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 next year began on January 24. In order to hold a spot for 2024-2025 at the time of registration, you will pay a registration fee of $75 for returning students or $85 for new students. All registration fees are non-refundable.
During the week of January 16-19, an application for each currently enrolled child was sent home via their school folder. Applications for siblings may requested from the school office. Priority for registration is as follows:
In order to retain priority, your completed application must be received by the February 2nd deadline. After this date, enrollment will be first come first served.
Class offerings for each age level are determined by initial enrollment numbers. We may be able to offer the following:
Tuition rates and registration fees for 2024-2025 are available on the Admission Page.
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).
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
I am a proud parent of a child at DMWS. My husband also attended preschool here 30+ years ago and we both can’t say enough wonderful things about the program. My daughter is excited to go to school every day and has been blessed each year with loving and caring teachers. DMWS has created a warm, friendly, educational and FUN environment for my child to grow. As my daughter moves on to elementary school next fall, we are grateful that DMWS provided her with a solid foundation for academic success in years to come!
Thanks,
~Jenn
April 1 – No School- holiday
April 3 – Parents’ Council Meeting
April 4 – Wild Tails NC visit for K and Pre-K
April 10 – Duke Gardens Field Trip for K and Pre-K
April 13 – Spring Carnival and Silent Auction (10am-1pm)
April 17 and 18 – Class Photos
April 19 – Board Meeting
April 24 – Dining Out with DMWS 4-7pm at Jeni’s Ice Creams
April 29 – Staff Meeting NO LUNCH BUNCH
May 22 – Last Day for Students
Sept 3 – Parent Orientation
Sept 4 – First Day of School
June 24-28
July 15-19
July 22-26
July29-Aug 2
Jeni’s Ice Creams , located at 908 W. Main St. Durham, NC 27701, is hosting our April Dining with DMWS event on April 24th from 4-7 pm.
Jeni’s will donate 25% of sales during our timeframe back to Duke Memorial Weekday School
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.
Summer Camp registration is open! Registration forms have been sent home in student folders.
This summer, DMWS will offer 4 weeks of summer camp for children who are Rising 3’s through Rising 2nd graders.
Our Camp Weeks are
Camp hours are 9 am – 12:30 pm. Cost is $190 per week. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities including music and fitness opportunities. All campers should bring a lunch. DMWS will provide snack.