Detroit School of Arts

I read each of the reviews that was submitted, and ended up saddened and appalled by some of the responses from the parents and the students. Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton, the founder of DSA had a vision in which she was able to bring to fruition by talking with people such as Max Fisher, and other "movers and shakers" to get the process of building a school so that students that were creative, talented , scholarly, and interested in working towards excellence would be able to achieve their respective goals. Inasmuch as she did this, to vilify the school, the curriculum, and the staff is too much. As a former educator in the DPS, I fully understand and recognize the fact that there are problems in many schools, whether they are DPS schools or schools throughout this country. Dr. Cotton has exhibited the right attitude, the steadfastness to work for the betterment of all students that enter the doors of DSA.She is one person. She wore many hats, some of them were very "Hard hats." I strongly suggest that instead of spewing hatefulness,, .rollup your sleeves, go to the school, volunteer, tutor ,, spend some time there.

DSA is a Detroit Public School, need I say any more. I removed my child because I didn't feel she was safe. I felt the staff cared more about the new building than the lives of the students. Sure the school had security and metal detectors but they were inefficient. There was a high turnover of teachers and subs. They did a good job getting students into college but many are unprepared. They have great ideas but poor implementation. Removing my child was the best decision I've ever made regarding her education. Compared to other DPS schools it's better than average but compared to other Michigan schools, DSA is substandard.

i hear that, they dont have anything to gather. the office was a mess, and because they kept loosing the assignments the students did, they were just giving them bad grades

Iam a student of Detroit School of Arts ''DSA'' and iam very impressed with school. At first I was going to Cass Tech. but than I heard about DSA. So i had to choose and DSA won. Overall i have love this school.
—Submitted by a student

College prep with a fine arts/ performing arts specialty. The radio/ TV and Arts major are awesome
—Submitted by a parent

When I went to DSA, I was educated the right way! The evening of fine arts 2009, really showed Detroit that DSA is the place to be for the arts!

As a former student of dsa I am proud to say that I recieved an acceptable education from this school. DSA's academic and arts programs will prepare you for the real world, now watch this if you let it. Most of the time we determine an evaluation based upon what someone or something can do for us, when in fact the only way to sucess is U, sucess can only occur with U. So you might blame things on teachers, principals,and programs but unless U take sucess into your own hands you will never see a sucessful future. So as a pastor, an entrepenuer and a husband and father I am proud to be an achiever! I am proud to be DPS!!!
—Submitted by a student

The band classes that I have seen and heard are awesome. The new band director works very hard. It's hard to replace Mr. Quick, but Mr. Malabed came in and rolled with what he had. Mr. Malabed in district MSBOA festivals received both superior ratings for both groups at the district and state level. He also mangaged to find band scholarships for all of his seniors to go to school. In all, his seniors raised well over $700,000 in scholarship money to attend various universities around the country. Keep doing great work and don't forget about my daughter's class of 2008.
—Submitted by a parent

the school dose not have a strong curriculum
—Submitted by a parent

DSA is not only a Performing Arts School, it has a top academic core curriculum that not only challenges your child, but prepares them for the rigors of a University education. It is currently in the process of approval for an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, proving again that Detroit students have the talent, aptitude and attitude necessary to compete with the best schools in the state. If you want your child to excel and become a well rounded individual with a global perspective this is the educational setting that you are looking for.
—Submitted by a parent

it's the Greastest school in the area mostly because of their exellent art classes like band, dance, vocal, etc.
—Submitted by a parent

The school itself is a fantastic school for those who are pursuing Computer Graphics, Dance, Orchestra, Spanish(as the main forgein language), and the Communication Media Arts part of the school is extravagant. Its amazing how much money that put into the program. Not to metion the vocal department. They are phenomenally talented.
—Submitted by a student

DSA, is one of the best school's in Detroit. We have excellent arts' programs. we have excellent curriculum leaders and an excellent academic program. I have nothing to be ashamed about. Yes we have problems, like any other public school, but we don't just dawn on it, we act on it. Dr.Cotton had a vision, and that vision has came to pass, it is because of her and in saying that I am proud to be an achiever...go white a gold Woohoo!
—Submitted by a student

DSA is one of the best schools I could have ever been in.I end up messing it up by not being focused and my moms sent me to an all girls school..and I wanted to cry ym eyes out..they have excellent teachers,wonderful lunch..omg those boscos sticks are awesome..and the chicken,the building is nice and clean..the bathrooms arent atrociuos,and there things like spring concerts are wonderful!, the only thing I do not like is a I dont see Dr.cotton to much and they got rid of a couple good teachers and curriculums.but besides that I loved it..and I'm most def will transfer back if can. Gold & White woohoo!!!
—Submitted by Princess, a student

Dsa gives talented hard working students the opportunities to work with various well known artist. These students are being taught in a state of the art school. they will never have the opportunity to be educated in the arts like this for free. DSA is not perfect no school is but it is a city jewel.
—Submitted by a parent

First of all, I would like say that those who 'think' DSA is an unfit school your totally wrong. The curriculum, staff, and students are wonderful. It is up to you to take it upon yourself to succeed and achieve your personal goals, do not blame DSA for your lack of work ethic. If I'm not mistaken DSA is one of the top five schools in Detroit. If you see some of the students preformances your mind will be blown. I'm a Sakwa kid and I know for a fact that her children are some of the best you can find. Although, on the terms of organization I do agree that it could be perfected but, every school has its problems. DSA is the perfect school for some who wants to learn and has artistic abilities. 'It's a bad school yeah sure and your a good student'!
—Submitted by a student

I really like this school.this is the type of school the strives to set and accomplish students personal academics and artistic goals with inhance their characters intellect in talent.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is very unorganized. Traffic in the area is very congested, because it is located on a main street. Also, some of the curriculum, such as Algebra is excellent, but not all of the school's curriculum. The principle or assistant principle is not actively involved in this school
—Submitted by a parent

My school has an amazing academic programs, there is not a day that does by were we dont learn anything in our core classes, i totally disagree with everything bad that has been mentioned. Of course at times we don't have order but yes its because the school is new to the building, its no excuse at all. Our music programs are excelling i.e. band and vocal, our studios will be up and running for the fall. Visual and graphic arts have wonderful classes and some were featured at DIA. And yes with other majors there are some kinks but they are being worked out, the building is still under construction, it safe though. Our parents (especially those of band and vocal majors) help all the time in the lunchroom, classrooms, the school store, office, everywhere they are very supportive. So I encourage you to give my school a change.
—Submitted by Candace Mitchell, a student

This will be the most honest response you need to help you decide what to do. DSA has its problems like most Detroit Public Schools. The Principle is great. Her vision for a school of Arts is a wonderful Idea. If she could only get the Schools system to teach creative. Most of your creative students learn by doing and seeing. But are being taught analytically. She also has the district to deal with. She needs Teachers not subs. I happen to be a parent that has been involved and yes we do care about the Kids and the schools. Parents be behind your kids see to it that the are doing what they need to do. Help them and get them help the school is doing all it can. DSA had to be a good school because my child wouldn't be there if it weren't. MRS C
—Submitted by Mrs. C, a parent