Families across Durham County are seeking educational environments that combine academic excellence with strong values and personalized attention. As one of North Carolina's most dynamic and diverse counties, Durham is home to families with varied educational priorities, many of whom find that private education offers the specialized approach they desire for their children.
Excellence in Education for Durham County Families
Resurrection Lutheran School, located a short drive from Durham County in neighboring Cary, provides a compelling educational option for families seeking a Christ-centered, academically rigorous program for students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade.
Why Durham County Families Choose Private Education
Parents from Durham neighborhoods and communities make the choice to invest in private education for various reasons that align with their educational philosophies and family values:
1. Academic Rigor and Excellence
Private schools often feature advanced curriculum options, specialized programs, and high academic standards that challenge students to reach their full potential. Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized instruction and personalized learning experiences.
At Resurrection Lutheran School, we provide a learning environment that is academically rich while maintaining appropriate support systems. Our curriculum follows North Carolina State Standards as a baseline while integrating national standards and extension activities to create a comprehensive educational experience. Students are prepared for "honors level" coursework in high school, with a particular emphasis on writing skills and critical thinking.
2. Values-Based Learning Environment
Many Durham County families seek educational settings that reinforce the values they teach at home. Private schools often have clearly defined missions that support character development alongside academic growth.
Resurrection Lutheran School offers a Christ-centered environment where the groundwork is laid for a lifetime of learning. Our commitment to Christian values serves to motivate children to perform at their highest potential while developing character traits that will serve them throughout life.
3. Individualized Attention
With typically smaller student populations than public schools, private education can offer more personalized attention to each student's needs, learning style, and interests.
Our school maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers who know each student personally. This allows for differentiated instruction that helps all students achieve academic growth while developing their unique talents and abilities.
Life in Durham County, NC
Durham County offers residents a vibrant blend of urban amenities, educational opportunities, cultural richness, and natural beauty that makes it an exceptional place to raise a family.
A Growing, Dynamic Community
Durham County has transformed dramatically in recent decades, evolving from its tobacco and textile manufacturing roots into a center for education, medicine, research, and technology. The county's revitalized downtown, growing suburban communities, and rural areas provide diverse living options for families.
Educational Hub
Home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, Durham has a strong educational tradition. This academic presence creates a community that values learning and intellectual development, making it an ideal place for educationally-focused families.
Many Durham County residents who work in higher education or research appreciate the complementary educational philosophy at Resurrection Lutheran School, which emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and preparation for future academic success.
Cultural Diversity and Opportunities
Durham's rich multicultural heritage is reflected in its diverse population, cultural institutions, and community events. Families enjoy access to:
- Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)
- Museum of Life and Science
- American Tobacco Campus
- Numerous festivals and cultural celebrations
- Eno River State Park and other natural attractions
This cultural richness aligns with our school's commitment to preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the diverse world around them while maintaining their core values.
Strategic Location
Durham County's location within the Research Triangle region provides families with access to exceptional employment opportunities while maintaining a quality of life that supports family flourishing.
For families considering Resurrection Lutheran School, the commute from Durham County to our Cary campus is manageable, typically ranging from 25-40 minutes depending on your specific location. Many families find that the educational benefits make this reasonable commute worthwhile.
Resurrection Lutheran School: An Exceptional Choice for Durham County Families
While Durham County offers various educational options, Resurrection Lutheran School stands out as a premier choice for families seeking a balanced approach to education that nurtures academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth.
1. Comprehensive Academic Program
RLS provides a continuous educational journey from junior kindergarten through eighth grade, allowing students to develop within a consistent educational philosophy during their formative years.
Our junior kindergarten program instills a positive attitude toward learning, creating a foundation for a lifelong love of education. Elementary students develop independence, perseverance, communication, organization, and exploration skills in a nurturing environment. Middle school students engage in a program focused on collaboration, critical thinking, experiential learning, writing, and leadership opportunities.
2. Balanced Approach to Education
Resurrection Lutheran School emphasizes a well-rounded education that develops the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Our curriculum includes core academic subjects, fine arts, physical education, technology, and foreign language instruction. This balanced approach ensures students develop a broad range of skills and interests while discovering their unique talents and passions.
