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Welcome to Triangle Day School. As you read about the numerous
programs and traditions, time-tested core values, and commitment
to excellence that define TDS, I hope that you will further your
exploration by visiting campus to see us in action. When you walk
through the door, you’ll discover why my wife and I chose Triangle
Day School for our three children.
Scholarship – Academic excellence and intellectual engagement lie
at the heart of our mission at TDS. In small classes, thoughtful,
creative, and dedicated teachers develop a wonderful rapport with
the children, set the bar high, and then support students as they
strive to reach their goals. Whether it’s a first grader making a video in Spanish, a fifth grader
researching a city for his entire class to visit, or an eighth grader presenting her research project
to the school community, our students find joy in learning and take pride in achievement. Along
the way, they develop a healthy self-confidence which serves them well in high school and beyond.
Character – While formal classes exist in both Lower and Middle School, our commitment to
developing character extends far beyond this time. Held to high standards, students understand
the importance of integrity and respect. Engaged in close relationships, students appreciate the
value of kindness and empathy. Presented with opportunities to lead and to serve, students learn
the significance of selflessness and compassion.
Community – At TDS, every student feels known, connected, valued, and loved. We are small by
design, and everyone’s talents matter here. Come wander our hallways, and you’ll see a
kindergartener give a hug to a seventh grader. Within a safe, comfortable environment, students
rise to meet challenges and support one another in the process.
I look forward to meeting you during your visit to campus. I hope you consider joining the
Triangle Day School family.
Sincerely,
Doug Norry, Head of Triangle Day School
A Message from Doug Norry, Head of School
What Makes Us Different
Moving to North Carolina from another country was daunting, so our children and our whole family were relieved to find that a school like TDS was there to welcome them – small, caring and community minded, yet with many different races and nationalities represented.
— Caroline Bretherton, MS parent
We feel that the teachers at TDS REALLY KNOW our children. Moreover, they care enough to GET TO know all their strengths and weaknesses and to be very open and receptive to our input.
— Brian and Sabrina Schneider, LS parents
I have had three children at TDS. And without a doubt, TDS has prepared them well for the academic challenges of high school and college. Equally as important, they loved school and grew to be confident, engaged young men. As they have gone out into the world, I am continually impressed with the friends they have chosen – interesting, intelligent, conscientious young people – and many of these friendships began at TDS!
After his freshmen year of high school, one of my sons commented, “The thing I miss most about TDS is the way every teacher really cares about every student.”
— Joanne Dellaero, MS/Alumni parent
We are truly thankful to TDS for educating and inspiring our daughter.
— Frank Maynard III, LS parent
This is our 13th year at Triangle Day School. Over this span of time, things change; people come and go. The constant is and has always been a commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing environment that fosters learning. The TDS culture attracts strong leaders, excellent teachers and families with the same values regarding education. These are the ingredients that create magical environments where learning is as natural as breathing. This is TDS… What school should be!
At Triangle Day School, our children not only mastered tools to make them lifelong learners, they absorbed the culture of taking responsibility for themselves, their community and their education. They became advocates for themselves. This trait will make them successful citizens of whatever community they are a part of, for life.
— Julia and John Lockhead, MS/Alumni parents
Our Mission
As a warm and welcoming community
devoted to academic excellence,
Triangle Day School ignites intellectual
curiosity, fosters compassion and
integrity, and nurtures creativity,
inspiring confidence in each student to
lead a life of purpose.
Our Guiding Principles
An Ethical Community of Caring:
We place a priority on the care and
nurturing of the whole school
community. We honor and respect
diversity in the broadest sense,
maintaining an environment in which
everyone has a voice and is valued.
An Educational Partnership:
Family, faculty, and staff communicate
openly, working together to promote
student growth and success.
A Comprehensive Curriculum:
In our consistent pursuit of academic
excellence, we expose students to the
delights and demands of learning,
providing them daily opportunities to
engage and grow.
A Focus on the Individual:
Our strong academics are focused on
individual success within the context
of our school culture.
A Safe Environment:
Triangle Day School is a safe place to
be, physically, emotionally, and
intellectually.
A SnapshotTriangle Day School is a co-ed, independent, non-sectarian school
located in Durham, NC, serving children in Transitional Kindergarten
through Eighth Grade.
TDS enrolls students of the highest caliber, both academically
and personally, and seeks to recruit students of different religious,
racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. In keeping with its
mission, the School fosters the pursuit of knowledge, integrity, and
responsibility through student participation in a variety of
academic and co-curricular activities.
Triangle Day School provides children the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve while becoming active,
respectful, and caring community members. TDS ignites intellectual curiosity, fosters compassion and integrity,
and nurtures creativity. What’s more, we do it all in a comfortable, fun setting where class sizes are small, but the
possibilities that grow from our program are limitless.
Lower SchoolIn Lower School, rich co-curricular programs combine with
high-quality instruction in the core areas of reading, writing,
mathematics, social studies, and science.
In addition to their main classroom experience, students in
transitional kindergarten through fifth grade attend
complementary classes in Spanish, art, technology, physical
education, music, character education, and science lab.
