized instruction, masterybased learning and parental involvement. Grades Pre-K-12
Total Enrollment 150
Student/Faculty Ratio 11:1
Yearly Tuition Tiered tuition system: KinderMAPP & Nature Start (full day): $14,900; Junior & Senior MAPP (grades 1-4): $18,090; Middle (grades 5-7): $20,650; Upper School (grades 8-12): $21,710. Awards and merit scholarships available. In addition to tuition, there is a one-time, new student enrollment fee of $800. Reenrolling students pay a $300 fee to hold their student’s place for the coming year. Semester fees (fall and spring) vary, but range from $720 to $1,870 per semester. Special Requirements Reading and math assessments, writing sample (fifth grade and older) and two-day student visit; $50 application fee.
Focus A college preparatory school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh dedicated to forming young men and women of faith, service and leadership. Its students are rooted in Christ and
prepared to excel academically, grow spiritually and serve their communities with purpose.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment Approximately 1,600 Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1
Yearly Tuition $14,360-$19,330
Special Requirements Middle school report cards and standardized test scores, high school placement test entrance exam, student and parent statements, teacher recommendations, strong suggestion that students visit.
CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL
4809 Friends School Rd., Durham 919-383-6602; cfsnc.org
Focus A learning community working to amplify students’ curiosity, courage and creative thinking. Rooted in Quaker values and informed by research-based best practices in progressive education, its teachers empower students to question the world around them, discover their passions, think deeply and use their voices in service of the greater good.
Grades Pre-K-12
Total Enrollment 500
Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1 in Early School; 9:1 in Lower, Middle and Upper
Yearly Tuition See website for tuition ranges by unit; adjusted tuition available.
Special Requirements Varies by student age; includes online application, in-person or virtual visit, transcripts and teacher recommendations.
Focus Independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School leading the way in global education; offering the Middle Years (MYP; grades 6-10) and Diploma (DP; grades 11-12) programs. Through rigorous, interdisciplinary academics, and local to global community-service projects and trips, Carolina Prep students develop into responsible, knowledgeable and kind citizens leading fulfilling lives in college and beyond. Accredited and authorized by Cognia and International Baccalaureate (IBO).
Special Requirements Entrance exam, student visit/ interview, transcripts and teacher recommendations.
CHAPEL HILL COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL
108 Mt. Carmel Church Rd., Chapel Hill 919-942-3955; chapelhillcoop.com
Focus Partners with families to respect and honor childhood, celebrate independence and support kids as they learn and grow through play. NAEYC Accredited with a Five Star licensure.
Grades Infants-Pre-K
Total Enrollment 110
Student/Faculty Ratio Infant, 4:1; Toddler, 5:1; Age 2, 6:1; Age 3-5, 10:1
Yearly Tuition Varies by age and enrollment status; three-quarter or full-day options. Part-time options also available Mon., Wed., Fri./Tues., Thurs.
Focus Strives to provide an education that will enable students to live moral, happy and productive lives.
Grades Pre-K-12
Total Enrollment 1,267
Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition
$21,509-$35,700
Special Requirements Assessment or entrance exam (varies by grade level). Interview required for grades 9-12.
DURHAM NATIVITY SCHOOL
1004 N. Mangum St., Durham 919-680-3790; durhamnativity.org
Focus Offers an education for boys who have the drive to succeed but not the resources for a quality independent school education. DNS forms boys’ character and intellect, preparing them to continue their education at top prep schools and to serve the community as leaders. Grades 5-8
Total Enrollment 56
Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition Each student receives a full scholarship. Special Requirements Demonstration of financial need; family commitment.
EMERSON WALDORF SCHOOL
6211 New Jericho Rd., Chapel Hill 919-967-1858; emersonwaldorf.org
Focus Provides an education that inspires students to become independent and creative thinkers who are collaborative leaders in social and environmental justice.
Grades Pre-K-12
Total Enrollment 285
Student/Faculty Ratio* Early Childhood: 6:1; Grades 1-5: 20:1 (assistants provided/available as needed); Middle: 22:1; High School: 18:1
Yearly Tuition $14,875-$25,885
Special Requirements Tour (in-person or virtually), shadow visit, parent-teacher consultation and new student assessment.
Focus A Black-led micro school that offers an authentic Montessori experience and learner-driven community where children: cherish freedom; take responsibility for their learning; discover gifts, passions and purpose; are active in the design and execution of their education; and find joy in hard work and diving into subjects through hands-on and collaborative challenges. Each child begins a journey to learn how they can serve others and change the world. By uncovering, reclaiming and reconnecting with their truths, learners will better understand who they were, who they are and who they must be. The school aims to provide a world-class, high-quality educational experience with a focus on character development, and socio-emotional and lifelong learning.
Grades K-5
Total Enrollment 25
Student/Teacher Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition $9,405, $250 annual registration fee. Special Requirements Visit, trial day and interview.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN DAY SCHOOL
305 E. Main St., Durham 919-688-8685; fpdayschool.org
Focus A nonprofit, nonreligious, Five Star and nationally accredited program. FPDS offers continuity of care – when infants and toddlers join its program, they stay with the same friends and teachers until they enter its pre-K class. Teachers are “brain builders” and promote a safe, nurturing place for children no matter their racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds – all learn, play and grow together.
Grades Infant-Pre-K
Total Enrollment 64
Student/Faculty Ratio Infants, 4:1; Toddlers 5:1; Age 2, 8:1; Age 3, 9:1; Age 4-5, 12:1
Yearly Tuition $19,524-$15,276
Special Requirements Teacher/family orientation, tour and two transition days before beginning full time.
sound beginnings
Parents, here’s your chance to put a little more music in your child’s life! Nonprofit organization Kidznotes launches its first-ever paid program this fall with Saturday Academy, offering small-group violin, piano, percussion and choir classes for kids ages 6 to 8. Sessions run Oct. 4 – Dec. 13 at Fayetteville Street Elementary, with another session set for spring that runs from Jan. 10, 2026, through March 14, 2026. Classes cost just $35 each in a 10-week session (additional fees may apply) and are capped at 20 students, giving every child the chance for personal attention and growth.
Beyond teaching rhythm and notes, Kidznotes emphasizes how early music education builds confidence, focus, social skills and joy (something 73% of current Kidznotes students say they’ve found in the arts). And every enrollment helps fund Kidznotes’ free community programs, ensuring more children can access the gift of music.
Learn more or register at kidznotes.org/saturday-academy
GORMAN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
3311 E. Geer St., Durham 919-688-2567; gormanchristian.org
Focus Partners with parents to provide an excellent education with a biblical worldview while developing strong Christian character and values.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 115
Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1
Yearly Tuition $8,310
Special Requirement Administrator meets parents and child.
HAW RIVER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2428 Silk Hope Gum Springs Rd., Pittsboro 919-533-4139; hawriverchristian.org
Focus A nonprofit, interdenominational private school providing an excellent Christian and classical education.
Grades Junior K-12
Total Enrollment Between 160-180
Student/Faculty Ratio 12:1
Yearly Tuition Junior Kindergarten half-day, threeday/five-day: $3,880/$5,385; K full-day, $8,290; Grammar (grades 1-6), $8,290; Logic School (grades 7-8), $9,036; Rhetoric (grades 9-12), $9,036. Discounts and tuition assistance may apply. Special Requirements Four-part admissions process includes a tour.
