Durham School of the Arts

Durham Public Schools
401 North Duke Street
Durham, NC 27701
1,764 Students
High School 6th - 12th
School Overview
Durham School of the Arts (DSA) is a unique, audition-based magnet school located in the heart of downtown Durham, North Carolina. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, the school is designed to integrate rigorous academic standards with a comprehensive focus on the fine and performing arts. By operating within the Durham Public Schools system, DSA provides a specialized environment where students are encouraged to pursue professional-level training in areas such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing alongside their core curriculum.

The school is well-regarded for its vibrant, creative culture and its commitment to fostering artistic expression as a central component of student development. Because of its specialized nature, the campus features dedicated facilities for performances and studio work, creating an atmosphere that mirrors a conservatory-style setting. With its strategic location near the city’s cultural hubs, Durham School of the Arts serves as a key institution for students who are passionate about both academic achievement and the cultivation of their artistic talents in a diverse and collaborative community.
1,764
Total Students
100.0
Full-Time Teachers
17.6
Student/Teacher Ratio
99.2%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics
  • White
    612 (34.7%)
  • Hispanic
    542 (30.7%)
  • Black
    437 (24.8%)
  • Two or More
    122 (6.9%)
  • Asian
    50 (2.8%)
  • American Indian
    1 (0.1%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: Supplemental Virtual
Shared Time Status: No
District: Durham Public Schools
Phone: (919)560-3926
Website: http://www.dsa.dpsnc.net
Grade Range: 6th - 12th
Total Students: 1,764
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 100.0
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 17.6
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 1,750
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 0

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

1 National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught
Grade 6 217
Grade 7 235
Grade 8 242
Grade 9 347
Grade 10 304
Grade 11 233
Grade 12 186
Gender Ratio
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