Admission

Carolina Friends School is a vibrant and inclusive learning community empowering students to think critically, creatively, and independently. We prepare students to be lifelong learners who think deeply and question the world around them.

We enroll over 500 students in our four developmentally designed units: Early School, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. 

We encourage you to begin the admission process in the fall prior to your child’s year of entry to allow time to explore our program and campus and to provide you flexibility in completing the application requirements. 

Want to get to know us better? Please complete our inquiry form, which enables us to send you options to schedule a visit or phone call with a member of the Enrollment Team. We look forward to starting this journey together!

Get started with an inquiry form Submit brief information to set up a campus visit or receive more information

At A Glance

We are a Quaker day school near Durham, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, North Carolina.

We are members of National, Southern, and North Carolina Associations of Independent Schools, National and Southern Associations for College Admissions Counseling, and Friends Council on Education. Carolina Friends School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Our Main Campus is on Friends School Road, between Durham and Chapel Hill. We have two additional Early School campuses, by Duke University and the UNC.

Carolina Friends School is dedicated to providing an effective learning environment for our students. This includes transparently conveying our educational limits to prospective families. We are not equipped to serve students with significant learning disabilities or intensive needs. Each applicant and every situation is considered on an individual basis.

If you are interested in Carolina Friends School, we invite you to contact us to discuss your child's specific needs so we can assess together if our school is a suitable fit for your learner. You can also review an overview of our learning supports.

FAQ Admission

What grades and ages does Carolina Friends School serve?

Carolina Friends School enrolls students ages 3 to 18 across four units: Early School (ages 3–6), Lower School (Grades 1–4), Middle School (Grades 5–8), and Upper School (Grades 9–12), with over 500 students across three campuses.

Where is Carolina Friends School located?

Carolina Friends School's main campus is located at 4809 Friends School Road in Durham, NC, between Durham and Chapel Hill on a 126-acre campus. There are two additional Early School campuses near Duke University and UNC.

What is the admission process at Carolina Friends School?

Carolina Friends School recommends starting the admission process in the fall before your child's intended year of entry. Families begin by submitting an inquiry form. The form allows you to choose among options for visiting campus and ensures you receive the information best for your child. The next steps include visiting the campus and completing a formal application through our Admissions Portal.

When should we apply to Carolina Friends School?

Carolina Friends School encourages families to begin the process in the fall before their child's intended enrollment year. Starting early provides more flexibility to explore the program, visit campus, and complete all application requirements.

Is financial aid available at Carolina Friends School?

Yes. Carolina Friends School awarded $2.2 million in tuition adjustment funds last year, with 34% of students currently enrolled in the adjusted tuition program. Families are encouraged to explore tuition affordability options as part of the admission process.

What is the student-to-staff ratio at Carolina Friends School?

Carolina Friends School maintains a 9:1 school-wide average student-to-staff ratio, supporting an individualized and attentive learning environment across all four school units.

What is Carolina Friends School's educational philosophy?

Carolina Friends School is a Quaker day school grounded in six tenets of Quaker philosophy, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, independence, and lifelong learning. The school integrates progressive education with a values-driven community committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Is Carolina Friends School accredited?

Yes. Carolina Friends School is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). It is also a member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools, as well as the Friends Council on Education.

Does Carolina Friends School support students with learning differences?

CFS offers student support services and a Student Success Program, but is transparent that it is not equipped to serve students with significant learning disabilities or intensive needs. Each applicant is considered individually, and families are encouraged to contact the Enrollment Team to discuss their child's specific needs.

What college outcomes do Carolina Friends School graduates achieve?

100% of the Class of 2025 was accepted to at least one of their top three college choices, reflecting the school's strong commitment to college counseling and individualized academic preparation.