Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi

School Overview
The **Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (SSES)**, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a specialized magnet high school within the Durham Public Schools district. The school is built around a unique interdisciplinary model that integrates rigorous academic study with a focus on environmental stewardship, green technology, and sustainable engineering. By partnering with local industry leaders and educational institutions, SSES provides students with hands-on learning experiences, including opportunities for internships and certifications that prepare them for both higher education and the modern "green" workforce.

The school’s curriculum is distinctively project-based, encouraging students to solve real-world problems related to energy efficiency, renewable resources, and urban sustainability. Beyond its academic mission, SSES promotes a culture of innovation and community responsibility, aiming to produce graduates who are not only college-ready but also socially conscious leaders capable of addressing global climate and energy challenges. Its location on the campus of Southern School of Engineering of Arts (SEA) allows for a collaborative environment where students can explore the intersection of technology, science, and the humanities.
1,283
Total Students
78.6
Full-Time Teachers
16.3
Student/Teacher Ratio
107.6%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi
Demographic Student Count
White34
Hispanic643
Black543
Asian9
Two or More50
American Indian2
Pacific Islander2
  • Hispanic
    643 (50.1 %)
  • Black
    543 (42.3 %)
  • Two or More
    50 (3.9 %)
  • White
    34 (2.7 %)
  • Asian
    9 (0.7 %)
  • American Indian
    2 (0.2 %)
  • Pacific Islander
    2 (0.2 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status: No
District: Durham Public Schools
Phone: (919)560-3968
Website: http://www.Southern.dpsnc.net/
Grade Range: 9th - 12th
Total Students: 1,283
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 78.6
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 16.3
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 1,381
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 0
Grades Taught
Grade 9 521
Grade 10 323
Grade 11 237
Grade 12 202

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi
Grade Student Count
Grade 9521
Grade 10323
Grade 11237
Grade 12202
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female56444%
Male71956%
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)