Focus Transforms students with learning differences into confident, independent learners through a half-day school, summer program and yearround tutoring offerings.
Grades 1-12; Summer (1-8); Tutoring (K-12)
Total Enrollment 175
Student/Faculty Ratio 4:1
Yearly Tuition $10,000-$25,990 (1-2 hour options also available for grades 9-12); half-day program (grades 1-12): $10,000-$25,990
Focus For more than a century, Immaculata has educated a diverse student body with a focus on character development, faith formation and academic excellence.
Grades Pre-K-8
Total Enrollment 500
Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition $9,297-$12,345
Special Requirements Entry test, copy of student’s school records and current teacher recommendations. Application fee is $100.
INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Early Childhood Campus (18 months-kindergarten): 3001 Academy Rd., Bldg. 300, Durham; 919-401-4343; Elementary and Middle School Campus (first-eighth grades): 5510 Barbee Chapel Rd., Chapel Hill; 919-401-4343; imsnc.org
Focus Combines the Montessori approach with language immersion in Mandarin Chinese, French and Spanish to provide a global education.
Grades Age 18 months – Grade 8
Total Enrollment 180
Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by level.
Yearly Tuition See website for tuition rates; needbased financial assistance available
Special Requirements Children entering elementary classes must be proficient in the classroom language. Visit website for application requirements and deadlines.
Focus High school/college preparatory, inclusive special education.
Grades K-12+
Total Enrollment 40
Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1
Yearly Tuition K-8, $16,900; Grades 9-12, $18,450
Special Requirements Application, interview and two-day tryout.
LAKEWOOD AVENUE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL 1701 Lakewood Ave., Durham 919-493-5882; lakewoodavenue.com
Focus Stable, well-educated teaching staff ensures consistent care in a high-quality early childhood program influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach. Ages 1-5
Total Enrollment 33
Student/Faculty Ratio Ages 1-3, 4:1; Ages 3-5, 8:1
Special Requirements The director offers in-person or virtual tours and admissions conversations for families on weekday mornings or afternoons.
LEGACY ACADEMY FOR CHILDREN 515 E. Winmore Ave., Chapel Hill 919-929-7060; lachapelhill.com
Focus Preschool students are actively involved in multisensory activities, including art, music, language, math, science, brain power and physical activities. Classrooms, gardens, a water park and playgrounds are designed to be fun and nurturing. An after-school program and summer camp for children up to 12 years old are also offered. Five Star licensure, NAEYC Accredited and NC Pre-K Program site.
Join Us for the 13th Edition of
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 1:30 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue 1004 Watts St., Durham, NC 27701
Local singers and musicians will present treasures from the rich Yiddish repertoire, including lively folk tunes, haunting lullabies, love ballads, and more. This year's concert theme is "Resistance and Freedom." Add tasty refreshments and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
For sponsorship info. please contact Shana at sfilter@umdurham.org
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at door. Contact yiddishsongfest@aol.com or 919-682-7468 (No texts, please).
Urban Ministries of Durham connects with the community to end homelessness and fight poverty by offering food, shelter and a future to neighbors in need. umdurham.org
Berman & Associates
Ages 6 weeks-12 years
Total Enrollment 115
Student/Faculty Ratio Maximums when at full capacity: Infants, 5:1; Ages 13-24 months, 6:1; Ages 25-36 months, 9:1; Ages 37-48 months, 10:1; Ages 4-5, 13:1; NC Pre-K Program, 9:1; Ages 6-12, 14:1
Yearly Tuition Varies by age, program and partner discounts. Partnerships: Duke, UNC, UNC Health and first responders
Special Requirements Application fee of $25 and registration fee of $150. Child care vouchers and scholarships accepted.
THE LERNER JEWISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL AND EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
1935 W. Cornwallis Rd., Durham 919-286-5517; jewishforgood.org/learning
Focus A learning community dedicated to educating mensches, one child at a time. An integrated curriculum incorporates exceptional academics, Jewish culture, values and traditions.
Grades Age 6 weeks-Grade 5
Total Enrollment 215
Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1 (for elementary school)
Yearly Tuition $15,000$22,800. See website for ranges by unit.
Special Requirements Application, parent virtual visit, student assessment and teacher recommendations, depending on age.
Focus Students will acquire knowledge and wisdom with a biblical worldview as demonstrated through service and leadership in worship, missions, care and growth. The core values of truth, intellectual development, potential in Christ, Christian personnel and operational integrity are woven in with worship.
Grades Pre-K-12
Total Enrollment 305
Student/Faculty Ratio 22:1
Yearly Tuition
$7,580
Special Requirements Entry test and interview.
MONTESSORI COMMUNITY SCHOOL
4512 Pope Rd., Durham 919-493-8541; mcsdurham.org
Focus Students learn in a vibrant, nature-rich Montessori community where they are guided toward selfdiscovery and realizing their unique contributions to the world.
Grades Age 18 months-Grade 8
Total Enrollment 205
Student/Faculty Ratio Age 18 months-3, 6:1; Ages 3-6, 12:1; Grades 1-3, 12:1; Grades 4-6, 12:1; Grades 7-8, 8:1
MONTESSORI DAY SCHOOL
1702 Legion Rd., Chapel Hill 919-929-3339; mdsch.org
Focus A faculty-operated school, a well-equipped learning environment and an enriched Montessori curriculum to meet the needs of children with a wide range of abilities. On-site aftercare available.
Grades Toddler-Grade 6
Total Enrollment 70 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition $7,152-$12,250
Special Requirements Interview process includes general evaluation and meeting with parents.
Focus Authentic Montessori education embracing the joy of learning and educating the whole child.
Grades Age 6 months – Grade 6
Total Enrollment 180
Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by child’s level.
Yearly Tuition Varies by child’s schedule and financial aid award.
Special Requirements Campus tour.
THE MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF RALEIGH
7005 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 919-848-1545; msr.org
Focus Independent Montessori school that provides students a foundation to become well-rounded global citizens through rigorous hands-on curriculum through both guided and self-directed learning and real-life experiences. Accredited by the American Montessori Society.
Grades Toddler – Grade 6
Total Enrollment 380
Student/Faculty Ratio Toddler, 6:1; age 3-grade 6, 12:1
Yearly Tuition $15,150-$26,150; tuition assistance opportunities Special Requirements Assessment or entrance exam (determined by grade level) and interview.
Special Requirements Application, family meeting and student visit.
Focus Authentic Montessori education in which children develop a love of learning within a safe, peaceful setting. The school believes in the dignity and ability of children and in their inherent right to respect, assist and guide in fulfilling their potential. It is committed to the Montessori philosophy and a child-focused approach to education. It
strives to partner with families in their efforts to raise capable, joyful children in a relationship-based, affordable environment. It is dedicated to the wellbeing and integrity of the larger Montessori community as well as local communities.
Ages 18 months-Grade 6
Total Enrollment 143
Student/Faculty Ratio Toddler, 12:2 (teacher and assistant); preschool, 20:2; lower elementary, 20:2; upper elementary, 25:2
Yearly Tuition
$10,110-$13,750, based on program; $650 new family fee
Special Requirements Contact admissions@pinewoodsmontessori.com for information on admissions.
PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF CHAPEL HILL AT BRIAR CHAPEL
81 Falling Springs Dr., Chapel Hill 919-441-0441; primrosechapelhill.com
Focus A Cognia-accredited preschool delivering an exclusive learning approach that balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. Grades Infant to Pre-K, with after-care option
Total Enrollment 185
Student/Faculty Ratio Infant, 4:1; toddler, 6:1; early preschool, 8:1; preschool, 12:1; pre-K, 15:1
Yearly Tuition
$1,554-$1,890 per month for full-time enrollment; infant, $1,890; toddler, $1,806; early preschool and preschool pathways, $1,711; preschool, $1,600; private Pre-K, $1,554
Special Requirements $175 preregistration fee for birth to Pre-K.
Focus Prepares students to become ethical, well-rounded and self-sufficient citizens by providing a world-class education in a nurturing Christian environment.
Grades K-6
Total Enrollment About 60 Student/Faculty Ratio 10:1
Yearly Tuition $6,500
Special Requirements Application, tour, meeting with administrator and student testing.
ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
920 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill 919-942-6242; stmcsnc.org
Focus As a mission of the Catholic community of St. Thomas More, the school provides an exceptional education for each learner in a God-centered environment through a community
focused on spiritual development, academic pursuits and service to others.
Locations in: Apex, Cary, Clayton (Flowers Plantation), Holly Springs, Knightdale, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Rolesville and Wake Forest. Visit thalesacademy.org for school-specific info and to apply online.
Focus To provide an excellent and affordable education for students through the use of direct instruction and a classical curriculum that provides a rigorous academic environment fostering ethical behavior, critical thinking, virtuous leadership, lifelong learning and truth-seeking with a firm foundation in cognitive, noncognitive and technical skills. Students are well-prepared to succeed in higher education, career and life while positively impacting the world around them.
Special Requirements Admissions are made on a rolling basis, and decisions are made after a full review of the application, checklist items and a student interview. Priority consideration for 2026-2027 given to application checklists completed by Nov. 3, 2025.
Focus A welcoming community devoted to academic excellence that ignites intellectual curiosity, fosters compassion and integrity, and nurtures creativity, inspiring confidence in students to lead a life of purpose.
Grades Transitional K-8
Total Enrollment 350
Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1
Yearly Tuition
$16,790-$20,550
Special Requirements Application and interview required.
Focus To educate students within the framework of Christian faith and conviction; teaching the classical tools of learning; providing a rich, yet unhurried, education; and communicating truth, goodness and beauty. Trinity staff and teachers partner with parents to educate students with bright minds and open hearts. The school was founded in 1995, and the campus is nestled on 22 acres between Durham and Chapel Hill.
Special Requirements Visit website for details including steps to apply, registration for campus tour and info sessions, and financial aid information.
WILLOW OAK MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE
1476 Andrews Store Rd., Pittsboro. 919-240-7787; willowoakmontessori.org
Focus Multi-age classrooms with self-directed learning in a stimulating, authentic Montessori environment. Newly built school with a variety of outdoor spaces for learning and play.
Ages 3-5
Total Enrollment 45
Student/Faculty Ratio 13:1
Yearly Tuition Full day, $12,200; Half-day, $9,100
Special Requirements $75 application fee, one-time joining fee, toilet-trained. Limited financial aid available.
regional boarding schools
ASHEVILLE SCHOOL
360 Asheville School Rd., Asheville 828-254-6345; admission@ashevilleschool.org; ashevilleschool.org
Focus Academic excellence, a tight-knit community, strong values and a breathtaking location converge to create an unparalleled educational experience. The school’s blend of tradition and innovation prepares students not just for college, but for a lifetime of success and fulfillment. Its diverse student body represents 18 states and 17 countries.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 267
Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1
Yearly Tuition $76,950, boarding; $47,660, day students Special Requirements Full application, student essay, parent statement, graded writing sample and recommendations from an English and math teacher.
Focus To educate academically talented students to become state, national and global leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; advance public education; and inspire innovation for the betterment of humankind through challenging residential (both in Durham and Morganton), online, summer and virtual learning driven by instructional excellence and the excitement of discovery.
Grades 11-12
Total Enrollment 680 residential students in Durham; 300 in Morganton; and about 500 in NCSSM Online Student/Faculty Ratio 7:1
Yearly Tuition NCSSM is a public school. There are no fees associated with applying or attending. Special Requirements See ncssm.edu/apply
Focus An independent, college preparatory, boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement. Girls are accepted and empowered in their learning to grow spiritually and socially, and recognized for their unique passions and interests, including those yet to be discovered, through the development of critical thinking, crosscultural intelligence and new media literacy. Apple School, AP capstone program, dual-enrollment for college credit and 21 AP courses, innovative electives, junior internships, unique seminar program, college counseling, arts program and 12 sports. Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 307 Student/Faculty Ratio 9:1
Yearly Tuition $65,250, boarding; $36,000 for day students. Need- and merit-based financial aid available. Special Requirements Application, recommendation from school administrator, student statement, a transcript from the applicant’s current school, standardized testing scores and an interview.
education & family resources
BOOK HARVEST
2501 University Dr. 252-497-2665; bookharvest.org
Operates on the belief that literacy starts at birth, in the home, powered by parents and nourished with books, and offers programs that are grounded in evidence. Discover its new Family Space – a vibrant, welcoming hub where families can browse and take home free, high-quality books for children of all ages (0-18). Open to all, always free.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF DURHAM & ORANGE COUNTIES
1010 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy., Ste. 300 919-687-4517; bgcdoc.org
Provides kids with the opportunity to grow themselves and their talents by promoting healthy lifestyles, leadership and character skills and tools for academic success in after-school programs, summer camps and athletic classes.
Supports the health and well-being of growing families through education, advocacy and research across all stages of family development – from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting.
DURHAM’S PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
1201 S. Briggs Ave., Ste. 100 919-403-6960; dpfc.net
Leads community strategies for children, from birth to age 5, and their families to ensure every child in Durham enters school ready to succeed. Early Head Start, NC Pre-Kindergarten and Smart Start programs promote healthy development and learning, and provide access to high-quality care and early education.
DPS FOUNDATION
600 E. Umstead St. 919-200-0017; bullcityschools.org
Independent nonprofit that partners with Durham Public Schools and the community to invest in what our public schools need most. It works to foster an ecosystem of support by awarding grants and scholarships, providing mental health resources, giving free supplies to teachers and more.
DURHAM SUCCESS SUMMIT
727 N. Mangum St., Ste. 200 919-430-4466; dssnc.org
Evidence-based nonprofit that provides transformative professional development experiences to Black boys and young men ages 16 through 24.
DURHAM YOUTHWORKS
807 E. Main St., Building 500 919-560-4965; durhamnc.gov
Summer program for youth ages 14-24 that partners with local employers to provide meaningful real-world work experiences and workforce training that build skills and confidence to prepare them for career success.
SALEM ACADEMY
601 S. Church St., Winston-Salem 336-721-2643; salemacademy.com
Focus Fosters the intellectual, spiritual, social and physical growth of young women. Offers a STEAM-based curriculum, competition in five sports, a comprehensive fine arts program and technology, advising and cocurricular programs. Offers dual-enrollment college courses at Salem College in lieu of AP program.
EMILY KRZYZEWSKI CENTER
904 W. Chapel Hill St. 919-680-0308; emilyk.org
Focused on empowering students from elementary through college by equipping them with the skills necessary to successfully complete higher education, connect to promising careers and become agents of change within their communities.
