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Magnet School0
District of Columbia Public Schools

Duke Ellington School of the Arts

#91 in Best High Schools for the Arts in America
  • B-
    Overall Grade
  • Public, Magnet
  • 9-12
  • Washington, DC
  • 306 reviews
    B-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B-
    2. Diversity
      B+
    3. Teachers
      B-
    4. College Prep
      C+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      C-
    6. Health & Safety
      A
    7. Administration
      C-
    8. Sports
      NG
    9. Food
      C+
    10. Resources & Facilities
      C-
    View Full Report Card
    Duke Ellington School of the Arts is a public, magnet school located in Washington, DC. It has 537 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 77 to 1. According to state test scores, 12% of students are at least proficient in math and 47% in reading.
    Address
    2501 11th St NW
    Washington, DC 20001
    Telephone
    (202) 282-0123
    Website
    ellingtonschool.org
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    Duke Ellington School of the Arts Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    47%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    12%
    Average Graduation Rate
    92%
    Average SAT
    1000
    224 responses
    Average ACT
    21
    17 responses
    AP Enrollment
    36%
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    Living in the Area
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      C
    2. Good for Families
      B+
    3. Housing
      C-
    Median Household Income
    $83,371
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,334
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $547,710
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    79%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.34 responses
    Poll
    68%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.34 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 132 responses
    Report
    • School shows
      24%
    • Visual arts exhibitions, musicals,
      21%
    • Dance spring concerts
      16%
    • Celebrations
      14%
    • Performing Arts School
      13%
    • Assembly
      8%
    • Fundraising events
      2%

    Students

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    537
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    17%
    85%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.39 responses
    97%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.39 responses
    26%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.39 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    77:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $85,549
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    0%
    77%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.57 responses
    88%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.57 responses
    77%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.57 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    C-
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Expenses Per Student
    $31,162/ year
    National
    $12,239
    55%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.67 responses
    27%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.67 responses
    45%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.67 responses
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    Duke Ellington School of the Arts Reviews

    306 reviews
    All Categories
    My name is Anaiah Rice and I attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts, all four years, majoring in dance. Duke Ellington School of the Arts is a very life preparing high school. I was taught discipline, determination, and all the other qualities you need to know to survive in the artistic industry. The school is very family oriented and all the teachers are focusing on the success of the students. I recommend Duke Ellington to anyone who is serious about their craft. The amount of knowledge and wisdom that is walking around imbedded in the teachers and staff is unbelievable. A great school, honestly!
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    Although I attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) while under renovation, the school still made it possible that I received the education I needed. It was not until my senior year when I actually experienced the fully functioning DESA and it was an upward spiral since then. It was a slow start but I cannot begin to express how easy my first semester of college has been. I graduated in 2018 from the Technical Design and Production department and now attend school in New York. I feel beyond prepared!
    As a rising senior in Duke Ellington's theatre department, I can affirm that if you want your child to have the best possible arts training they can in DC, you should send them here. Ellington truly lives up to it's standard of honing the talent and creativity of gifted children, and giving them the tools to mature into artist citizens. Being here has opened my mind to ideas I never thought possible, and the college-level training has given me the confidence to say that I can and will get a career in the theatre world. Now on the other hand, if you are not looking to go into the arts as a career, this school is not for you. That said, maybe you are not sure if you want to go into the arts, but you know you love your craft. Then apply! Duke may not be perfect; it's academics are not top notch, and it can be quite disorganized, but it's teachers all care, and the training is profound. All in all you will never find a school as loving or unique as Duke Ellington. It truly is a family.