About Us

Kendell Dorsey

Mr. Kendell Dorsey, Principal

Our focus is to be GREATER TOGETHER. I recognize the importance of all of us working together makes the biggest impact for our students! We look forward to partnering with families and community members to unite as one to create an experience for our students like none other! Working together will make the difference in not only helping our students make their goal but to exceed them!

My commitment to student success is unwavering. My guiding principle is that all students will learn. I believe the school community’s responsibility is to create a safe environment which fosters the full potential of every student. It is my on-going commitment to partner with staff, families, and the community to maximize our students’ success.  I am excited about what we will do together at W.G. Pearson!

Click here to see a personal message from Principal Dorsey!

Education:

  • Masters in Educational Leadership, University of Cincinnati

  • Bachelor of Arts from Mount Saint Joseph University in Cincinnati, Ohio

Experience:

  • Coordinator, DPS Curriculum & Instruction

  • Assistant Principal, Pearsontown Elementary

  • Elementary Principal of two schools in Cincinnati over an 8 year span

  • School Improvement Coach

  • Former middle school mathematics teacher for 9 years

Christy Hall

Mrs. Christy Hall, Assistant Principal

Greetings!!! It is my honor to serve as your Assistant Principal. I have been in the field of education for 11 plus years. Each year always yields new joy, connections, and experiences. My educational background includes studies at the one and only North Carolina Central University (Eagle Pride). I'm a lifelong learner and look forward to learning with our tigers this school year. 

About W.G. Pearson Elementary

Address: 3501 Fayetteville Street Durham NC 27707
Phone: 919-560-3988
Hours of Operation: 7:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Enrollment: 350

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S.T.E.A.M. Science, Technology, Engineering, Ars, Mathematics

STEAM = Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería, Artes y Matemáticas 

While our official magnet category is year round, we’ve been a STEAM school previously and plan to continue offering STEAM programming! 

Our students engage in a weekly STEM class, multiple STEAM experiences throughout the year! Guest lectures, working in our amazing garden, field trips and hands on activities will allow students to heavily engage in the areas of STEAM! 

In addition, our students in grades 4-5 will choose their arts based electives to suit their interests! This allows us to offer a full band and/or dance team as an option for our students. Students interested in art also have the opportunity to have a deeper experience. 

Mientras nuestra categoría oficial magnet sera year round, hemos sido una escuela STEAM y planeamos continuar ofreciendo programación STEAM! 

Nuestros estudiantes participan en una clase STEM semanal, y multiples experiencias STEAM durante el año escolar! Invitados para conferencias, trabajando en nuestro jardín, paseos, y activades practicas permitirán a nuestros estudiantes involucrarse fuertemente en las areas de STEAM!

En adición, nuestros estudiantes en grados 4 y 5 escogen su electivo artístico que les interesa! Esto nos permite ofrecer grupos completos de banda y/o danza como opción a nuestros estudiantes. Estudiantes interesados en arte también tienen la oportunidad para obtener una experiencia mas profunda.As a S.T.E.A.M. Magnet, we challenge students to achieve at high levels and support them as they undertake new learning activities. Our curriculum focus is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.), and our students use Chromebooks or iPads daily to master the NC Common Core curriculum through discovery-based learning. 

Why choose WG Pearson?

  • We are a year round calendar option for every DPS region!  Transportation is provided.

  • We have a warm and welcoming environment where our students thrive!

  • 90%+ of our staff rated our school as a good place to work and learn according to the NC Teacher Working Conditions survey.

  • High academic and behavioral expectations

  • Incentives tied to academic achievement and growth!

  • Focus on small group instruction to meet student needs

  • An excellent elective program where all students have access to Spanish, Music, Art, Physical education, Technology, Library and Dance!

  • Our principal was a semi-finalist for DPS Principal of the Year!

  • Currently rated a C school on the state report card!

What does the program require of parents and students?

Parents are expected to:

  • Be involved in their child’s education & school activities

  • Uphold the program’s standards & expectations

  • Support regular and timely attendance

  • Communicate regularly with teachers

Students are expected to:

  • Interact respectfully with all teachers and  students

  • Give 100% effort on all assignments

  • Follow the Durham Public Schools Code of  Conduct

  • Use technology appropriately and responsibly