Schools > Public > Denver School Of The Arts

Denver School of the Arts in Denver, Colorado

Denver School of the Arts Detail

(720) 424-1700
7111 Montview Blvd
Denver, CO 80220
Levels: 6-12
District: Denver County Public Schools


Denver School of the Arts Census Data

Census InfoValueYear
Native American or Native Alaskan:0.8% (2008)
Asian/Pacific Islander:5.74% (2008)
Black, non-Hispanic:13.78% (2008)
Hispanic:12.63% (2008)
White, non-Hispanic:67.05% (2008)
Student Teacher Ratio:19.1% (2008)
Percent Free and Reduced Price Lunch:11.02% (2008)

Denver School of the Arts Ratings Summary

Average Quality Rating5
Average Principals Rating4
Average Teachers Rating4
Average Activities Rating4
Average Parents Rating5
Average Safety Rating4

Denver School of the Arts Reviews

Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-12-28
“My two kids, in different majors both enjoy going every day - the staff is incredibly devoted, and push the kids to succeed. With the new principal, I hope for even better in the years to come”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-16
“It is a school that has high standards, helps students to meet them, and allows students to become who they were meant to be.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-12
“the kids & parents are sooo motivated - and success is assumed by everybody”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-07
“DSA is amazing - I love to be there and absorb the positive energy that emanates from that place. Everyone wants to be there, which makes such a difference! My kids are very happy at DSA, and never complain about getting up at 5:30 a.m. to get there on time from Littleton every day. You can truly be yourself at DSA, and be supported and not bullied.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-06
“The academics and the arts are rigerous and almost all the teachers at the school have a arts history. Denver school of the arts offers advanced classes to any one who needs them. the school also welcomes all students of any race, sex, and religion. the school is clean and well taken care of as well as offers a varity of after school clubs/activites. Denver School of the arts is a wonderful school with great test scores and is the best school in america!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It is a place of amazing creativity, inspiring teachers and students & thoughtful social action.”
This review was posted by a teacher.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“As a parent of a 7th grader, it's amazing to have a child wake up every day clamoring to go to school. DSA is really something special where children are encourage to be who they are.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It has great arts programs. Students receive national and international recognition for their art projects. DSA gets great test scores!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“Denver school of the arts is a great school! I love the teachers and the great art programs. The academics are great too!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It is a great opportunity, to be successful in my future.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It is a school where artists come to improve and express whatever love to do.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“DSA is a great place to learn academics and learn about yourself through the arts!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“DSA is the greatest school because you are free to be who you want to be. At Denver School of the Arts everyone is welcoming and creative in their own ways. Here you'll never feel like an outcast, and you'll have fun everyday.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“Denver School of the Arts is really just a great school. The environment is really welcoming and accepting as well as all the staff and students. Because we're all arts oriented, its a great place to be.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“Denver School of the Arts offers an amazing environment for artists. Any kid who wants to express themselves can in any way they want here. IT IS THE BEST SCHOOL EVER!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“The school have great teachers, the environment is very welcoming.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It is an incredibly open-minded and accepting environment which promotes students to take responsibility for their own learning and to help others. The teachers are passionate about connecting their subjects to the artistic passions of the students.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“It's wonderful that DSA has managed to get so many kids so passionate about culture and the arts. Everyone I know is intelligent and driven, and just happy to be at school. I don't know where else that kind of atmosphere exists.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“Its a fun exciting place where you can express your art freely”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-04
“I love DSA because it is extremely well-organized, communicates very well with parents, and, most importantly has a curriculum and staff, teachers and admin alike, who are obviously inspiring our 6th Grader who is blossoming and LOVES going to school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-02
“The math and science teaching has far exceeded my expectations for an art school. These teachers are doing a fabulous job.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-02
“Embracing children for who they are!!!!! Not what they should be!!!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-01
“It's a great school, both academically and in developing these kids skills in the arts!!!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-01
“This school has the best creative energy of any school I've ever set foot in.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-01
“Denver School of the Arts has been successful in creating a 'safe', creative environment for young adults to discover who they are. During this process DSA allows them the chance to be themselves everyday. It is amazing and my chilren and entire family has been 'changed for good.'”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-01
“Great learning environment! The Stagecraft and Design curriculum in particular provides my son with a unique program perfectly suited to his inclination for hands-on construction and design that is simply unavailable elsewhere. The staff shines, too!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-01
“This is a great school that challenges my child.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-01
“We love this school. The teachers are terrific!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-01
“last year, our daughter entered DSA in 7th grade. She didn't know a single student and we were a little concerned that she would not be happy there. A year later, you couldn't get her to change schools for anything!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 2
Post Date:2008-12-31