Throughout the year, �eld trips and guest speakers support
and enrich the classroom experience. A Buddies program
builds community within the Lower School and gives students
at different grade levels the opportunity to learn from each
other. Highlights of the TK-5 experience include the Talent
Show, Fall Carnival, Great Fifth Grade Adventure,
Grandparents Day, Field Day, International Night, Science
Expo, Bingo Night, Art Fair, two musical productions, and
Read with the Blue Devils. Building on students’ natural
curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, the Lower School lays
the foundation for academic achievement while fostering
social skills, self-con�dence, and respect for peers and adults.
Middle SchoolIn grades six through eight, Triangle Day School’s Middle
School students benefit from small classes, supportive
teachers, and a dynamic academic experience. High
expectations for behavior build respect for teachers and
fellow students.
Students receive comprehensive instruction in the core
academic areas including math, science, social studies,
language arts, Spanish, and physical education. Combining
time-tested methods with innovative techniques, lessons
focus on critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration,
written and oral communication, and creativity. In
addition, students attend classes in art, drama, music,
health, and character education.
The rigorous academic program in the Middle School
prepares students to meet the challenges of any high
school setting. Concluding each day with a study hall
where every teacher is available for questions and
enrichment, students learn about time management,
self-advocacy, and to see their teachers as allies.
White-water rafting expeditions, ropes courses, and
overnight �eld trips instill a sense of belonging and
reinforce the importance of teamwork. Students graduate
from Triangle Day School as con�dent, compassionate
lifelong learners, equipped with a sound academic
foundation and the life skills necessary to lead lives of
purpose.
Character EducationIn addition to rigorous academics, Triangle Day School offers a character education
program which promotes self-respect and integrity, nurtures empathy and compassion,
and stresses the value of community.
TDS Core Values
In a safe environment, students learn the importance of RESPECT and INTEGRITY in
all interactions. Afforded increasing freedom throughout their years at TDS, students
develop RESPONSIBILITY. Confronted with challenges from caring teachers who
know them well, they learn RESILIENCE. Providing service opportunities is one of
several ways that we build COMPASSION throughout our entire school community.
The 7 Habits
Starting in Lower School, we teach The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey. Eighth
graders read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Our students learn to be proactive,
to prioritize, to begin with the end in mind, and much more.
Leadership
From opening car doors each morning to producing the yearbook, from touring prospective
families to serving on the Student Council, there are multiple leadership opportunities at
TDS.
Re�ections
Our School Counselor visits Lower School classes once a week to engage students in lessons
involving the counseling curriculum. Components include academic achievement, personal
and social growth, character development, and career exploration.
TDS Career Month (February)
Parents are invited to speak to their children’s classrooms about their careers. As a
culminating activity, students are invited to attend school dressed as their future career
choice, and seventh graders present their career projects to the entire school.
For more information on the Counseling Program, please call (919) 383-8800 or
e-mail [email protected].
TDS Traditions• Grandparents Day
• Talent Show
• Fall Carnival
• Field Day
• International Night
• Science Expo
• Twister Trot 5K
• Jump Rope for Heart
• Book Fair
• Poetry Night
• Career Day
• Annual Benefi t Auction
• Middle School Dances & Trips
• Bingo Night
• Great Fifth Grade Adventure
A Tight-knitCommunity of Supportand FriendshipAt Triangle Day School, we’re more than a campus full
of teachers and students. We’re a community. Actually,
we’re more like a great big family. With our small size
and nurturing environment, students feel known,
valued, and loved.
Our students excel both in and outside of the classroom.
85% of Middle School students are involved in the
Athletics Program. Students also participate in drama
productions, art shows, sing-a-longs, science fairs, our
after-school program, all-school assemblies, dances,
the Buddies and Crossroads programs, and the Fall
Carnival, just to name a few. In addition, our parents
�nd many opportunities to volunteer at TDS.
Our community connects with the larger world
through meaningful service projects, in which students
partner with local organizations. By serving others,
our students learn leadership skills and take big steps
toward living lives of purpose.
This is a wonderful school community with teachers, students,
and parents who are invested in its success. Students work to build
understanding, not just accumulate facts. Teachers are
encouraged to combine traditional and more progressive
approaches to meet the needs of the students. As a teacher, I feel
that the administration respects my point of view and listens to
my ideas. With the new leadership, the school is headed ina very
positive direction.
— A current teacher
For the current year’s tuition and fees, visit
www.triangledayschool.org/admissions. Financial
Aid may be available for those families who qualify.
Please call (919) 383-8800 or send an e-mail to
[email protected] for information.
Tuition, Fees & Financial Aid
ToursTriangle Day School offers both group information
sessions and individual tours for prospective
families. Come tour the school, learn about our
curriculum and programs, and ask questions!
To register for a group information session or to
schedule an individual tour, please contact our
Admissions Office at 919-383-8800 X130 or
www.triangledayschool.org
Admissions ProcessTriangle Day School admits students of all races,
nationalities, creeds, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
We seek students and families who believe in the mission
of the School. In selection of our students, we consider:
• Student’s potential • Teacher to benefit from and recommendations contribute to the school • Parent interview• School records • Sibling enrollment• Entrance testing • Gender balance• Student visit
DATES
The Admissions Committee begins the formal consideration
of applications in early November for the following school
year. Applications received after the deadline in late
January will be considered only if space is available.
Transitional Kindergarten students should be four years
old before the start of the academic year. Kindergarten
students should be five years old by September 30 of the
application school year.
4911 Neal Road | Durham, NC 27705 | 919.383.8800 | Fax: 919.383.7157
www.triangledayschool.org
