Us

History of Joy 

About our Building:

Nestled within a community undergoing significant revitalization, Maureen Joy Charter School breathes new life into the oldest existing school building in Durham, North Carolina. Located at 107 South Driver Street, this historic site has witnessed profound transformations—from its early 20th-century origins as the East Durham Graded School, serving the local white, cotton mill worker population, to its present role as a vibrant educational hub for a diverse group of students.

Founded originally to serve a homogeneous community, the building has evolved alongside the neighborhood. After closing in 1967 and changing its role several times, the structure stood as a testament to the area's fluctuating economic fortunes. By the 1980s, East Durham had transitioned into a predominantly African American, lower-income neighborhood with high rental occupancy and scarce employment opportunities.

In July 2013, Maureen Joy Charter School relocated to this storied site after a substantial renovation spearheaded by Self-Help, a non-profit community development lender. The renovation was a monumental effort, requiring over $10 million and three years of dedicated work by a skilled team including Durham architect Eddie Belk, known for his expertise in historic renovations. This project, Tucker Bartlett's favorite due to its extensive community impact, not only saved the building but ensured that much of the investment remained within Durham.

Today, Maureen Joy Charter School offers a beacon of hope and progress. With a student body of over 650, the school stands at the forefront of education innovation and community engagement. It's not just a place of learning but a center of community interaction and pride, greatly affecting the local economy and social fabric.

Maureen Joy Charter School is more than just an academic institution; it is a cornerstone of community revitalization and a symbol of the enduring spirit of East Durham. As the neighborhood continues to develop, the school remains committed to providing an unparalleled educational experience, fostering a nurturing environment for its diverse student body, and contributing positively to the community's transformation.

FAQs

Which grades do you serve?

• We serve students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade
• Want to apply? We would love to have you apply. Click here to access our enrollment application 

• Approximately 650 students are enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year.

• Yes, we provide busing for most locations in the Durham area. If you have questions about bus transportation, you can contact our Director of Transportation via the front office - (919) 908-1600 - for specifics. Reference our Resources page for additional information.

• Our elementary students participate in music, art, STEM, and physical education during their Enrichment rotation. Middle school students select their enrichment class each semester from this list of options.

• At Joy, we are committed to supporting the social and emotional development of our students across all grade levels. Starting this year, we will be reinvesting in our SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) focus through the Seed program in elementary school and the advisory program in middle school.
  We are excited to announce that we will be partnering with Navigate 360 to deliver a comprehensive SEL curriculum across K-8. Navigate 360 is a robust program that places a stronger emphasis on the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) competencies than previous programs we’ve used. It also offers a wider array of lessons, ensuring a more well-rounded approach to social and emotional learning.
  By implementing Navigate 360 consistently across all grade levels, we will allow our teachers and students to build on their SEL skills and competencies each year. This continuity ensures that students benefit from familiar formats and language as they progress through each grade, reinforcing and deepening their understanding and application of key SEL concepts.
   

• Afterschool elective options include KidzNotes, StudentU, STEP Team, Science Academy, Girls on the Run, and Art Club. Sports include Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Girls Volleyball and Track and Field.

• Maureen Joy Charter School is pleased to offer an on-site after-care program for our students. The program runs from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., providing a safe and enriching environment for children until parents or guardians can pick them up.

• For more information about our after-school care program, including details on activities, supervision, and costs, please call our front office at (919) 908-1600 

• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender (male or female), gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited basis will apply to all programs and/or employment activities). Under the Federal School Nutrition Program and USDA policy, discrimination is prohibited under the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (male or female), age or disability.