3. Technology Integration with Traditional Values
At RLS, we thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance learning while maintaining focus on fundamental skills and personal interactions. Our classrooms feature Chromebooks, laptops, SmartBoards, and online tools that support curriculum delivery while teaching responsible digital citizenship.
This balanced approach to technology resonates with Durham County families who value innovation but also recognize the importance of traditional educational values and interpersonal skills.
4. Community and Character Development
Resurrection Lutheran School fosters a mindset that serving others is part of living a full life. Service is woven into every aspect of school life as students build a foundation based on empathy and concern for others.
Our students participate in various community service initiatives throughout the year, including food drives, environmental projects, and support for local charitable organizations. This emphasis on service learning helps students develop compassion and a sense of responsibility toward others.
5. Convenient for Durham County Families
While located in Cary, Resurrection Lutheran School is accessible to Durham County families via I-40 and NC-147, making it a viable option for families willing to prioritize educational quality. Many Durham families find that the reasonable commute is well worth the exceptional educational experience their children receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What transportation options exist for Durham County families attending Resurrection Lutheran School?
While RLS does not provide bus service from Durham County, many families arrange carpools with other families from their area. The school helps facilitate these connections through our parent directory and community events. The commute from Durham County to our Cary campus typically takes 25-40 minutes, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
2. How does the academic program at Resurrection Lutheran School prepare students for high school?
Our rigorous academic program develops critical thinking, strong writing skills, mathematical reasoning, and scientific inquiry—all essential for high school success. RLS students consistently perform well on standardized tests and are prepared for honors-level coursework in high school. Our middle school program places particular emphasis on organization, time management, and self-advocacy skills that support a successful transition to high school.
3. Is before and after-school care available for working parents?
Yes, we understand the needs of working families, including those commuting from Durham County. RLS offers Before Care daily from 7:15 am-8:15 am and After Care from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Our "home-away-from-home" atmosphere allows students to learn and play in a relaxed, less structured environment outside of regular school hours.
4. What financial aid or scholarship opportunities are available?
Resurrection Lutheran School offers financial aid options for qualifying families, including those from Durham County. Our goal is to make quality Christian education accessible to families who value it. During the admissions process, our team can provide detailed information about tuition, fees, and financial assistance opportunities.
5. How diverse is the student population at Resurrection Lutheran School?
RLS welcomes students from various backgrounds, cultures, and geographic areas, creating a diverse learning community. Our student body includes families from throughout the Triangle region, including Durham County. This diversity enriches the educational experience as students learn to appreciate different perspectives and experiences.
6. What extracurricular activities are available for students?
RLS offers a variety of extracurricular opportunities including volleyball, basketball, cross country, cheerleading, music, drama, art, and various clubs. These activities help students develop their talents and interests beyond the classroom while building relationships with peers who share similar interests.
7. How do new students from Durham County integrate into the school community?
We have several families from Durham County, which helps new students feel connected from the start. Additionally, our intentional community-building activities, buddy system for new students, and small class sizes help newcomers develop friendships quickly. Our teachers and staff work closely with new families to ensure a smooth transition into our community.
8. Does Resurrection Lutheran School accommodate students with different learning needs?
While RLS is not specifically designed as a special needs school, our small class sizes and dedicated teachers allow us to accommodate various learning styles and provide reasonable support for mild to moderate learning differences. We work closely with families to determine if RLS can effectively serve their child's specific learning needs.
Experience the Resurrection Lutheran School Difference
The best way to determine if Resurrection Lutheran School is the right fit for your Durham County family is to visit our campus and experience our community firsthand. We invite you to schedule a personal tour, where you can observe classes in action, meet our teachers and administrators, and learn more about our programs.
During your visit, we'll address your specific questions and help you understand how RLS might serve your family's educational needs. Many families tell us that they can feel the difference in our learning environment the moment they walk through our doors.
Contact our admissions office today at (919) 851-7271 to arrange your visit. We look forward to showing you why families from throughout the Triangle region, including Durham County, choose Resurrection Lutheran School for their children's education.
Resurrection Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
