Many families find the year-round programs are well suited to their child's learning style or family lifestyle. Three elementary schools - Holt, Easley, and Pearsontown - operate on a year round schedule. Students begin school in early July and continue through early June. Students attend school for a nine week quarter and then have a three week break or intersession. Students attend school for the same number of days as students on a traditional calendar, but their days are redistributed throughout the calendar. Traditional holidays are included and may lengthen the intersessions.

Durham Schools currently offer five elementary magnet programs at six school sites:

Burton Elementary is a Geo-World Magnet. Burton offers a global perspective of society and culture, a meaningful understanding of word geography, and is a member of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Burton features daily instruction in French, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese, global studies, and integrated technology.

Club Boulevard Elementary is a Humanities Magnet. Instruction at Club centers on the study of literature, culture, and human interest and promotes individual creativity, exploration of diverse cultures, and the development of personal values. Club features the integration of the arts and sciences in thematic units, authentic literature, and a focus on Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences.

R.N. Harris Elementary is a Core Knowledge School. R.N. Harris follows a series of interesting and challenging topics designed to produce culturally literate students. R.N. Harris features comprehensive cultural units, Suzuki violin instruction, and a focus on Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences.

Morehead Elementary and George Watts Elementary are Durham's two Montessori schools. The Montessori model assumes that all students want to learn and respects the individual's style and pace of learning. Montessori classrooms operate on the principle of freedom within limits, translating into respect for self, others, and the environment. Both schools feature independent and self-directed learning, a prepared environment, and multi-age grouping.

W.G. Pearson Elementary is a Gifted and Talented Magnet. W.G. Pearson is one of Durham's newest schools, opening in August of 2006. Pearson's instructional philosophy is based on the belief that all students have gifts and talents that need to be valued and nurtured. W.G. Pearson features strong parent involvement programs, performing arts instruction, foreign language instruction, and partnerships with local cultural and educational institutions.

Applications for magnet schools and transfer applications to year-round schools are available from the Office of Student Assignment (560-2059) or from any magnet or year-round office. Before being entered in the school lottery, parents must complete a Magnet Application and return it by the date listed on the form. No late applications will be accepted.