Durham School of the Arts

Durham School of the Arts is one of a kind. It has exceptional teachers, exceptional guidance and staff and a amazing principal. The dedication of all of these helped us through some difficult times. The academics and arts programs are a treasure!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has many good things to offer it's students. Most of the teachers and programs at this school are very good, but I am sorry to say that the front office staff at this school is the rudest I have ever delt with at any school before. The ladies at this school's front office answer the phone with bad attitudes and are very reluctant to help parents and other visitors in that enter the front office. The older lady that works in the front office with the all white, short hair, (she does attendance for DSA) is down right Hateful to some visitors in the front office, for no reason. She is comfortable with her job and feels she should be able to talk to the schools visitors with disrespect. This woman should be fired or at least moved to the back office so no one has the misfortune of dealing with her again. I'm surprised a school with so much to offer would have front office staff that acts so unprofessional all the time. The principal or someone at the school board needs to retrain or replace the DSA front office staff quick! If this office staff's rudeness continues, the parents will eventually file a complaint with the school board.
—Submitted by a parent

Pure luck that my son got in to DSA. His life has turned a page. He started at DSA in the 6th and now he is a 8th grader. He starts to enjoy Shakespeare, creative writing, music and art. I have to say that seeing my son's growth and changes in just a little bit than 2 yrs of time at DSA, not only has he kept all straight A in all subjects, two of subjects he has been in are AIG program. He has worked with tremendous teachers throughout the last 3 years ( we love his current teachers too) in every subject. we just being grateful everyday and hope that our little one could get in too!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter started @ DSA in the 6th grade and will be a senior this year. It has been a positive experience overall and my daughter has really enjoyed the diversity and opportunities that DSA has provided. My only complaint - this is not the usual neighborhood school so it seems difficult to get parental involvement & assistance in the various groups (PTSA, Boosters, etc). It often seems to be the same handful of parents volunteering @ functions. If your child goes to DSA - please jump in & help make this school even greater than it already is.
—Submitted by a parent

This school fosters an atmosphere of respect, academic achievement and tolerance that I have not seen at any other high school. Students learn through arts based and project based ideologies that nurture the students who struggle and allow the strong students to shine. The teachers provide different types of activities that appeal to the different intelligences of students so that they all have a chance to be successful and the arts portion of the curriculum is fabulous.
—Submitted by a parent

Culture of respect coupled with academic excellence. DSA's arts-based curriculum gives kids the opportunity to expand their horizons. My children both want to be scientists but an arts education is also helping them to think outside the box.
—Submitted by a parent

When many public school systems have abandoned the arts, we are blessed to have a public school devoted to the arts.

Great school, graduates real artists.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teachers, great kids. Academics, sports and the arts. The perfect school.

My daughter Zoe graduated there and went on to study studio art in college--it totally sparked her interest in the arts.
—Submitted by a parent

DSA provides a great learning experience.
—Submitted by a parent

It gives middle school students a chance to take high school level courses and has good choral and drama departments and no football team.
—Submitted by a parent

DSA provides a great learning environment with many opportunities for both middle and high school aged students. In addition to the many art-related extracurricular activities there are also sports, civic clubs, and other special interest clubs. Students are challenged and the teachers care about their students. The school has about 1400 students between 7 grades - that's only 200 per grade level - much smaller than most middle schools and definitely much smaller than the area high schools. There is a reason they get over 1600 applications each year for only 300 spots!
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are lazy and sorry they work only for a check it's sad what the system allow too teach our kids when i went too schools about 20 yrs ago the school systems didin't have anythign and they manage to get by and teach but i guess going to school in the country will always be better than going in the city i wish i never would have moved too the city
—Submitted by a parent

ive had a son at DSA for several years now. We are so lucky, this school offers so much and the principal is very responsive to parents as are the teachers. The staff and guidance should be reschooled, however, in civility.dont hold this against the rest of the school though!
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. I loved it when I was there.
—Submitted by Jennifer Blackburn, a former student

The school has entered a new age is making tremendous growth! You will love the school.
—Submitted by a parent

Both our children have had the great luck of the draw to be chosen in the lottery to attend DSA. And they have taken full advantage. My son's pathway to graduation is 'Guitar'. What other school offers that? He is also in the Science and Math clubs. Daughter is graduating this year. Her pathway is Theatre. Both are taking the hardest classes offered, (Honors and AP) and continue to excel. What great teachers !! At the start of semesters, it is always exciting to see who their teacher will be. They all have different styles, but usually are open and receptive to teaching outside the box. I believe the incidence rate of fights, disruptions, is the lowest of all other Durham Highschools. My kids feel safe. We're glad they are there.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at DSA, and I have been for 6 years (going on 7) It is the most amazing place in the world and I love it to death. THe teachers are wonderful, the staff can be rude but they do their job well, and the kids who go there are more open minding and accepting than any other Durham Public School. Going to DSA has truly affected my life in so many ways, and I am so thankful I got the oppurtunity to go there. Anyone who speaks badly of DSA, must not have a kid who wants to be there, because any child enthusastic about the arts should love DSA as much as I do. Thats I have to say =)
—Submitted by Danny Criscenzo, a student

This school is one of the best my child has went to , the teachers are great , the student are not of much trouble and My child has gotten into a really good college , My child loves this school and so do I , Its better then my childs disrtict school Hillside , she has gotten a better education , Thank you DSA
—Submitted by a parent