Duke Ellington School of the Arts

At a Glance

Duke Ellington School of the Arts stands as the District's only public high school combining rigorous college-preparatory academics with intensive pre-professional arts training. Located in the Burleith-Hillandale neighborhood of Ward 2, the school serves grades 9-12 and draws talented students from all eight wards of the city. Students gain admission through an audition and interview process, selecting one of eight specialized arts majors. This unique dual-focus model prepares students both for college acceptance and potential careers in the arts, offering opportunities that many District students might not otherwise access.

What Parents Should Know

Admission to Duke Ellington differs significantly from typical DCPS schools. Rather than entering through the My School DC lottery like most public schools, prospective students must complete an audition and interview process. Families should plan ahead for this requirements-based admission, as students need to demonstrate artistic interest and potential in their chosen major, whether that's music, theater, dance, or one of the other five arts disciplines offered.

The school serves exclusively high school grades, meaning students will need to transition in from a middle school setting for ninth grade. This four-year high school configuration allows for progressively intensive arts training alongside traditional academic coursework. Parents should consider whether their student is ready to commit to a specialized program for all four years of high school, as the dual curriculum requires dedication to both artistic development and college-prep academics.

Duke Ellington's location at 3500 R Street NW in the Burleith-Hillandale neighborhood of Northwest DC is accessible from all wards, an important consideration since the school intentionally serves diverse students from across the entire city. The citywide draw means students may have longer commutes than attending a neighborhood school, but it also creates a student body representing all corners of the District.

The school's emphasis on college-preparatory curriculum alongside arts training means students are working toward traditional academic graduation requirements while simultaneously pursuing intensive pre-professional arts education. This dual commitment shapes the school day, homework expectations, and overall student experience in ways families should understand before applying.

Programs and Approach

Duke Ellington operates as a specialized DCPS school with a distinctive admissions process. While most DC public schools participate in the My School DC lottery system, Ellington admits students based on auditions and interviews, reflecting its specialized arts mission. This audition-based model allows the school to assess artistic potential and match students to one of eight arts majors.

The school's approach centers on integrating two demanding curricula. Students must meet all standard academic requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously progressing through increasingly advanced training in their chosen arts discipline. This structure prepares students for multiple pathways after graduation—whether continuing arts training in college conservatory programs, pursuing traditional four-year colleges, or entering directly into arts careers.

As a public school, Duke Ellington offers this specialized dual curriculum at no tuition cost to DC resident families, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent talented students from accessing intensive arts education. The school's partnership model, mentioned in its mission, helps support the resources needed for professional-level arts training within a public school framework.

The citywide recruitment approach means Ellington classrooms bring together students from different neighborhoods, economic backgrounds, and Ward communities, united by their artistic interests and college-bound goals. This diversity forms part of the school's identity as a specialized arts institution serving the entire District.

Visiting and Contact

Duke Ellington School of the Arts is located at 3500 R Street NW in the Burleith-Hillandale neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC. Families interested in learning more about the audition process, academic programs, and the eight arts majors can visit the school's website at https://www.ellingtonarts.org/ or call 202-282-0123 for current information about tours and admissions timelines.