Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

I'm a graduate from DA. I'm posting only to voice my opinion in response to negative reviews. We were challenged so much academically--were banned from performing artistically if our grades dropped. I got to work with Billy Collins himself, the two-time poet laureate of the United states, Franz Wright, a Pulitzer prize winner, and other prestigious writers under the Creative Writing program. Thanks to what I learned at DA I ended up graduating early with honors from my first-choice college on scholarship. I was always ahead of the class in even my advanced college classes (I took junior level classes in my first semester). I'm now an English teacher (at another school because there were no openings at DA) going into grad school, and I'm only 22. If anyone's child performs poorly academically, maybe the child isn't taking things as seriously as he should, because being a DA kid means you're devoted to everything it takes to be a top performer, including making good grades. There's a reason why DA has been one of the top schools in the United States for years.

This school is academic poor and DOES NOT prepare your child for college. Following a dream is one thing but there is too much favoritism given to pet students who are friends of teachers, staff and long term students. New comers to school are treated like second hand citizens. Your child will leave dumb downed!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a visual-art Sophmore at Douglas Anderson and I have to say that DA is a wonderful school in many aspects. My artisitic talent has greatly rose beyond what I would have ever expected, and its only my second year! The academics are good, and if you desire for academic classes you can also take online classes via FLVS. And yet another wonderful feature is the people there! There is hardly ever ANY drama, no fight, its a nice calm school. What DA offers has been way greater than any other school enviroment I've been in. If you're willing to put in the extra effort and maintain your grades, DA will be one of your best experiences.
--Submitted by a student

I am a senior at Douglas Anderson and I recently auditioned for the Boston Conservatory through their regional audition in Miami, FL. The school sent the head of the Music department to record the auditions. When he looked at my forms, he said that he has heard a lot of great things about my school and was really impressed by what he heard from some of his colleagues. This is just one example of the reactions that I have seen when administrators at prospective colleges realize that I go to DA. My teachers have many connections in the music industry, opening many doors for students. I have even had the opportunity to perform in master classes with some of the top young artists in the world! Also, I will get the opportunity, along with many other students, to perform on Florida's State Thespians Mainstage in Tampa in our school's production of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida! I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to go to DA for the past four years and I will miss it when I go to college. I will be a Music Education major in the fall, with a strong emphasis in performance. I can't wait to pass on what I have learned at DA to other young musicians!
--Submitted by a teacher

I have had trouble with several former and current students of douglas anderson high school. Those who attend this school are doomed to fail at life.
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred into Douglas Anderson last year as a sophomore, and I couldn't be more positive that I'm in an environment remarkably conducive to arts education as well as academic growth. My classmates have already toured around the world and received millions of dollars in scholarships. Compared to the impersonal preparatory magnets and the lackluster neighborhood schools in the district, DA is a diamond in the rough.
--Submitted by a student

Just to let you know parents, as an alumni, I received $2000-$5000 in yearly scholarships from 3 different schools based on DA's reputation alone.

My son attended the inaugural year this school was opened. He did very well at LaVilla and went on to Douglas Anderson HS. It is our hopes that while our daughter wasn't accepted this year due to the number of students that applied that we will hear from LaVilla in the next couple of months that a opening has occured. We feel like they gave our son a solid base to build on and focused on what was important for a teenager. We are very proud parents of 2 great children and plan to keep pushing them to be strong and work hard for what they get. This method hasn't failed us in our past. The most amazing talent comes from just a slight nudge in the right direction. The kids at LaVilla are incredibly talented. They amazed my wife and I the whole time our son attended.
--Submitted by a parent

It is a creative and nurturing environment that places emphasis on both the arts and academics. My daughter has thrived in this environment and is well prepared for college next year.
--Submitted by a parent

Douglas Anderson is absolutely not a stressful academic school. I was told I couldn't take advanced or AP classes because they wanted me to have more arts areas. The atmosphere is incredible, though. Kids are truly free to be themselves. But, if you're looking for a school that values academic performance, DA is not for you.
--Submitted by a student