Denver School of the Arts (DSA) is a comprehensive secondary arts magnet school (grades 6-12) within the Denver Public School District of Denver, Colorado, United States.
In addition to pursuing a rigorous academic program, DSA students engage in intensive studies within one of 11 arts majors - Bands, Creative Writing, Dance & Movement, Guitar, Orchestra, Piano, Stagecraft & Design, Theatre, Video Cinema Arts, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music. DSA is committed to fostering a lifelong love of the arts in a culturally diverse, academically challenging environment. Founded in the late 1980s, DSA was a pioneer of the magnet school concept.
Students have been praised nationwide and asked to perform across the country.
History
Denver School of the Arts began as a concurrent program at Manual High School, but was eventually transformed into a fully staffed school in the former Byers Middle School at 150 South Pearl Street - the former site of Byers Mansion. During the 2003-2004 school year, DSA moved to its permanent home at 7111 E. Montview Boulevard, the former site of the Colorado Women's College and the Lamont School of Music.
DSA continues to provide rigorous academic and arts training to its students, and it consistently ranks among the top high schools in the state of Colorado.
Students have performed in places all around the country, including off-broadway productions and even with Barry Manilow as his choir.
Students
DSA serves both middle school and high school students. Graduating class sizes are small, with approximately 140 students comprising the Class of 2014.
Audition process
DSA requires an audition for prospective students competing to join one of its eleven offered majors, which include Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music (Bands, Orchestra, Piano and Guitar), Stagecraft and Design, Theatre, Video Cinema Arts, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music.
DSA maintains rigorous academic and artistic standards, and a student with deficiencies may be placed on artistic or academic probation, with the eventual possibility of losing his or her position at DSA.
Extracurricular activities
Clubs and organizations
Extracurricular activities include Tri-M Music Honor Society, International Thespian Society, National History Day, Destination Imagination, Gender & Sexuality Alliance, Black History Month, Harry Potter Alliance, and other clubs. DSA has an active National Honor Society program, which emphasizes both academic excellence and community service. DSA also has an award-winning Speech & Debate team.
Performances
There are many performance opportunities for students from the performing arts majors, including large events such as Orff's Carmina Burana, and Elton John's Aida.
Sports
No extracurricular sports programs are offered at Denver School of the Arts. DSA students are encouraged to participate in sports programs at other Denver high schools and middle schools.
Notable alumni
- Peter Atencio: director, Key & Peele, Comedy Central
- Gabriel Ebert: Tony-winning actor, Matilda the Musical; actor, Ricki and the Flash
- Mackenzie Gault: musician; co-founder of Flobots
- Mondo Guerra: fashion designer; winner of Project Runway: All Stars (2012)
- Justine Lupe: actor, Harry's Law, Cristela
- Jessica Posner-Odede: author; co-founder of Shining Hope for Communities
- Jon Shockness: musician; co-founder of Air Dubai; solo project, Kid Astronaut
References
External links
School
- Official website
- Box office
- DSA Friends Foundation
Arts departments
- Bands
- Creative Writing
- Dance & Movement
- Guitar
- Orchestra
- Piano
- Stagecraft & Design
- Theatre
- Video Cinema Arts
- Visual Arts
- Vocal Music
