Where who she'll be is as important as what she'll be.

Elevating education. Building character.™

Welcome to Research Triangle Charter Academy

Research Triangle Charter Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Durham serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade, and part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network of 100+ schools. Our dedicated teachers partner with families to help every child succeed academically while building strong character through our Moral Focus™ program. Every student is known, challenged, and supported so they're prepared for success in high school and beyond. 

At-a-Glance

Our Academic Success by the Numbers

100+

Schools

Part of a Network of 100+ Schools

As part of the NHA network, Research Triangle Charter Academy has access to a research-backed curriculum, a dedicated curriculum team, and a support team.

83%

Moral Focus™ Impact

83% of Research Triangle Charter Academy parents see a positive impact from NHA's Moral Focus program.

30+

Years

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Founded in 1995, NHA has spent over 30 years partnering with families to help children succeed.

a woman smiling in a white circle

Meet Our Principal

A Note From Patrice Hardy

Thank you for considering Research Triangle Charter Academy. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and I'd welcome the chance to show you what makes ours different. Come see us in person, meet our teachers, and ask us anything.

Patrice Hardy
Principal, Research Triangle Charter Academy

What Sets Us Apart

Why Families Trust Research Triangle Charter Academy

Academic Excellence

At Research Triangle, every student is known, challenged, and supported. Our research-backed curriculum and data-driven instruction let teachers meet each student where they are, so your child gets the right level of challenge and the support to grow with confidence. Every classroom is backed by a designated dean who helps teachers strengthen instruction and gives students extra support when they need it.

Character Development

Through our Moral Focus™ program, character development is part of every school day. Students learn and practice virtues such as respect, gratitude, perseverance, and integrity, applying them both in and out of the classroom. Lessons connect each virtue to everyday actions, so students understand the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing.

Student Responsibility

Students are held to high standards and learn to take ownership of their choices, actions, and academic growth. In many classrooms, students help create social contracts that set shared expectations for how everyone treats one another, so they see their role in building a positive learning environment.

Parent Partnership

We believe students thrive when families and schools work together. Research Triangle Charter Academy builds strong partnerships through progress reports each marking period, conferences throughout the year, and opportunities to volunteer and be part of the school community.

Family & Student Support

Our school leaders, teachers, and staff partner with you to support your child's academic, social, and emotional growth. From intervention services and individualized learning to resources for multilingual learners, our team works closely with families so every child feels supported and prepared to succeed. Partnerships with local organizations bring additional resources to families in our school community.

Research Triangle Charter Academy Mission Statement

To provide children in the Southeastern part of Durham a comprehensive elementary-middle school. To provide working parents in the Research Triangle Park an opportunity for quality education near their workplace. This will provide opportunities for them to visit during the day, reduce time away from their children and to know that they are only a short distance away from their child.  The school will also serve as a clarion call to all of NC on the cooperative abilities of industry and education to come together for the benefit of working parents and their children.

School Leadership

Meet the Leaders Behind Research Triangle Charter Academy

Get Started

Your Next Step Starts Here

Start Your Application

Apply online, in person, or over the phone, and don’t hesitate to ask us questions along the way! We are here for you.

Schedule a Tour

Schedule a tour to see our school in person, meet our staff, and learn how Research Triangle Charter Academy helps students grow academically and build strong character.

Our Academics

See how students learn, what they study, and how teachers support them at every level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Questions From Families Like You

Complete your child's online application  right here on our website. If more students apply than we have openings during Open Enrollment, we hold a random lottery. You can still apply after Open Enrollment closes, and those applications are considered in the order received.

Research Triangle Charter Academy is a public charter school open to all eligible students in grades K–8. There are no entrance exams or interviews to apply. Visit our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility.

No. Research Triangle Charter Academy is a tuition-free public school, funded the same way district schools are. There is no cost to attend.

The best way to experience Research Triangle Charter Academy is to see it in person. Visit our School Tour page or call 919-957-7108 to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school community unique.