KRAMDEN INSTITUTE
5010 Hwy. 55 919-293-1133; kramden.org
A nonprofit that aims to advance equitable access to tech, including free computers for school-age kids who don’t have one at home, which also offers technologyand creativity-focused summer camps, STEAM workshops and a coding club.
MADE IN DURHAM
201 W. Main St., Ste. 211 919-299-9886; madeindurham.org
Collaborates in strategic partnerships to build economic mobility for Durham’s young people and a skilled talent pipeline to help regional companies compete and grow, ensuring our whole community thrives.
OFFICE ON YOUTH
101 City Hall Plaza 919-560-1200; durhamnc.gov/1350/office-on-youth
An intergenerational space of belonging that cultivates new opportunities for young people to be dreamers, cocreators and decision makers in local government and across Durham. Find out more about its Changed by Youth Ambassador Program and Durham Youth Leadership Fund (where young people can apply for grant funding) on its website or follow @ YouthSpeakDURM.
SEEDS
706 Gilbert St. 919-683-1197; seedsnc.org
A 2-acre garden and kitchen offering opportunities for community classes and outreach for healthy eating and living.
STUDENT U
600 E. Umstead St. 919-560-2110; studentudurham.org
A nonprofit working to build a more equitable education system so that every student in Durham can thrive. Its team walks alongside students and their families in and out of school, supporting them on the path to college graduation. As the lead agency for Durham Community Schools, it partners directly with schools to integrate academic, social and community support. At the same time, the organization strengthens the broader education system by sharing proven strategies with educators and cultivating a vibrant community at The W.G. Pearson Center, all to create a brighter future for our youth.
YMCA OF THE TRIANGLE
Various Durham locations 919-719-9989; ymcatriangle.org
Provides youth programming in child care (before school, after school, holiday/summer day camps), instructional and competitive swimming, sports, academic support, teen leadership and family programs.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 80
Student/Faculty Ratio 6:1
Yearly Tuition $58,080; $29,200 for day students; $46,225 five-day boarding option
Special Requirements Interview, essay and transcripts, as well as optional teacher recommendations and optional testing.
durham charter schools
(Admission by lottery. Check with school for key dates.)
Focus The school’s all-children-thrive approach to child-centered, project-based learning is designed for every learner. It includes integrated arts, outdoor learning, social emotional learning, a joy for learning through high standards and family partnerships.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 600
Student/Faculty Ratio Lower, 16:1; upper, 19:1
Special Requirements Tours are strongly encouraged and are offered October-March. Lottery in March; applications accepted November-February. Waitlist is roughly 300 for kindergarten.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF DIGITAL & VISUAL ARTS
1955 W. Cornwallis Rd.; 919-797-2340; communitydva.org
Focus Growing students academically, socially and emotionally.
Focus Science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Grades 6-12
Total Enrollment 525
Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1
Special Requirements Open enrollment JanuaryFebruary; attending a tour during this time is strongly encouraged.
DURHAM CHARTER SCHOOL
4612 Kemp Rd.; 919-956-5599; durhammcharter.org
Focus To build a world-class K-12 school that empowers scholars to thrive in college, career and life. Grades K-12
Total Enrollment 1,300
Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1
Special Requirements Application and lottery for admission. School uniforms. Now accepting waitlist 2025-26 applications.
EXCELSIOR CLASSICAL ACADEMY
4100 N. Roxboro St. 919-213-8585; excelsior.cfacademy.school
Focus Excelsior means “higher” in Latin, and each student is encouraged to reach higher through the school’s rigorous curriculum in an environment that promotes responsibility, integrity, diligence and excellence as well as equity in education. Through its classical curriculum with a liberal arts focus, the school develops a foundation of knowledge, a practice of reason, a quality of eloquence and a habit of virtue to prepare each student for a lifetime of learning and citizenship. The school follows the Core Knowledge Sequence in K-8, a Singapore math curriculum in K-8 and state math standards in 9-12. Excelsior also offers AP and honors courses in high school. Logic, rhetoric and a senior thesis in high school are part of the classical curriculum. Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to participate in a dualenrollment programwith Durham Technical Community College, allowing them to earn both high school and college credits. It is possible for students to obtain an associate degree in arts or science, or in teacher preparation, engineering, fine arts in visual arts, business, marketing or nursing by the time they graduate high school. Excelsior aims to provide an inclusive educational environment accessible to all students in Durham and the surrounding area. The school offers busing service, and it provides lunch and uniform assistance to families who qualify. It also offers before- and after-school programs.
Grades K-12
Total Enrollment 1,180
Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1
Special Requirements Open application and
fast facts
DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
511 Cleveland St., Durham 919-560-2000; dpsnc.net
FAST FACTS
• Graduation rate: 80.3%
• DPS class of 2025 earned $72.23 million in scholarships
• The Durham Early College of Health Sciences (DECHS) welcomed its first cohort of students in August 2025. DECHS, a collaborative effort among DPS, Durham Tech and Duke Health, is supported by a transformative $29.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and is part of its first-of-its-kind, national initiative to create health care-focused high schools in 10 communities across the country.
• Nearly 90 percent of DPS schools met or exceeded growth during the 2024-25 academic year. More than half of the district’s schools earned an A, B or C grade.
SCHOOL YEAR DATA*
AVERAGE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
*based on the 2024-2025 school year
SUPERINTENDENT
Durham Public Schools
Board of Education appointed Anthony S. Lewis to a four-year term as the new superintendent of Durham Public Schools August 12, 2024. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees in Special Education from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, and his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He brings more than two decades of experience as an educator to this role, including six years of experience as the superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools in Lawrence, Kansas, where he worked to bridge achievement gaps by developing and implementing the district’s first equity policy. He has also contributed to multiple state-level public policy projects under Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, studying and addressing issues of racial equity and justice in Kansas, with a particular emphasis on law enforcement-community relations.
academic knowledge, demonstrate creative expression and expand leadership abilities to prepare for success in high school, college and beyond.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 505
Student/Faculty Ratio 19:1
KIPP DURHAM COLLEGE PREPARATORY
1107 Holloway St.; 919-973-0285; kippnc.org
Focus A dynamic and beloved school community where excellence in all aspects is the standard. The school joyfully educates its students with the academic, social and character skills necessary to take their chosen place in the world and leave it better than they found it. Students are part of a positive and collaborative learning and social environment that fosters preparedness, resilience, integrity, discipline and excellence.
Grades K-4; 6-8
Total Enrollment 400
Student/Faculty Ratio Varies by grade level.
MAUREEN JOY CHARTER SCHOOL
107 S. Driver St.; 919-908-1600; joycharter.org
Focus To develop the whole child through highquality instruction, school-community partnerships and the promotion of a positive self-identity.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 650
Student/Faculty Ratio K, 16:1; Grades 1-3, 22:1; Grades 4-8, 24:1
Special Requirements Application released in December; lottery in March.
NORTH OAK ACADEMY
2201 E. Geer St.; 991-695-9900
Focus Providing a high-quality, tuition-free education in a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Academic excellence paired with a Moral Focus program that emphasizes character development, including values like respect, perseverance and compassion.
Grades K-5 (expanding by one grade level each year until eighth grade).
Learn more about individual schools.
enrollment. If the number of applications exceeds available spots in a grade, the state requires a random lottery be conducted to determine admission. Open enrollment lasts between mid-December and mid- to late February, with a lottery in late February or early March.
