Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

There are opportunities at every level for students at DA. If you still need your parents to hold your hand through the process at high school level, this school is not for you. There are many opportunities for the parents to be involved. My daughter will be a senior next year and I have been priviledged to attend the shows and events that rival the professionals. If you don't like DA, you are not taking advantage of all that it has to offer. My only regret is that German was not offered. However, my daughter has taken two years of Latin and the Creative Writing department is outstanding.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased as the parent of a freshman in the writing department. The child takes five core academic classes and three classes in their art area. What a wonderful chance. Our daughter is very smart, but never excelled until DA. She is so motivated and extremly interested as she is being challanged in her arts area. There is no gifted program at DA but who needs one when Ap classes are offered and advanced placement. For the first tiime in her life, she relaly feels like she belongs in a school.l Plus she has friends of all races.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with this school and my daughter loves it. Because she has been home schooled most of her life her father and I feared that it would be a rough transition for her, but it has turned out amazing. She has made many friends and she continues to excel at this school. DA gets an 'A' from this parent.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very pleased with Douglas Anderson. My child looks forward to attending every day, and is eager to share experiences. The teachers are very dedicated and seem to be able to give pertinent information and direction to students. This school is for those who are interested in pursuing ARTS, not sports. For this I am very thankful. The students here have auditioned and excelled in academics before attending. This certainly weeds out students who are not dedicated to a particular arts field or academics. These factors create a safe and pleasant environment for learning to take place. I have been involved in private and public schools in the US. This is one of the finest schools I have ever observed.
—Submitted by a teacher

Too much emphasis on arts and not enough on education. School does not encourage parent involvement unless it is fundraising.
—Submitted by a parent

As one of thousands of proud parents who can attest, DA is an educational experience of the highest calibur. Graduates can honestly look back at their time there & know they have truly earned their diplomas.
—Submitted by a parent

We moved here from out of State and are thrilled to have our daughter in DA. It was an easy transition to the south for her as everyone is extremely accepting of assumed differences. I say assumed because obviously, people are the same inside - no matter where you're from. She is doing wonderful in DA both academically and socially. The teachers are stimulating and encouraging. Although we feared the 90 minute periods, they turned out to be a great thing! Homework is kept at a minimum because they actually get to learn during class time. What a wonderful thing! Along with the State A rating, Douglas Anderson gets this parent's A rating too! Only thing that's lacking is useful parent meetings. Fundraisers and newsletters are nice but I think there should be more pertinent parent to parent info and parent involvement on a whole.
—Submitted by a parent

Douglas Anderson is a public arts school which has been mistaken for a private school due to its programs. The neighboring magnet high schools and private schools focus only on their academics, while at DA, the student is required to keep a high GPA in arts and academics. At the same time, each arts area and subject has a good amount of wonderful, experienced professors that make projects extremely fun. All the hardwork is recognized by faculty and peers alike. To add, the students are treated more like adults rather than children, which allows them to become more comfortable with themselves earlier than other teenagers. It's truly an A school.
—Submitted by a former student

Both of my children graduated from DA. I cannot say enough about what a wonderful opportunity DA gives to students. Academics are excellent (though necessarily narrow) and arts are wonderful. The self-discipline taught in the arts areas is extraordinary; the transition to college is much easier for most DA kids because of their arts area experience. Both of my children spent 35-45 hours aweek at school, and were happy to do it. A truly extraordinary school - because of the kids, as well as teachers and principal.
—Submitted by a parent

This year was my freshman daughter's first year at D.A. This school is a perfect match for her or any student who excels in the arts areas. Obviously, DA is not for kids who desire to be a cheerleader or play sports.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is learning alot in the Creative Writing program. My complaints would be the lack of other guys available as friends. The major is small (approx 30 per grade), and more girls than boys. My other complaint is the absentee rate of teachers, and the lack of assignments in their absence. He has watched numerous Disney movies with subs. But, he is doing well, likes his teachers, and seems safe and happy. He keeps his old friends from a prior school.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently attend DA as a senior. Even though this is a public school, one must not forget that it is still an art school as well as a college prepatory school. If you're child is interested and able to perform in a certain art area, such as visual arts, theatre, technical theatre, film/tv, writing, dancing, piano, or any instrument, then maybe they can audition. About 48% of all auditioners are accepted. Something that will give your child a better advantage at auditioning is making sure they have good grades on their last report card they recieved at their current school. DA students must maintain higher than a 2.0 GPA to do anything at school. DA is a great school for talented, motivated people who are interested n practicing their art and going to college. DA also let's their students express themselves. Students also don't prosecute other students for being different.
—Submitted by Lisa B, a student

I'm a graduate and let me tell you from a student's perspective, attending Douglas Anderson was a wonderful experience. The teachers actually care, one never worries that their person will be harmed, you're challenged academically as well as in your chosen arts concentration. A bit more on safety, there may have been one fight my entire 4 years at this school, I think those involved were expelled. Also, I never felt apprehensive about leaving my purse and my (very expensive) instrument unattended in the instrumental department. My teachers were accesible and they even attended student performances. Now that I'm a university student I've decided to major in Business. The skills I learned at Douglas Anderson (more than academic) helped me land a multi-year PAID internship with a Fortune 250 company. A Douglas Anderson education is a pricelss gift and an opportunity few receive.
—Submitted by a former student

Academics are tough, coupled with tough arts classes, but I believe it really prepares them for a collegiate environment. Make sure your child is arts devoted because those are the courses you will be living with for four years. Great Booster program.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended DA 2002/2003. This may be a great school if your student is already an A+ student. Don't expect much if they are average or special needs. They have no idea how to help them. There idea is talented students have to be academic genius as well as talented in an art field. The problem with this idea is that talent may be the only talent God gave that person. This school will waste person and their talent for the sake of an overall A rating. Any school can have an A+ rating if they can throw out the students they don't know how to help. After the right help at my daughters home school she is up to grade level, making Bs and passed all but one part of the FCAT.
—Submitted by Marilyn Parrish, a parent

Douglas Anderson is by far the best high school for all young artists. The education at this school will expand your child's knowledge and ability in their field and give them a great taste of what they'll expect in their future careers.
—Submitted by Grace Bio, a student

It's an amazing school with an equally amazing principal at the helm. The school provides our children with a rich education. I enjoy seeing the students grow into talented thinkers with an appreciation of others and their community. Bravo Douglas Anderson. Thank you for leading the way by providing our children with paths and strategies to deal with the bumps along the way.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter was a past student of Douglass Anderson c/o 2002 and this school truly prepared her for college. She had excellent teachers with lots of passion and drive. The benefits paid off she is now a sohpomore in college pursuing a BA Degree in Fine Arts she has recevied several awards. She's on the Deans List, cast in several musicals at the college to include leading roles. D.A is truly a school where arts and academics meets and thanks D.A For preparing my daughter for college.
—Submitted by a parent