Southern School of Energy and Sustainability (also known as Southern Durham or Southern) is located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. The school is part of Durham Public Schools. Southern is a comprehensive Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) magnet program in Durham, North Carolina serving students in grades 9-12. Students explore five pathways, find their niche, and commit to developing 21st century skills required in today’s rapidly changing world. In working with myriad community partners, students participate in authentic experiences, collaborating to identify local, national, or global sustainable issues and develop solutions and action plans where energy and sustainability studies are woven throughout elective and core curriculum. SSES faculty and staff work diligently to uphold the school’s motto: Educate, Engage, and Develop to Enroll, Employ, and Enlist.
Notable alumni
Dimple Ajmera, politician and certified public accountant serving on the Charlotte City Council
Ricky Council IV, basketball player for Philadelphia 76ers
Clyde Edgerton, author and creative writing professor
Julian Gamble, basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
David Garrard, NFL quarterback and Pro Bowl selection in 2009
Aaron Hall, NFL defensive tackle
Kendall Hinton, NFL wide receiver and quarterback
Anthony King, professional basketball player
David Noel, NBA player and 2005 NCAA basketball champion with UNC
Ayesha Rascoe, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday
Jazmin Truesdale, creator of AZA comics, a comic book that features diverse female characters
Jaylen Wright, NFL running back