“I attend this school and believe that im not challenged at all! The teachers seem to all have issues and i dont enjoy it at all”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“What an amazing school for young students to grow in the arts. The students are all focused and have big plans for the future. It seems every student does so well in their academics because there are student, faculty and parents who all are very supportive in the DSA community.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“I love DSA because of it's diversity and because children are aloud to express themselves with just the right amount of boundries.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“My daughter goes to DSA in the creative writing program. I've never seen a teenager as happy and excited about school as she is. In addition to offering an environment that fosters the students' various artistic talents, it also has excellent academics and a supportive community.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Denver School of the Arts has been a perfect fit for my daughter. I have never seen her happier than she is right now in her school setting.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Denver School of the Arts is the Juilliard of the west. This school has kept our son engaged and interested throughout middle and high school. The academics are top-notch, and there is still time for arts activities for at least two periods per day. It's a warm loving place full of dedication to kids, arts and education.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“The teaching staff has an incredible amount of energy - they pass that down to our daughter, and she loves going to school every day!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“This school has been awesome for my son. He really enjoys the Piano piece of his curriculum and the core curriculum has also been both very challenging and effective.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“It is the perfect blend of arts and academics, with an awesome student body and great teachers.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Great combination of arts and academics. My student has never been more enthusiastic about school!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“This school allows students to study in a supportive and creative environment. Although the arts curriculum is the schools 'banner', the school also has a challenging academic curriculum.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“I love that DSA has such a supportive, creative vibe. It lets my student pursue her passion along with traditional academics.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“DSA provides an open, inclusive and inviting edulational atmosphere where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be exactly who they are. In that environment, every student can stretch and reach for their highest potential in their art form as well as in the rigerous academic program. It is the perfect place for my daughter, a creative writer. She has expanded and grown in so many ways it is hard to capture it all here.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Denver School of the Arts is an awesome school! It is a 6th-12th grade arts magnet program. The most incredible thing about the school is its' school culture. They have managed to create such a community of learners that is immediately experienced when you enter the school. Students help one another, the upper classmen take the younger students under their wing and help them transition into the school. The diverse student body is amazing. Equity and respect are the norm.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Excellence in academics and the arts.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“DSA has opened doors not only for performances, but has exposed my children to rigorous academics, other art forms and social situations with people of similar intelligence, goals and interests. It's truly an amazing place!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“My son was always in trouble for being distracted drawing in class and hated school until he started at DSA in 6th grade. Now he is a Sophmore, gets up at 5am to make sure to get to school on time and loves school. His grades are now mostly A's with a couple of B's I have seen him grown personally as well as academically all thanks to DSA.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“They offer so much for a public school. My son is a violin player and it offers him so much opportunity.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Its so diverse and all the kids are so accepting and non-discriminatory, and everyone just loves each other. also, the academics are really good the teachers are able to teach witthout boring the students or stressing them out too much.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-30
“I feel safe to be myself and express myself thru art. The teachers are amazing!!!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“I love DSA because every day, in every class, I know my son's teachers want him to be the best student he can and succeed. My son loves it because they let him wear his hat in class.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“DSA is a fantastic school...allowing for students to persue and express themselves through the arts combined with academic excellence.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-30
“Because you get to spend a bunch of time doing what you love. The academics are just at the right level.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-28
“One of the few public schools to combine training for those with arts interests and high academic standards!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-27
“My child loves this school! This is my student's 2nd year at DSA and has wonderful friends! My one and only complaint is the homework. At least with my child's major there is little time for anything else. Outside of that it is an awesome school!!! When you expect the best, you get the best! One more thing. I wish they would say the pledge at lease a couple of time a week.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 1
Post Date:2009-09-17
“My child goes to DSA and I feel that it is a horrible school because the kids have no discipline or structure and do whatever they want when they want. Then the staff calls it 'expressing themselves' but its just kids running wild.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-16
“Denver School of the Arts is a place where all students are valued for their gifts and individuality.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-09-16
“This the only school I've ever worked for that puts the arts first rather than sublimating it to 'elective' status. As a visual arts teacher, I work with students in a 7-year program to develop artistic skill and personal voice. We teach everything from math to professional business skills through the arts here. Our students are motivated through their art form to become responsible citizens of the planet and the creative thinkers of tomorrow.”
This review was posted by a teacher.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-16