KESTREL HEIGHTS CHARTER SCHOOL
Elementary and Middle: 4700 S. Alston Ave. 919-484-1300; kestrelheights.org
Focus A small, diverse and inclusive learning community that empowers its scholars to sharpen
Total Enrollment 520
Student/Faculty Ratio K, 27:1; Grades 1-5, 28:1
Special Requirements Enrollment is open to all students residing in N.C., and no tuition is required. An application is necessary for enrollment, with a lottery system used if applications exceed available seats.
Focus Delivering a strong academic foundation while fostering character development and community involvement. The school emphasizes a balanced approach to education, combining rigorous academics with extracurricular opportunities to support the holistic development of its students.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 720
Student/Faculty Ratio K, 21:1; Grades 1-8, 26:1
Special Requirements Lottery.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE HIGH SCHOOL
3106 E. N.C. Hwy. 54 919-998-6757; researchtrianglehighschool.org
Focus Provides globally competitive STEM education by pioneering models of teaching and learning while also having a strong arts department to support all students.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 573
Student/Faculty Ratio 14:1
Special Requirements Lottery.
VOYAGER ACADEMY
Elementary: 4210 Ben Franklin Blvd.; Middle: 101 Hock Parc Ln.; High: 4302 Ben Franklin Blvd. 919-433-3301; voyageracademy.net
Focus Project-based learning.
Grades K-12
Total Enrollment 1,355
Student/Faculty Ratio 18:1
Special Requirements Applications accepted online Jan. 1-Feb. 28; lottery held on the first Friday in March.
Where learners become leaders.
Serving Grades 6–12
orange/chatham county charter schools
(Admission by lottery. Check with school for key dates.)
Focus A Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics curriculum that builds upon a nearly 30year tradition of academic and artistic excellence.
Grades K-12
Total Enrollment 838
Student/Faculty Ratio 20:1
Special Requirements Initial enrollment based on lottery in February; students waitlisted once slots are filled.
Focus Embraces the natural curiosity of children and empowers them to become innovative problem solvers and community builders, and to provide excellent education through an experiential, projectbased, STEM-focused curriculum.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 380
Student/Faculty Ratio Grades K-4, 21:1; Grades 5-8, 22:1.
Resource/other non-classroom staff not included in ratio.
Special Requirements Lottery application cut off in Feb.
WILLOW OAK MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL
1476 Andrews Store Rd., Pittsboro 919-240-7787; willowoakmontessori.org
Focus Multi-age classrooms with self-directed learning in a stimulating Montessori environment. Newly built school
with various outdoor spaces. Assists children in achieving their potential as responsible global citizens by nurturing self-confidence and independent decision making.
Grades K-8
Total Enrollment 300
Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1
Special Requirements Lottery in March.
WOODS CHARTER SCHOOL
160 Woodland Grove Ln., Chapel Hill 919-960-8353; woodscharter.org
Focus Empowers students to achieve their full potential and develops young citizens equipped with a solid academic foundation, a passion for learning and exemplary character.
Grades K-12
Total Enrollment 514
Student/Faculty Ratio Elementary, 16:1; middle and high school, 20:1
Special Requirements Applications open Oct. 15 – Jan. 15; February lottery.
durham public schools’ application programs
Students who wish to attend a DPS application program must apply during the application period, which opens in January each year for the following school year. Parents and students interested in learning more about the programs offered can visit welcome.dpsnc.net or attend the “Showcase of Schools,” which is held in November.
REGIONAL APPLICATION PROGRAMS YEAR-ROUND CALENDAR
These schools operate on a year-round calendar with three-week breaks between each nine-week instructional period and a five-week break during
summer. The year-round calendar provides consistency throughout the year and more frequent breaks for students to maintain a school/life balance, explore their own interests or receive extra academic support.
Schools Easley Elementary, Eastway Elementary, Hope Valley Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Pearsontown Elementary, W.G. Pearson Elementary, The School for Creative Studies, Rogers-Herr Middle
DUAL-LANGUAGE IMMERSION
These programs use two languages for literacy and content instruction for all students. The schools provide the same academic content and address the same state standards as traditional educational programs where instruction is in only one language. Elementary DLI programs provide instruction to cohort groups of students in the two languages over an extended period of time, from kindergarten through fifth grade. Instruction in the DLI program language (Spanish in the case of all DPS programs) ranges from 90% in kindergarten to 50% percent of the time by fifth grade. Students not in the dual-language cohort classrooms benefit from cultural immersion experiences and weekly Spanish instruction. The only entry point to the DLI cohort is kindergarten. There is a considerable body of research that outlines the benefits of DLI programs for students, including higher academic performance, greater cognitive development and mental flexibility, increased creativity and divergent thinking, high levels of proficiency in the program language and in English, positive crosscultural attitudes and behaviors, and enhanced career opportunities. Schools Club Boulevard Elementary, Holt Elementary, Lyons Farm Elementary, MerrickMoore Elementary, Southwest Elementary, Bethesda Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Brogden Middle
MONTESSORI
Montessori education consists of multi-age, interdisciplinary, child-centered learning
From Wonder to Wisdom
environments; its curriculum is designed to foster independent and self-directed learning based on student interest. Peer-reviewed research suggests the Montessori approach effectively accelerates academic and social development. Schools Morehead Montessori Elementary, George Watts Montessori Elementary, Little River Montessori Elementary, Lucas Montessori Middle, Lakewood Montessori Middle
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
The goals of the International Baccalaureate Programme are to help students develop into adults who are confident, critical and independent thinkers with a global perspective. IB seeks to be a transformational form of education focused on individual learner profiles and centers learning on problem solving and real world, global challenges. Students develop world language and intercultural communication skills. Peer-reviewed research suggests that students who attend IB programs have more developed critical thinking skills, global awareness and are more likely to successfully attend college.
Schools Burton Elementary, E.K. Powe Elementary, Shepard Middle and Hillside High (cohort group only)
OTHER APPLICATION PROGRAMS
CITY OF MEDICINE ACADEMY
200 Wisteria Ave.; 919-560-2001; cma.dpsnc.net
Focus Rigorous health and life sciences courses of study prepare students for post-secondary learning in the field. Through a partnership with Durham Technical Community College, students can earn college credit and/or professional certifications in health care fields while in high school. Students have access to internships, clinical experiences, shadowing opportunities, mentoring and instruction by licensed health care professionals.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 331
DURHAM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
400 N. Duke St.; 919-560-3926; dsa.dpsnc.net
Focus Academic rigor and excellence in traditional visual and performing arts disciplines. Students may concentrate in chorus, band, orchestra, piano or guitar; dance; acting or technical theater; painting, drawing, clay, sculpture or photography; writing through literature, newspaper or yearbook; and game design, digital media or film.
Focus Rigorous IT and computer science courses of study prepare students for post-secondary learning in the field. Through a partnership with Durham Technical Community College, students can earn college credit and/or professional certifications in IT and computer science fields while in high school. Students have access to internships, shadowing opportunities, mentoring and instruction by industry professionals.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 219
IGNITE! ONLINE ACADEMY
5321 Ephesus Church Rd.; 919-886-4737; ignite.dpsnc.net
Focus Transforms the learning experience through culturally responsive, personalized online learning. The school serves K-12 students who are ready to own their learning and prepare to become leaders.
