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 standards in 9-12. Students typically take Math 1 in 8th grade for high school credit, and may also qualify to take Math 2, Latin I, and Latin II in middle school for high school credit. 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 dual-enrollment program with 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. Our high school also has a relationship with the North Carolina School of Science and Math (NCSSM Connect) which allows students to take classes through the school while enrolled at Excelsior. Excelsior aims to provide a welcoming 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. Excelsior also offers before- and after-school programs. 

Grades K-12 

Total Enrollment 1,180

Student/Faculty Ratio 15:1 

Special Requirements Open application and enrollment. If the number of applications exceeds available spots for a particular grade, the state requires a random lottery be conducted to determine admission. Open enrollment lasts for two months between mid-December and mid- to late February, with the lottery in late February or early March. Open enrollment is announced on the school’s website.