Located in Washington, DC, the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts was founded in 1974 and is the only DC public high school that provides professional arts training and college preparation to talented DC public school students. Each student takes a full academic course-load and, additionally, majors in one of eight arts disciplines (Dance, Literary Media, Museum Studies, Instrumental or Vocal Music, Theater, Technical Design and Production, and Visual Arts).

MISSION

To nurture and inspire passion for arts and learning in talented students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to develop their artistic skills. We ensure that our students are prepared for post-secondary education and/or careers in the arts by offering an intensive arts-based program. We prepare our students to become productive citizens in our global society through our strong focus on community service.

STUDENTS AND FACULTY

Ellington currently serves almost 500 students in grades 9-12 from all over DC. Our academic faculty is fully credentialed and includes several Fulbright Scholars, award-winning writers and musicians, and various PhD's.

ACADEMICS

Ranked as one of DC Public Schools' top high schools, Ellington's curriculum demands that students earn 34% more credits than those at other DC public high schools. Several programs are firmly in place to support students, providing extra tutorial assistance for those who may be struggling. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average in both academics and the arts to be permitted to perform and, ultimately, to stay enrolled at Ellington. This focus results in a 99% on-time graduation rate and almost $1 million in college scholarships.

ARTS

Ellington is the place for aspiring young artists to refine their skills and flourish in one of eight pre-professional disciplines, including Dance, Literary Media, Museum Studies, Instrumental or Vocal Music, Theater, Technical Design and Production, and Visual Arts. Students study with renowned artists who are skilled teachers who take personal pride in guiding the artists of tomorrow as they reach their full artistic and creative potential.

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

Over 95% of Ellington students are accepted to our nation's most competitive universities and conservatories each year. Currently, Ellington students are studying at Yale, NYU, Harvard, Juilliard, Smith, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and Howard University, among many other institutions. This is a particularly remarkable achievement given that some of our students arrive at Ellington with only elementary-level reading and math skills.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

To attend Duke Ellington School of the Arts, students must follow the admissions process outlined on our Admissions Process and Application page here. Auditions are held before a panel of Ellington staff members. Prospective students may audition for multiple departments; however, if accepted into multiple departments within the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, students must select one discipline as their major."

TUITION

Attending Ellington is tuition free for District residents. Non-residents may attend with paid tuition. For further information, please contact the Student Residency Office, located at 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 7115, Washington, D.C. 20002 or by telephone at (202) 442-5215.

FUNDING

Because Ellington provides an extended curriculum and requires additional credits for students to graduate, the Ellington Fund supplements the DCPS allotted budget. The school relies on the generosity of individual donors, the business community, and foundations to offer a comprehensive arts program. Make a donation to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

LOCATION

The Ellington School is located in Georgetown.
3500 R Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007