Average
#1871 of 2,648 schools in NC
Discovery Charter
Middle School · Discovery Charter School
PO Box 72117, Durham, NC 27722
Enrollment
412
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 10th
Enrollment
412
Student-Teacher
15.3:1
Score
5.5
Grades
6th – 10th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Durham
#56 of 68
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#308 of 475
Academic growth
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Discovery Charter
Discovery Charter is a charter school located in the rural outskirts of Durham, North Carolina. It serves students from sixth to tenth grade, making it unique among middle schools with its extended grade range. The school has an enrollment of 412 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15.3:1, ensuring that each student receives individualized attention.
With 27 full-time equivalent teachers on staff, Discovery Charter aims to provide a supportive learning environment. Academically, the school's MySchoolScout rating is 5.7 out of 10 and it ranks at #1272 out of 2661 schools in North Carolina, placing it around the 52nd percentile statewide. In terms of proficiency rates, 59% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 51% are proficient or above in Math.
These scores suggest that there is room for academic growth and improvement. Discovery Charter's setting near a rural area provides a peaceful environment conducive to learning, away from the bustling city life. The school community benefits from its close-knit atmosphere, where students and teachers often work together towards common goals.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Discovery Charter are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Discovery Charter is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Located in a rural area, Discovery Charter may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Discovery Charter — Students at Discovery Charter score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 10 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.5/10.
How Discovery Charter Compares
See how Discovery Charter performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 37% (2021) to 36.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2021) to 43.9% (2025).
Location
PO Box 72117, Durham, NC 27722
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Discovery Charter may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. George L Carrington Middle (rated 6.8/10, 3.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lucas Middle (rated 6.6/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Brogden Middle (rated 6.1/10, 7.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Durham, see our Durham schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 7.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lucas Middle Durham | 1.4 mi | 6.6 |
| Little River K-8 School Durham | 2.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Mangum Elementary Bahama | 2.9 mi | 8.2 |
| Eno Valley Elementary Durham | 3.4 mi | 7.9 |
| George L Carrington Middle Durham | 3.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Easley Elementary Durham | 4.3 mi | 9.1 |
| Northern High Durham | 4.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Sandy Ridge Elementary Durham | 5.0 mi | 7.9 |
| Holt Elementary Durham | 5.2 mi | 7.9 |
| LIBERTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Durham | 5.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Excelsior Classical Academy Durham | 5.7 mi | 4.0 |
| Voyager Academy Durham | 5.8 mi | 6.2 |
| The School for Creative Studies Durham | 5.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Riverside High Durham | 5.5 mi | 4.2 |
| Hillandale Elementary Durham | 5.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Lakeview School Durham | 6.4 mi | 5.8 |
| City of Medicine Academy Durham | 6.4 mi | 9.0 |
| MONTESSORI FARM SCHOOL Durham | 6.9 mi | — |
| Brogden Middle Durham | 7.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Club Boulevard Elementary Durham | 7.6 mi | 8.2 |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| East Yancey Middle Burnsville, NC | 5.5 |
| Southern Guilford Middle Greensboro, NC | 5.5 |
| Anson Middle Wadesboro, NC | 5.6 |
| Corriher Lipe Middle Landis, NC | 5.4 |
| Dillard Middle Goldsboro, NC | 5.4 |
| Mill Creek Middle Claremont, NC | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Discovery Charter
What grades does Discovery Charter serve?
Discovery Charter serves students in grades 6th through 10th.
How many students attend Discovery Charter?
Discovery Charter has an enrollment of approximately 412 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Discovery Charter?
The student-teacher ratio at Discovery Charter is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Discovery Charter rank in NC?
Discovery Charter is ranked #1871 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Discovery Charter's MySchoolScout rating?
Discovery Charter has a composite rating of 5.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Discovery Charter?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Discovery Charter has 47.7% math proficiency and 55.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Discovery Charter a charter school?
Yes, Discovery Charter is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Discovery Charter a Title I school?
No, Discovery Charter is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,431/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Durham). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 10th
- Enrollment
- 412
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Durham County
- Phone
- (984) 888-5504
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Discovery Charter School- District Enrollment
- 412
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,828
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.