Focus A Cooperative Innovative high school located on North Carolina Central University's campus. Students take both honors/AP-level high school courses and college courses in this academically rigorous program and can earn up to two years of university credit with all course and material expenses covered. Early College is best suited for students who demonstrate a high degree of responsibility, independence and intrinsic motivation.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 390
DURHAM EARLY COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
41 Moore Dr.; 919-972-3600; dpsnc.net/o/health-sciences
Focus A Cooperative Innovative high school in partnership with Durham Technical Community College and Duke Health. DECHS students will earn health care credentials or associate degrees that will enable them to graduate directly into the workforce, including job opportunities at Duke Health.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 104
SOUTHERN SCHOOL OF ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY
800 Clayton Rd.; 919-560-3968; southern.dpsnc.net
Focus Developing the next generation of problem solvers ready to tackle global challenges. Along with a wide variety of core curriculum courses that use real world problems and projects to teach content, SSES has unique and exciting career and technical education pathways in biomedical technology, engineering, and skilled trades and construction management. These programs include internships and industry credentials that can lead students to exciting career opportunities and/or challenging college majors.
Grades 9-12
Total Enrollment 1,403
Soccer practice becomes a playbook for teamwork, resilience and respect on Durham’s elementary school fields
BY ABIGAIL CELORIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
he final bell brings something more exciting than homework for 72 students at three Durham Public Schools elementaries – it means the start of cleats on grass, soccer balls in motion and lessons that go far beyond the field.
The People’s Game has introduced young players to values-based soccer coaching that emphasizes cooperation, character and joy for the past three-and-a-half years. The idea was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where founder Kingsley McLeod led socially distanced drills for local youth during the pandemic.
“I came up with the name … because [soccer is] a game for the people,” Kingsley says. “The only thing you need for soccer is a ball, and
Jerimiah Childrey, 6, Leon Haun, 6, Logan Bruffy, 6, Kai Marusiak, 5, and Grey Dunbar, 5, have a ball during one of The People’s Games’ summer camps at Lyons Farm Elementary School.
sports & Outdoors
then from there, you can make everything else up and play.”
Kingsley grew up on soccer in Jamaica, his home for almost a decade before his father joined the U.S. Air Force. As the service took his family from country to country, the game became a constant for him. That passion carried into adulthood – he played Division I soccer at Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania and semi-professionally in Canada and Australia. He also built his coaching chops, working for youth organizations across the globe like Mini Athletics and Soccer Shots.
All of that experience now fuels his mission for The People’s Game: to focus not just on the skills, but also on the heart of the player.
“We coach the sport, but more than the sport, we coach our values,” Kingsley says. “Respect, responsibility and trust. After we do our activities, we stop and we ask: ‘How are we being respectful? How are we being responsible? How are we being trustworthy?’ Then we [connect] that to a broader sense of, ‘How does that look when you’re in the classroom?’”
The organization’s first after-school session launched at Lyons Farm Elementary School, where Kingsley started teaching physical education in 2022. Eight children attended that first program – including Declan Rietz, now a third grader. Since then, Declan has learned how to value the parts of soccer that go beyond scoring. He says he’s developed not only a love for the sport, but also obtained the skills – like drilling and playing competitively in different positions –he’s not found anywhere else. Just as important are the mindfulness lessons, which Declan says help him stay focused on fun.
“I get a little sad sometimes when I lose, so I do deep breaths after a game,” he says. His father, Logan Rietz, says Declan has never been short on confidence, but The People’s Game has helped him grow not just as an athlete, but more importantly, as an individual.
“They did a tournament at the end of last school year, and it was fun to watch him in that environment,” Logan says. “[He was] communicating with teammates and being a leader on the field.”
Kingsley believes that emphasis on teamwork and joy – not just victory – sets The People’s Game apart. “[There’s] a lot of importance [placed] on winning at the younger ages and the foundational early
ABOVE People’s Game founder Kingsley McLeod fosters a space where young athletes can grow, connect and find joy in soccer.
BELOW Rey Marusiak, 8, and Amelia Pagadala, 10, engage in team-building activities before heading outside to play.
educational stage,” he says. “That’s not what we should be focusing on at that age. It should be [about] enjoyment of the game, learning your values and working in teams.”
The People’s Game now runs after-school sessions at three elementary schools – Lyons Farm, Pearsontown and Southwest – each with 24 participants. The group also offers several “minis” classes in partnership with local day cares, along with holiday camps throughout the year during summer, fall, winter and spring breaks, teacher workdays and track outs. Unlike aftercare and minis, which only serve partner schools and day cares, the holiday camps welcome any child in kindergarten through fifth grade. Kingsley says it’s the organization’s largest program, drawing kids from across Durham to share the game each season.
Kingsley hopes to keep this momentum going, growing The People’s Game to reach every corner of the Bull City. His 10-year vision includes affiliations with at least 10 schools and potentially hosting the group’s own recreational league. With the seven-person coaching team’s expansion to include its first full-time hire, The People’s Game is poised to bring the world’s most universal sport – both its joy and the values it teaches – to even more kids across Durham.
Get to Know Some of Durham's Health care and wellness Providers
The past year has proven that health care is vitally important to a community, and ours is no exception. Often referred to as the City of Medicine, Durham is home to a vast number of providers and wellness organizations who stand out for multiple reasons. Meet some of the caregivers close to home from our local health care and wellness world, including dentists, retirement communities and beyond.
For 40 years, the mission of Desiree T. Palmer, DMD, PA and Associates has been to provide dental care that exceeds expectations while helping patients achieve optimal oral health. At A New Reason to Smile Family Dentistry, Dr. Brittanie Harris and Dr. Canai Calmore practice the full scope of cosmetic and family dentistry, including veneers, crowns, bridges, implant restorations, partials, dentures, and Invisalign.
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we believe a beautiful smile has the power to change your life. During your initial visit to one of our state-of-the-art offices, our team will ensure your time is informative and comfortable, utilizing the latest technology. You’ll leave with a detailed, custom-designed treatment plan in hand, ready to choose which treatment is right for you.
Our team is proud to serve our community as Invisalign Diamond Plus providers. That means we are among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the nation. We have the expertise to help you achieve the smile of your dreams without the use of metal braces and wires. Call us today for your complimentary consultation with Dr. Dempsey Smith, Dr. Gavin Heymann, or Dr. Katya Skillestad.
Innovative Chiropractic & Regenerative Care in Durham
Ignite Wellness Chiropractic Center has officially moved to a new state-of-the-art facility designed to help patients feel better, move better, and live better. Led by Dr. Avery Garrabrant and Dr. Shannon Bigbie, Ignite Wellness blends expert chiropractic care with cutting-edge regenerative therapies to deliver lasting, natural relief. In addition to gentle, low-force chiropractic adjustments for the spine and extremities, Ignite offers advanced regenerative therapies like focused shockwave therapy. This cutting-edge technology delivers high-energy acoustic waves that promote joint regeneration by stimulating stem cell production, new capillary formation, and nitric oxide production. It has become a powerful option for those struggling with chronic pain, debilitating arthritis, and stubborn tendon injuries. The office also offers Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair at the cellular level, as well as nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy for patients suffering from disc injuries, degenerative discs, stenosis or sciatica.
