Duke Ellington School of the Arts

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., is a premier public high school that offers a unique dual-curriculum model. Operated by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and George Washington University, the school provides students with a rigorous college-preparatory academic education alongside intensive, pre-professional training in the arts. Students can major in various disciplines, including dance, instrumental or vocal music, theater, museum studies, and visual arts, allowing them to hone their craft under the guidance of professional artists and educators.

The school is renowned for its commitment to excellence and its mission to cultivate the next generation of creative leaders. Beyond the classroom and the studio, Duke Ellington provides a vibrant, culturally rich environment that encourages students to pursue both artistic innovation and academic achievement. By integrating a traditional high school experience with a conservatory-style arts program, the institution prepares its graduates not only for competitive universities but also for professional careers in the arts and humanities, reflecting the legacy of the legendary musician for whom the school is named.