“Too many schools don't even include arts in the curriculum, here they are the focus. Students select their favourite art medium as a major, but they aren't limited to it. They can take others as electives (eg a visual arts student can take a piano or creative writing class). The art focus does not discourage academic learning, rather the academic side is strong as well.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-09-07
“My son is in his second year (10th) of going to DSA. This school has changed his life for the better. He loves the school so much that he is willing to wake up at 4:55 am to attend. The experience and exposure DSA has offered my son makes it the place to be when you want to become an experienced professional in your major. To be honest, going in, I had doubts about the school, but the change it has made in my son, makes it all so worth it!”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-08-30
“I have been attending Denver School of the Arts since I was in 6th grade, making this my fourth year. Denver school of the arts is an excellent school for students dedicated to their art and want to get professional help for your art. It provides over the top education both for academic and in your major. Some students may not agree, but in order to truly enjoy this school, you must have a strong passion for it. I love Denver School of the Arts, and I hope you decide you do too.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-04-14
“Hello!! I go to D.S.A and right now i'm in 6th grade. The most heard rumour outside is that this school is for preppy kids. That is not true. i have many friends who don't even get enough money to liv ein a small house. The elctives and teachers there are great too. Especially Mr. Mediatore, the math teacher. if your kid never liked math like i did, they will when you get in 6th grade math. Mr.Mediatore is a very generous person. He is funny, and every body at our school thinks he is awesome. The electives can teach great things too, like piano or typing. Those are just one of many electives. If your kid gets in ti D.S.A, Congrats!!!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-03-14
“My student has been at DSA for 3 years and will graduate next year. I would not recommend DSA for every student. What I usually tell friends who ask is, 'If you are happy where you are and feel you are being academically challenged, then stay put.' Otherwise, DSA is a good option. Academically it is adequate and AP classes offer some challenge. What makes the school special is the environment. Nobody is considered 'popular' because everybody is generally accepted for who they are. The diversity prepares students for the real world. My student has loved it and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-02-28
“hi, i'm a student at DSA and i've been attending since sixth grade. although things are kid of disorganized at school once your in the rhythm of you students and teachers you know your way around. Fitting in isnt hard at all because in the end you always have something in common with everybody in your major. Although as a student, we complain its really the best school you can attend if your passionate about your art form. There is rumor that the acedemics are weak because of our arts but i've had a pretty great education because the teachers acknowledge our demands of our art major and try to encorporate the majors into their projects and classwork. When in your major they can be pretty demanding because all the majors have some sort of deadline or another but when you love your art it doesnt seem like school work anymore!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-02-01
“Great school for the artistic. My granddaughter attends with a dance major. My concern is that at DSA they are required to pick up so many dance class outside of the school. She just participated in the International Association of Black Dancers and the more proficient performers attended schools (i.e., Duke Ellington and Cleveland Schools of Arts) where all their requirements were met in the school. They took their academics during regular school hours and they danced three hours at the end of the day. This frees up students to do homework and be kids as well. Maybe DSA could incorporate this into their curriculum.”
This review was posted by a other.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-12-16
“just commenting on the comment made on Nov. 26 DSA is an amazing school. I am a new student this year, and it is weird. It took me a month to adjust to the diversity and freedom. It does not lack disipline! they just alow use to be ourselves. also passing period is a time to socialize and let extra energy out, because we work llyrea hard during class, and can't be to crazy during that time. Also you are correct most kids wouldn't be accepted socially in 'normal' schools, but give me a definetion of normal... its common... like everyone else... but 'normal' people don't have exciting careers. They work at stores and restraunts. DSA is a fabulous school for anyone wanting to pursue a vigorous career in the arts!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-12
“I can't imagine going to any other school, I've always struggled academically, and through DSA I have been able to really except my education and become motivated to make good grades. My major, although very demanding, has taught me so much about who to achieve and meet my deadlines. I've met the greatest people at DSA: the most wonderful teachers and lifelong friends :)”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-12-05
“I am a recent graduate of the Theatre program at Denver School of the Arts, and I could not have asked for more out of my education. Having attended the school for 5 years, I experienced many changes that took in the program, but through these adjustments, I was continually pushed by both my academic and acting teachers. I now attend one of the top Theatre Performance schools in the country, on a high talent scholarship, and am achieving much success here, due to the training I received at DSA. I can only talk about the Theatre Major, but know that it is not for the light of motivation and skill. For those looking to audition, be extremely sure that this is not just an extracurricular activity for you, rather a life / career choice. If so, grow for it! It is a wonderful place to grow and learn!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-11-06
“I having experience of cheater school, public and this school is the best school that I ever meet and I love that my douther could be attend in this school.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-09-02
“I have been going to Denver School of the Arts since 6th grade and I am in 8th now. If you are looking for a safe, diverse, artistic school accepting all walks of life, D.S.A. is the place to go!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-08-30