This integrative approach is designed with one goal in mind: to restore your body’s ability to heal and thrive so you can keep up with everything life throws your way. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an active grandparent, or simply want to live painfree, Ignite Wellness offers personalized care in a warm, welcoming environment.
Visit them in their new Durham location and discover how Ignite Wellness is redefining what it means to feel well.
HEALTH care
2711 N. Duke St., Durham, NC 27704 919-220-1416 • dukestreetsmiles.com
Dr. Martha Ann Keels has been practicing in Durham for more than 30 years. In 1990, she started the first pediatric dental clinic at Duke University Hospital and provided pediatric dental care at Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital. In 2001, Dr. Keels relocated to Duke Street Pediatric Dentistry’s current location. She provides evidencebased care and helps families develop effective strategies to maintain their children’s oral health.
While earning her M.S. in pediatric dentistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Erica Brecher completed her master’s thesis with Dr. Keels. Their research was nationally recognized by the American
1515 NC-54, Ste. 100, Durham, NC 27707
919-217-2735 • hearinghealthcarenc.com
Dr. Cristobal and Dr. Wellons combine cutting-edge technology with evidence-based treatment, taking time to understand each patient’s unique goals and hearing challenges. As a private, independent audiology practice, they answer to patients–not hearing aid manufacturers nor large health systems. At Hearing Health Care Services, patients notice the difference in personalized care and benefit from tailored solutions that work best for their lifestyle and hearing needs.
Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Brecher is deeply committed to the connection between oral health and overall health and values developing long-lasting relationships with her patients.
Dr. Gentry Byrd joined the team in 2022. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery and completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, along with a Master of Public Health from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Dr. Byrd brings a strong research background in nutrition, in addition to her excellent clinical skills.
The entire team looks forward to providing the best oral healthcare for your children in a fun and caring environment.
For more than 45 years, Croasdaile Dental Arts has provided the highest quality dental care to the Durham community. Drs. William Turner, Jason Butler and Eric T. Cole stay educated on the newest technologies and procedures to best address patients’ unique needs. Their team prioritizes building long-lasting relationships with patients
in a comfortable and fun environment. They understand the importance of open communication during all stages of the treatment process, starting with preventative care through the maintenance optimal oral health. Drs. Turner, Butler and Cole have perfected the art of cosmetic dentistry, helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles.
Hoopes Orthodontics continues a proud tradition of highly personalized care that began with the practice’s founding in 2003. With a Doctor of Dental Surgery from Columbia University and orthodontic specialty training from UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Tom Hoopes combines advanced expertise with a genuine commitment to every patient.
Since assuming ownership, Dr. Hoopes has been dedicated to growing and evolving Hoopes Orthodontics while staying true to its core values of compassion,
excellence, and individualized treatment for the entire family. Here, building genuine, trusting relationships is just as important as utilizing advanced technology and clinical skill. Offering a full range of modern treatment options, Hoopes Orthodontics excels as a Platinum Invisalign Provider while also providing the latest clear and silver braces to meet each patient’s needs and preferences.
The team is dedicated to creating a welcoming, positive experience at every visit, helping patients feel confident and cared for throughout their orthodontic journey.
Dr. Christi De Larco, DACM, knows what it’s like to live in pain. In her twenties, she battled chronic pain, went through endless rounds of specialists, imaging tests, and prescriptions–yet found no relief. Feeling defeated, she turned to acupuncture. The results changed her life.
Inspired by her own healing, Dr. Christi dedicated herself to helping others who have “tried everything” and feel
they’re out of options. Today, as the leader of Piedmont Acupuncture Healthcare, she and her team specialize in treating chronic pain and complex conditions.
Whether you’re living with neuropathy, autoimmune disorders, shingles, spinal stenosis, or fibromyalgia, they combine time-tested, evidence-based therapies with modern medical solutions to help you reclaim your life and return to living on your own terms.
chan ging the Game
Durham Queer Sports welcomes LGBTQIA+ players and allies to the field with no fees, no judgment and all joy
BY HANNAH LEE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLISS FLOCCARE
occer’s been part of Ezri Lagu’s life for as long as she can remember. Which is what made walking away from it so difficult.
She grew up outside of Greensboro, and by age 5, developed a passion for kicking the ball around. That spark only grew as Ezri got older and her skills improved. By sophomore year of high school, she’d emerged as a standout – so much so that Ezri was on a pre-Olympic developmental track.
People’s first thought with [DQS] is coming for the community; sports are a second aspect. – Ezri Lagu
But as she kept climbing the youth sports ladder, Ezri – a transgender woman assigned male at birth, who transitioned in summer 2022 – struggled more and more to fit into high-stakes sports settings.
“The unpleasant energy that I always got from sports growing up was that it was really intense,” Ezri says. “I don’t enjoy the competitive aspect of it at all. It’s also very cis-male dominated.”
After years of experiencing vitriol-laced trash talk and reckless physicality among so many of her teammates, Ezri eventually had enough. She loved the game … but not everything that came with it. At 16, she told her travel coach she was done,
[DQS is] centered on uplifting and encouraging queer experiences. It’s a group that’s for everyone who holds the same values and feels like that’s important. – Ally Fion
with one condemning reason why: “This was awful. I hated all of this.”
It wasn’t until August 2022 – a month after Ezri began transitioning – that she discovered Durham Queer Sports, a free local league and social group specifically designed for the LGBTQIA+ community. There, she finally found the larger community she’d always hoped for.
“Being able to enjoy a sport that I had known for my entire life, in a very different setting than what it had ever been, was really just healing,” Ezri says.
DQS began as a recreational kickball meetup and “free queer space” in 2019, according to co-founder Ally Fion, and has since turned itself into a full-fledged league with nearly 2,600 followers on Instagram. Ironically, the pandemic accelerated that growth: DQS consolidated three fledgling sports groups under its current umbrella and, while games were on pause, organizers built the infrastructure – a website, newsletter, leaders for various sports and a structured weekly schedule – that allowed the league to thrive once play resumed in 2022.
“We sort of colloquially talk about it as socializing through sport,” Ally says. “We really want to focus on a community vibe that is very intentionally and actively safe for anyone who shows up.”
That means welcoming players of every orientation, race and experience level.
For every seasoned athlete like Ezri, there are just as many others – like Ezri’s partner, A.C. – who didn’t grow up playing sports. In fact, the only reason A.C. joined DQS was because, on one of their first dates in October 2022, Ezri needed to leave early to make it to a soccer game. Soon after, A.C. – a self-described “drama kid” growing up – started tagging along to spectate, and by January felt comfortable enough to play.
“I went in sneakers, we played one game – and I’m like, ‘This is so much fun,’” A.C. remembers. “I was like, “Let’s go find cleats.’”
The low-pressure environment is what made A.C., and so many others, feel most at ease. DQS doesn’t require scorekeeping, prior experience or really anything other than a willingness to participate. Every game begins with a huddle where players introduce themselves,
share pronouns and review DQS’ code of conduct.
“Those rules center around being explicitly anti-racist, antitransphobic, anti-ableist,” Ally says. “This is a space where you can come and just have fun.”
The sports that the league offers have changed over time – volleyball and paddling are newer additions, while basketball was cut – but its central mission remains the same.
The league relies mostly on donations – which have paid for, among other things, reversible jerseys that participants across the various sports share – but Ally hopes that DQS can one day establish nonprofit status with access to more reliable funding. It’s also exploring
sponsorship opportunities with local businesses and organizations – anything to expand DQS’ growing reach.
