Strong foundations built with joy and purpose
Where your child is truly seen, supported, and guided on their unique path.
Applications open now for PreK-3, PreK-4, K, and 1st grade in Fall 2026!
Schedule a welcome call or join our mailing list to get updates on upcoming in-person events.
FAQ
What is a Purpose School?
We are reimagining school with intention and purpose. We believe your child can develop as a confident, independent learner in a joyful environment that fosters their curiosity. Purpose Schools has a Montessori primary and lower-elementary program and a project-based upper-elementary and middle school program.
In preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary, your child will enjoy learning and coming to school and develop strong foundations in math and reading. Our mastery-based, self-directed approach supports children in developing skills in time management, goal-setting, and social-emotional learning through their academic work.
As they move into upper elementary and middle school, your child’s curiosity will be unleashed as they build on their strong foundations and develop a sense of self-knowledge and purpose through learning advanced topics, completing real-world projects, and participating in apprenticeships/internships.
What ages does Purpose serve?
We are a preK-8th grade school, but will serve ages 3-7 (pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st grade) in our opening year. We will then add one grade level per year to grow with our learners.
What does a day at Purpose look like?
Younger learners at Purpose are in mixed-age classrooms where they interact with learners close to their age but learn at their own pace. A sample schedule for our Montessori primary (ages 3-6) classroom is below:
8:00-8:30am — Drop Off
8:30-8:45am — Morning Circle
8:45-11:00am — Morning Work Cycle & Snack (personalized activities in reading, math, geography, art, and practical life)
11:00-11:45am — Outdoor Play
11:45am-12:30pm — Lunch
12:30-2:00pm — Nap and Afternoon Work Cycle
Younger learners (usually 3-4 years old) nap or rest on cots
Older learners engage in another self-directed work cycle of reading, geography, math, handwriting, etc.
2:00-2:50pm — Afternoon Exploration (rotating blocks of science experiments, art studio, baking, cultural lessons, music, and movement)
2:50-3:45pm — Outdoor Play
3:45-4:00pm — Closing Circle
Note: Extended Day from 4-5:30pm is available for an additional annual fee of $3,000, eligible for financial aid. Please reach out to admissions@purposeschools.org to inquire about this program and financial aid options.
When is Purpose Schools opening?
We will open our doors in Fall 2026 for pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st grade learners (ages 3-7).
Still exploring? Get updates on enrollment, info sessions, and school launch news.
Where is Purpose Schools?
We’re launching our first school in Durham, NC. Our first campus will be in South Durham, near Duke University’s East Campus — within about a 10-minute drive of central Durham neighborhoods.
We’re currently finalizing our location and expect to announce it soon! Join our mailing list to be the first to know.
How much does Purpose Schools cost?
Purpose Schools is an independent school committed to serving families across income levels. We offer need-based financial aid to achieved individualized out-of-pocket tuition based on each family's financial situation (assessed via a third-party service). We also help families access state and local funding to cover a significant portion of tuition, including Opportunity Scholarships and ESA+.
Our full tuition is competitive with local independent schools, and many families are eligible for significant support.
We’re here to support you every step of the way! Please schedule a call or reach out to admissions@purposeschools.org to learn more and explore what’s possible for your family.
Is Purpose Schools a Montessori program?
Yes. Our pre-K and kindergarten learners will be in an authentic, mixed-age Montessori primary classroom with Montessori-certified educators. Our elementary and middle school are project-based, but grounded in Montessori principles and utilize a combination of Montessori materials, online learning programs, and real-world projects as appropriate.
How does admissions work?
Our admissions process is designed to get to know your child deeply and help your family evaluate whether Purpose Schools is the right fit. We'll explore how we can best support your child while giving you the information you need to make the best decision for your family. Join our mailing list to be notified when applications open.
Purpose Schools welcomes learners with diverse learning needs, including those with IEPs. We will work closely with your family to determine whether we can meet your child's needs in our current setting.
Want to learn more?
Enrollment for Fall 2026 is open now!
Join our mailing list to get updates on our campus, our founding head of school, and our upcoming in-person events.
¿Habla español? Contáctenos para información en español: info@purposeschools.org