Empowered Minds Academy is a nonsectarian Montessori school serving grades K–8 in the East Durham neighborhood of Durham, NC.
The school enrolls 10 students with 2 teachers, maintaining a student–teacher ratio of 5:1.
Located in a large city community, Empowered Minds Academy reflects high diversity, with 90% of students identifying as students of color.
Empowered Minds Academy ranks within the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for diversity.
As a small Montessori school in Durham, Empowered Minds Academy offers an alternative K–8 private education in a city setting.
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Montessori School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Empowered Minds Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
10 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
90%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Empowered Minds Academy?
The application deadline for Empowered Minds Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Empowered Minds Academy located?
Empowered Minds Academy is located in the East Durham neighborhood of Durham, NC.
School Reviews
5
My daughter attended EMA for five years - all through elementary school. I loved the small community environment and just as she made friends with the kids in her studio (they don''t have grades), I also made lasting friendships with many of the parents there - friendships that continue to this day even after my daughter aged out on the school.EMA has a different approach to learning than other schools. It''s not all about academic performance, although academics are important and kids are taught to care about doing their best. I loved that the kids were given opportunities to make choices every day, encouraged when they made good choices, and allowed to fail when they didn''t. The kids are also taught how to resolve conflicts amongst themselves rather than relying on adults to fix everything for them. And they learn emotional regulation.The school environment is structured in a way that allows for human experiences to develop, such as conflict or emotional disregulation, and resolve with guidance from trained and compassionate adults. I like that the schedule doesn''t simply move from activity to activity and that there is spaciousness to be with what arises because so much of what we learn and need in life is not just about the books, but about learning about ourselves and our relationships with others.And despite there not being as much of an emphasis on pure academics as many other schools, my daughter is thriving in all academic areas now that she is in 6th grade. She knows how to learn, she walks with confidence and gets along well with others. I credit EMA so much for who she is today.
Endorse Empowered Minds Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Ask Current Parents What Admissions Won't Answer
Learn how to ask current private school parents revealing questions about culture, academics, communication, costs, discipline, and community life before deciding whether a school truly fits your family well.
When School Anxiety Is Really a School Fit Problem
Learn when school anxiety may signal a poor school fit, how parents can identify academic or social mismatches, and when changing private schools deserves serious consideration for families today.
Will My Child Find Their People? Evaluating School Culture
Learn how to evaluate private school culture, student belonging, friendships, teacher relationships, social dynamics, and authentic community fit so your child can find the right place to thrive and connect.


