DURHAM'S PERFORMANCE LEARNING CENTER

Durham's Performance Learning Center is a Title I public high school that is part of the Durham Public Schools school district, located in Durham, NC with about 173 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 15 teachers, Durham's Performance Learning Center has a student/teacher ratio of about 11:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Durham’s Performance Learning Center (DPLC) is an alternative high school program operated by Durham Public Schools, designed specifically to serve students who may struggle in a traditional classroom environment. Unlike a conventional school, the DPLC utilizes a non-traditional, project-based curriculum that emphasizes personalized instruction, self-paced learning, and small class sizes. The school’s primary goal is to re-engage students who are at risk of dropping out by providing a supportive, flexible atmosphere that focuses on academic recovery, career readiness, and the development of essential life skills.

Located on North Driver Street, the DPLC functions as a bridge for students seeking an innovative pathway to graduation. By fostering close relationships between students and faculty, the program aims to address the individual barriers that hinder academic success, whether those are personal, social, or scheduling challenges. With a heavy emphasis on community and accountability, the school helps students transition successfully into post-secondary education or the workforce, providing them with the resources and confidence needed to complete their high school diplomas.

For more information, contact Durham's Performance Learning Center at (919) 560-9190 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.