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Welcome to Research Triangle Charter Academy - Elevating Education, Building Character™

Research Triangle Charter Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in Durham serving students in grades K-8. We shape instruction to build on the strengths and abilities of each student and integrate Moral Focus™ lessons into every school day. As a result, our students are well-prepared from kindergarten through eighth grade. A Stanford University study found National Heritage Academies partner-school students gained the equivalent of 3.5 months of additional learning each year compared to peers.

I'm Ready to Apply I Want to Learn More

Get Ready! Enrollment Updates Coming by March 4

New families can expect to find out if their child has been accepted by Wednesday, March 4.

Thank you for choosing a school that values academic growth, strong character, and partnership with parents.

Interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year? Apply here today!

Our Academic Success by the Numbers

30 years

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Research Triangle Charter Academy is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network. Founded in 1995, NHA has spent 30 years partnering with families to help children succeed.

103 Schools

NHA Network

NHA Operates 103 tuition-free public charter schools across nine states.

83%

Moral Focus™ Impact

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

Meet Your Principal

"I chose education because I believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow. The relationships I build with students and the progress I see each day are what make this work so meaningful."

- Patrice Hardy, Principal at Research Triangle

Why Families Trust Research Triangle Charter Academy

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Academic Excellence

Illustration of a compass

Moral Focus™

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Student Responsibility

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Parent Partnership

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Family & Student Support

At a Glance

K-8

Grades

684

Number of Students

2000

Year Opened

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.

Research Triangle Parent

I love the positive culture of the staff at Research Triangle. This sets a great example for our kids. I also really appreciate the Moral Focus lessons that are incorporated into each day.

More Information

There are a lot of factors in deciding where your child will go to school and we want to help. Use our live chat or leave your information and we will be in touch.

Contact Me

Tour the School

Schedule a school tour and learn more about our personalized teaching, Moral Focus program, after-school activities, clubs, sports, and more.

Tour the School

Apply Today

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

Apply Today!
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