Captain Walter Francis Duke
Elementary School
Home
Summer Arts Academy
Home of the Aviators
CWFDES Named a Purple Star School
Duke is a 5 Star School
Maryland School Survey
School Announcements
Welcome to Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School
Our Mission:
Captain Walter Francis Duke Elementary School implements S.O.A.R. expectations for all students across all settings. The mission of SOAR is to instill the characteristics of a great leader in our students. SOAR seeks to create a learning environment that empowers our students to show service, ownership, accountability and respect to peers, teachers, and community.
Our Vision:
Duke Elementary is committed to creating a safe and caring environment in which students will show respect to self, others, and property, be responsible for their actions, and lead by example.
Our SOAR Expectations:
Service - be a helper to others and your environment
Ownership - take responsibility for your actions
Accountability - be prepared to work hard and succeed
Respect - treat others the way you want to be treated
Our Motto:
“Where children Soar!”
Duke Office Hours: 8:10am - 3:40pm
School Hours: 8:25am - 3:10pm
Aviator Updates
For the latest and most up-to-date information see the weekly Aviator Update from Ms. Kortokrax.
Yearbooks are now on Sale!
Spring Picture day - 4/24/25
Capt. Walter Francis Duke Elem.
4/24/2025
Online Code: captduke25
Pre-K Registration for 2025-2026 - Applications open April 9
St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) offers full day Pre-Kindergarten 4 to children that reside in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, meet age requirements, and are income eligible (COMAR 13A.06.03.02).
2025-2026 K - 5th Grade Registration Information - COMING SOON!
See this Registration Checklist for all required forms and documents needed to register your student at CWFDES.
If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Magill at samagill@smcps.org or Cindy Toothacker at cctoothacker@smcps.org or call 240-309-4658.
Please remember if you are NOT in the district for Duke Elementary you will need to complete registration at your home school.
Look up your school & bus route information online using SMCPS Elocator
Visit our PTA page for upcoming events and Spirit night information
Order your Duke SpiritWear![]()
Happening Now
ON OUR RADAR
![a decorative red background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1675106456/smcpsorg/vb8lrm8jrdhcdfn6vqen/Red-Abstract-BG.jpg","width":2200}])
![Multilingual Family School Night April 30th, 2025 QR Code]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743694022/smcpsorg/aj41bcit1nggdr9skkdl/MultiLingualNight-QR.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743694022/smcpsorg/aj41bcit1nggdr9skkdl/MultiLingualNight-QR.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743694022/smcpsorg/aj41bcit1nggdr9skkdl/MultiLingualNight-QR.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743694022/smcpsorg/aj41bcit1nggdr9skkdl/MultiLingualNight-QR.png","width":1012}])
![Southern Maryland College Fair is happening on Thursday, April 10, 2025]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1743445302/smcpsorg/rxvkisinvzbx1fqwcdu7/SOMDCollegeFair2025Ad1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1743445302/smcpsorg/rxvkisinvzbx1fqwcdu7/SOMDCollegeFair2025Ad1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1743445302/smcpsorg/rxvkisinvzbx1fqwcdu7/SOMDCollegeFair2025Ad1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1743445302/smcpsorg/rxvkisinvzbx1fqwcdu7/SOMDCollegeFair2025Ad1.png","width":1080}])
![QR Code for March 2025 Job Fair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741015839/smcpsorg/wjyo7pntqnywmdeulb4i/SMCPS-jobfair-MARCH2025-QR.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741015839/smcpsorg/wjyo7pntqnywmdeulb4i/SMCPS-jobfair-MARCH2025-QR.jpg","width":300}])
![National Board Certified Teachers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1741199574/smcpsorg/mopmxgtflnslax1wog30/NBCT-Logo.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1741199574/smcpsorg/mopmxgtflnslax1wog30/NBCT-Logo.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1741199574/smcpsorg/mopmxgtflnslax1wog30/NBCT-Logo.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1741199574/smcpsorg/mopmxgtflnslax1wog30/NBCT-Logo.png","width":1000}]){kind=logo}
Where Children SOAR!
Welcome to Duke!
![CWFDES Admins]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674659794/smcpsorg/ohzrhplkyk77r6bue9ux/CWFDES-Admins.jpg","width":1847}])
Welcome to Duke
Welcome to Duke, where smiles greet you at every corner! Here, your child's education is not just a journey but a delightful adventure. Our dedicated teachers nurture curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a lifelong love for learning. In our inclusive and supportive community, diversity is celebrated, and every student is valued. Parents, you're invited to be active partners in your child's growth, ensuring a strong foundation for their future success. Join us, where friendships flourish, and dreams take flight!
Academics & Programs
HOME OF THE AVIATORS
Welcome to Duke, where smiles greet you at every corner! Here, your child's education is not just a journey but a delightful adventure. Our dedicated teachers nurture curiosity, foster creativity, and inspire a lifelong love for learning. In our inclusive and supportive community, diversity is celebrated, and every student is valued. Parents, you're invited to be active partners in your child's growth, ensuring a strong foundation for their future success. Join us, where friendships flourish, and dreams take flight!
![An SMCPS BBES student working on counting skills]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1677518640/smcpsorg/oivotbtwjxyq1ezlxypf/smcps-student-resources-elementary-main3.jpg","width":2200}])
Learn More
about Student Resources
![My School Bucks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677518640/smcpsorg/skznl58hs8cjxauybbio/smcps-schoolbucks-model.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677518640/smcpsorg/skznl58hs8cjxauybbio/smcps-schoolbucks-model.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677518640/smcpsorg/skznl58hs8cjxauybbio/smcps-schoolbucks-model.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1677518640/smcpsorg/skznl58hs8cjxauybbio/smcps-schoolbucks-model.jpg","width":1111}])
Learn More
about My School Bucks