“Having experience in public, private, and charter schools, I can say that this school is truly amazing. Our daughter is in her second year of middle school and we as parents are thrilled. The teachers are dedicated, the students are wonderful, and the productions are amazing. I do hope that the school continues on its mission to provide specialized arts-intensive programs and does not bow to the vocal minority to designated it as a GT program. My daughter is thriving and receiving a first-class education in a very diverse setting where individualism is respected and high achievement is honored.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-07-17
“I've gone there for years and have never been tired of my major. We do different things every year!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2008-05-03
“I am a former student of DSA and recently left in the middle of the year to attend my local middle school because of DSA. They failed to meet my academic needs and the teachers were really mean and very rude to me and my peers. Along with the teachers being rude the students were also extremely mean. They bullied me and made my life very hard. I would come home everyday and cry. It makes me sad that I tried so hard to get in and then find out that I hated it. Overall I had a really awful experience at Denver School of the Arts.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2008-03-03
“When I heard about this school, I immediatly wanted to audition. Violin has always been my passion so I tried out, and got in! I love this school. The teachers, both academic and major teachers push you to do your best. That's just what I needed. Before being here, violin was many times annoying, but now I have friends that do the same. I love being around people who want to pursue their dreams. I've seen the most amazing kids here who have done so much just to be here. This is my favorite school ever! Plus, you can dance or sing in the hallways and you won't get yelled at!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-11-08
“I'm a third year vocal major at DSA and that school is my life! This is the best school i've ever been to. I will be going into Highschool next year and i cannot leave this school. It is my home.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-10-17
“This is our daughter's 7th. year at DSA. For a student who has a desire to pursue the arts, this is the place to be. Academics are equal to any of the best schools. These kids are very busy, and on the whole they love it. Great school spirit and loyalty. Great parent involvement.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2007-02-26
“I have two children who have attended DSA. We have had overall positive experiences. The school has very high expectations of students, in both their academic work and their art work. There are no sports programs at DSA, however students can elect to participate on their 'home school' sports teams. This school is leaps and bounds better than the 'home school' that my children would have had to attend.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2007-01-21
“I go to DSA, and I find it an extremely good program. It is a magnet school, so be prepared to audition for you spot here. Sometimes I do feel that the academics are lacking, but I have still managed to get a quality education. The school is separated into 9 majors, Visual Arts, Theatre, Band, Orchestra, Piano, Dance, Video Cinema Arts, Stagecraft and Design, and Creative Writing. Most parents are involved and most students are dedicated. It truly is a great school.”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2006-10-24
“Having one child there who just matriculated into the school, I think that DSA academics are overrated. It is also very difficult to keep up with the posting of class assignments, as some teachers use their website spots and some don't. Summation: DSA has alot of in-house work to do to make it a truly great school. Parents should push hard for it.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2005-11-12
“As an alumni of DSA now attending a major conservatory for music, I can assure you that the quality of education DSA has to offer is phonominal. It's not for everyone, but if your child fits, encourage them. DSA alone will not make them great, but it provides amazing opertunities and a chance to experience a semi-professional setting. DSA students are well prepared to compete in both academic and artistic fields after graduating.”
This review was posted by a former student.
Quality Score: 4
Post Date:2005-05-29
“As parents of a 13yo girl, middle school is scary. For many years we heard fantastic things about this middle/high school but what we (and our daughter) looked forward to most was the small size and devotion of students to the arts. As DSA became the top rated school for academics, more and more parents pushed kids to audition for fewer openings. There is tremendous pressure on the school to expand beyond the size that made it wonderful, and to incorporate two opposing missions. There is controversy over whether DSA should remain a special facility for those with an unusually stong creative drive or a much larger and more typical urban school that offers ambitious parents a highly touted curriculum, even for children who have not previously felt compelled to explore their creativity enough to develope 'demonstrable' talent at auditions. There are frequent charges of elitism. For my child who is obsessed with Shakespeare it has been a bitter dissapointment to spend 90 minutes a day in an acting class with more than 50 other middle schoolers when half of them make fun of her more serious interest in learning. Far too many parents freely admit to me their child is there because there are no other acceptable district middle schools. Current graduating seniors in theatre have taken my child under their wings to mentor her and assure her it will be much better in high school, but they freely admit the school is losing much of what they loved most about it back when students begged their parents to let them go there. Now they claim even suburban parents pay professionals to identify and package any sort of 'DSA worthy' talent for bored, reluctant kids. We remain optomistic that other schools will finally improve options for those students who are less passionate than their parents about DSA. The academic programs are quite good, and parental involvement is reportedly higher than at any other school, but DSA risks being a victim of it's own success if it has to become all things to all ambitious parents, who in many cases would really hate to see their kids end up as actual artists.”
This review was posted by a parent.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“I love DSA because I can explore my art form, video cinema arts, and learn a lot. All of the people here are very friendly too!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: 5
Post Date:2009-10-05
“I totally love DSA!!!! it is the best school on earth!”
This review was posted by a student.
Quality Score: N/A
Post Date:2009-10-05
“My school is a cluster of awesomness,and anyone who likes awesome an education will love this school. And if i could tell an Alien what school i would say DSA.”
This review was posted by a parent.




     




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