Who We Are
Central Park School for Children is a tuition-free public charter elementary school in Durham, North Carolina, serving 285 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Located in Durham's vibrant Central Park District, the school opened in the fall of 2002. We operate on a year-round calendar and accept students by lottery.
Our Mission
The Central Park School for Children is committed to nurturing and guiding the natural eagerness of each child to explore, grow, and relate to others. The school is founded on three principles: that children are naturally full of life, power and confidence; that the best available research should guide our methods; and that children develop best in a community where curiosity, challenges and learning are valued. The school is a community of partners who seek to guide, cherish and be amazed by the children.
What makes CPSC unique?
The Central Park School for Children is unique among public elementary schools in Durham because of its child-centered educational philosophy. Our hands-on, project-based curriculum naturally integrates academics, the arts, and personal development. Everyone at the school is on a first-name basis (adults and children). We have small classes (14-16 students per class) and only three classes in each grade.
What Else Sets Us Apart?
- CPSC teachers work 214 days a year. That’s about five days more than any local school district, charter school, or independent school. Why? Three days of home visits, six parent conference days, and nine days of professional development.
- Despite very lean budget years, CPSC teacher salaries are a priority. CPSC teachers have received yearly salary increases four out of the last five years.
- Ten CPSC teachers participate in our teacher mentor program either as mentors or mentees. Weekly support and quarterly professional development meetings are provided.
- Each teacher candidate is observed and interviewed by more than six CPSC teachers and administrators during a full day visit. Candidates teach a lesson, observe throughout the school to ensure a great match.
Why is partnership so important to CPSC?
We expect that parents will contribute to our school community and support the healthy development of their children, as partners in the educational process. By registering your child at CPSC, your family is making the commitment to read with your child every day and spend at least four hours per month participating in school-related projects.
What is a Charter School?
Charter schools provide parents a choice in the education of their children. Funded primarily by public tax dollars, charter schools have open enrollment with no discrimination, no religious associations, and no tuition. Charter schools are subject to most of the same state and federal regulations as regular public schools.
CPSC is a public school operating under a Charter approved by the State of North Carolina. CPSC is not affiliated with Durham Public Schools. We have our own Board of Directors, analogous to the Durham County School Board. We receive per-student funding from federal, state, and local taxes, but less than traditional public schools.
Charter Schools FAQ page from NC Department of Public Instruction »
CPSC by the numbers
See our school's profile on the state's Education First / NC School Report Cards website »