We welcome all families from the diverse Durham community to our preschool and kindergarten, feeling that the inclusion of a variety of backgrounds provides an enriching experience for students.
At DMWS, our emphasis is on establishing an atmosphere of love, support, and security, and on building self-confidence in our students. This provides the wellspring that slates a child for success as a human being.
A stimulating environment with many and varied activities encourages hands-on experiences, fostering a desire to think, question and discover. Wide ranges of activities that are vitally important to children’s development are lumped together under the word “play”. Through play, children learn and polish social, emotional, physical, and mental skills. Play is children’s work!
We want the preschool experience to be a positive one with success after success to build on, and we strive to provide this experience for our students at Duke Memorial Weekday School.
Registration for 2025-2026 officially begins on January 29th. In order to hold a spot at the time of registration, you will pay a registration fee. All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
During the week of January 21-24, you will receive an application for each of your currently enrolled children through their school folder. Applications for siblings may be requested from the office. Priority for registration will be as follows:
In order to retain priority, your completed application must be received by the February 7th deadline.
Tuition rates and registration fees for 2025-2026 will be set by our Board of Directors in December.
Class offerings for each age level are determined by initial enrollment numbers. We may be able to offer the following:
In accordance with guidelines from the NC DHHS and the CDC all individuals who come in direct contact with students at Duke Memorial Weekday School during school hours are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including but not limited to teachers, the director, substitutes, 1:1 teachers and shadows.
DMWS is mask optional. We follow guidelines from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. As guidelines change, we will respond accordingly.
The Director will determine if Duke Memorial Weekday School will be open, closed, or operate on a delay in the event of inclement weather or extenuating circumstances, using Durham Public Schools as a guideline.
This means we will not always follow Durham Public Schools.
Factors considered when assessing whether to close, open on time or on a delay include, but are not limited to: teacher availability to fulfill Safe Sanctuaries requirements, the condition of Memorial Drive/sidewalks along Memorial Drive, and timing of the inclement weather event. Parents should check for cancellation/delay information on WTVD and WRAL. Attempts will be made to notify all families by email and Remind text. The decision as to whether or not Duke Memorial Weekday School opens on a delay will be made with the utmost consideration of safety for all of our families and staff members. Duke Memorial Weekday School will build up to 4 makeup days into the school calendar. Use of these makeup days is at the discretion of the Director.
No peanuts or peanut butter will be allowed in DMWS classrooms. Children who bring lunches to school for Kindergarten or Lunch Bunch may use other nut butters (cashew butter, almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc).
I am so, so grateful for the years my two children spent at Duke Memorial Weekday School. DMWS gave my children the safe and loving environment they needed to learn and grow. The teachers at DMWS went above and beyond to care for them and teach them, and our family has so many happy memories from our time at this wonderful school.
~Loralie
DMWS has been such a wonderful preschool for our family. We have been at DMWS at every age level, including Kindergarten. Our kids have thrived there- we have had the kindest, most nurturing and loving teachers & staff. Their preschool days are filled with play, outdoor time, music, fitness, art, books and so many other fun activities, along with structured times that are preparing them for school in the future. We love the community and the amazing history of preschool and kindergarten at Duke Memorial!
~ Kristen
Upcoming special days and events on our Duke Memorial Weekday School CalendarJan. 6 – First Day of School after break
Jan. 8 – Parents’ Council Meeting
Jan. 13 – Open House for Prospective Families
Jan. 20 – MLK Jr. Holiday – No School
Jan. 27 & 28 – Parent – Teacher Conferences – No School for Students
Jan. 29 – Registration for 2025-2026 Officially Begins
Feb. 2 – DWMS Pasta Dinner
Feb. 7 – Registration Deadline to retain priority
We invite parents of prospective students to schedule a tour of Duke Memorial Weekday School.
Come see our school and learn more about programs offered at Duke Memorial Weekday School.
Reach out to our school director Julie Allen or call the school office 919-688-5130 to schedule a visit.
Mark your calendars for the Duke Memorial Weekday School Pasta Dinner, February 2nd.
Entertainment will start at 5:00 pm and dinner will be ready by 5:30 pm.
Plan on $7 per plate for dining in or there is a take-out option for $25 per family.
More details coming soon!
The Duke Memorial carpool system has been devised to ensure the optimum safety of your child. With your help and cooperation, our students can be loaded and unloaded in just a few minutes. Use the map below to be sure you are prepared to follow correct carpool procedures as we start the school year.
DMWS teachers are excited to meet with parents, virtually or in person, on conference days to share information about your children and answer questions you may have. Please be sure to sign up for a conference with your child’s teachers if you have not yet done so.
