Denver School of the Arts overview

My daughter goes to Denver School of the Arts (6th grade, violin major), and so far has had a great experience. She chose this school after visiting or shadowing at a number of other middle schools. I believe the main factor in her decision was the DSA orchestra - some other middle schools had music programs, but for her there was no comparison.

DSA accommodates grades 6-12. As Kate noted in a recent post, potential students must audition in one "major": Creative Writing, Dance, Theater, Band, Orchestra, Piano, Stagecraft and Design, Video Cinema Arts, Visual Arts, or Vocal Music. Some majors are more competitive than others. A student who plays an unusual instrument may have an easier time getting in. I believe that to some extent demographic and gender (girls vastly outnumber boys) are taken into account in the auditions. Students sometimes change majors in subsequent years, but must audition for their new major.

For kids interested in one of these areas, DSA is a great place to be. They spend 90 minutes each day working in their major subject. This time is partly made up by the fact that PE is not required (the only DPS school where this is not the case).

The teachers seem to love DSA, and many of them have arts backgrounds themselves. The new principal was once a musical performer, and the Vice Principal acted at some point. At "back to school night" orchestra members performed in the hall, and a science teacher pulled out his viola to play along! That night more than one teacher told us that they felt privileged to be working with such a creative student body.

The atmosphere seems very stimulating. My daughter sometimes comes home begging us to take her to student concerts, which are always impressive and professional. In many activities (e.g. vocal groups, theatrical productions) any student may audition, and a variety of majors are represented. Shows and concerts are open to the public, but get there early as they tend to fill up!

DSA kids take pride in their originality, and this is reflected in behavior and dress at the school. In many ways I see this as a positive alternative to an environment where conformity rules (like in MY jr. high way back when). It's worth noting that this school is 6-12th grade, so they're dealing with the issues of both middle and high school students. I'm a little concerned that she'll come up against some of those "high school issues" earlier, but so far that has not been a problem. Statistically this is the DPS school with the fewest security problems. Perhaps this is because students are there because they want to be, and many of them have healthy outlets for self-expression.

There is a perception that academics are weaker here than in (at least some) other DPS schools. My daughter definitely has less homework this year than in previous years, but her elementary education was not in DPS. Some parents I've talked to have sent their kids here for only the middle school years and then switched out, because of greater variety of AP courses, sports etc. at high schools like George Washington. On the other hand I am fascinated by the fact that the test scores at DSA are so high. There must be SOME reason.

The DSA web site has lots more information, or feel free to contact me if you have any questions.