In the meantime, Durham Queer Sports also maintains a mutual aid fund to help members when unexpected needs arise.
The impact, Ezri and A.C. say, is already undeniable. As volleyball captains, they’ve watched players step into their authentic selves.
Both remember a newcomer who initially introduced themself with “she/her” pronouns; then, after a few weeks, felt comfortable using “she/they.”
“It’s the sweetest thing,” A.C. says. “It’s one of the things that makes me the happiest when I’m there. I have no idea how influential it is for other people’s experience – being in the circle –but I know it was huge for me.”
people &places
Barn Raising
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EL CENTRO HISPANO
The 33rd annual El Centro Hispano Gala brought 218 community leaders and supporters together at The Historic Wakefield Barn to honor more than three decades of service to North Carolina’s Latino community. Guests enjoyed exhilarating cultural performances, raffles, awards and moving speeches, all while raising vital funds for the nonprofit’s mission of building bridges and promoting opportunities for all by providing resources across education, community health, economic development, civic engagement and support services.
Denise Lisdahl, a human resources, operations and project management consultant; Town of Carrboro Recreation Supervisor Michelle Blume; Kay Hardy; and Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli.
Ed Blunt Scholarship Fund recipient Diego Sanchez Tirado with Graciela Miranda Tudó, the Maria and Urbano Ehuan Scholarship Fund recipient, and El Centro Hispano President and CEO Pilar Rocha-Goldberg and Education Manager Ethel Vandergriff.
Rowland Webb Jr. and Dr. Erica Taylor, Duke University School of Medicine assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery and chief medical officer of Duke Health Integrated Practice.
Transitions LifeCare’s Betsy Barton, Jackie Sinicrope and Cristina Puig-Lugo accept the Gilbertson-Clark Visionary Award, recognizing the organization’s commitment to transforming the community.
Cristina España, senior outreach advisor for Gov. Josh Stein’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Outreach.
Triangle Community Foundation President and CEO Lori O’Keefe. Rep. Allen Buansi.
Urban Ministries of Durham’s Auction Gala brought 250 people together at the Duke Inn & Golf Club on April 11 for an elegant evening of community and compassion. Guests enjoyed a seated dinner before bidding in silent and live auctions. Sydnee Scofield of ABC 11 emceed the program, which featured remarks from Gov. Josh Stein, Williams, Rep. Zack Hawkins and guest speaker Derek Rhodes, who all underscored the importance of collective action in addressing homelessness. The room buzzed with energy as supporters lifted their paddles, helping to raise funds for UMD that will directly benefit individuals and families by providing them with safe shelter, essential resources and lifechanging support. “In our current economic climate, it’s more important than ever to offer hope and dignity to anyone in need,” says UMD Executive Director The night raised more than $100,000 to support UMD’s mission.
Bob Wechsler and Hope Hartman.
Cassandra Mitchell and Urban Ministries of Durham Executive Director Sheldon Mitchell.
NAACP Durham Branch President B. Angeloe Burch Sr. and Aalayah Sanders of the Durham Housing Authority.
Mayor Leonardo Williams.
Durham Success Summit Founder & Executive Director Derek Rhodes.
Duke University Health System Vice President and Chief Employee Experience Officer Ian Lee Brown.
Emcee Sydnee Scofield of ABC 11.
weddings
Kenneth Combs & Chelsea Upchurch
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAITLYN NICOLE, CAITLYNNICOLE.COM
Wedding Date Nov. 8, 2024
Occupations Ken is the founder of luxury design-build firm CQC Home; he and Chelsea later teamed up to launch renovation and remodeling company Green Hill Contracting a few years ago. Crossed Paths What began as a friendship turned into something deeper during an unforgettable night downtown. The evening unfolded like a scene from a movie: a slow dance at Alley Twenty Six, scooter rides through city streets and a quiet moment atop a parking deck at the American Tobacco Campus as a summer storm rolled across the Durham skyline.
The Proposal Ken first hinted at forever during a beach trip with Chelsea’s family. The official engagement came on July 5, 2023, after the couple soared over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter and landed at a secluded overlook, where Ken asked Chelsea to marry him.
The Big Day The couple exchanged vows at the Legarge Waring House in Charleston, South Carolina, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues from the homebuilding world. A black-and-white color palette set a classic, timeless tone, while emerald velvet lounge furniture gave a subtle nod to Green Hill Contracting. Their love of travel inspired table names based on destinations they’ve explored together, complete with personal photos at each locale. Even their dogs played a role, honored with signature cocktails dubbed “The Westie” and “The Bulldog,” which added a fun, personal touch to the bar. Every detail reflected their story, culminating in heartfelt custom vows.
Favorite Moments Just before Chelsea walked down the aisle, Ken heard her prerecorded voice sharing heartfelt words she had secretly planned. “It was such a special surprise,” Ken says. For Chelsea, the magic came from seeing every thoughtful detail come to life and watching loved ones enjoy them. “Hearing Ken’s vows was so special,” she adds. “He put a lot of thought into them, and it really showed.”
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weddings
Christian Katic & Ashley Welch
BY TAYLOR MOTLEY
PHOTO BY JCM PHOTOGRAPHY, YOURJCMPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Wedding Date Oct. 6, 2024
Occupations Ashley and Christian both work as physician assistants.
Crossed Paths The pair “met in a very traditional millennial way,” Ashley says – they matched on Tinder in 2017 while both were in graduate school in Pennsylvania. They met in person after two months of chatting, spending an entire day together – an instant connection that set the tone for their future.
The Proposal The couple collaborated on designing the engagement ring together, but Ashley didn’t know when Christian would pop the question. During a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, he led her through a lush garden and proposed. “It ended up being very spontaneous, which made it all the more special,” Ashley says. They celebrated with a picnic under oak trees, complete with Champagne, and ended the day with a delightful tour.
The Big Day The couple exchanged vows at Hill House, a venue that added “an extra layer of meaning” for Ashley as a member of the Junior League of Durham, which is headquartered there. “It added a special, personal touch to an already incredible day, making it even more memorable,” she says.
The celebration featured vintage-inspired details in dusty blue and gold. Bernard’s Formalwear outfitted Christian in a sharp tuxedo, while officiant Laney Margolis guided the ceremony. Guests stayed at the Durham Marriott City Center and traveled to the festivities with S and H Transportation. The Mad Hatter’s Café & Bakeshop created a cake adorned with delicate blue frosting flowers and topped
with a figurine of the newlyweds. A cookie table – stocked with 14 varieties baked by both Baker Street Cookies and Christian’s mother, Bibiane Katic, and her friends – honored a Pennsylvania tradition and Ashley’s sweet tooth. Nesbitt Economou filmed the entire day, from the couple’s heartfelt vows to the joyful reception. Afterward, Moongarden Craft preserved Ashley’s bouquet, capturing the romance of the day in a lasting keepsake.
Favorite Moments During his vows, Christian accidentally said Ashley’s name instead of his own – a lighthearted, genuine moment that Ashley says she will remember forever. For Christian, the highlight came when they walked out of Hill House as husband and wife, greeted by cheers from family and friends. “Seeing all of our loved ones gathered together, genuinely happy and cheering for us, made us feel like celebrities,” he says.
Do you live in Durham or are from here and want your wedding or engagement featured in our magazine? Scan this code to send us your info.
