Durham School of the Arts

School Profile
First Impressions
DSA is a 6-12 magnet school with over 1700 students. The first thing one
notices about DSA is that most of its buildings are old--really old. Durham High
was built 95 years ago and the main building has a tremendous amount of
character and the problems that come with it. There are also two newer building
on campus and they are in pristine shape and clearly convey the school’s focus
on the arts. The main office staff was very welcoming and it is clear that the
school has well established procedures, a high level of professionalism, and it is
highly decorated for its achievements in both the arts and academics.
Facilities
DSA’s campus has seven building in
which students have classes and over 50
exits and 18 unlocked points of entry. It
is a wide open campus with easy access
from many points, so security is always a
concern.

The back of the main building is the

primary area that is without camera
surveillance and AP’s are positioned to
help alleviate this issue.
 Student
Demographics max growth

DSA has 1740 students with a diverse racial

composition comparable to that of Durham. In
addition, 36.5% of its students qualify for free
and reduced lunch. The biggest changes in the
student population the past few years have been
the 5% increase in Hispanic students and the
expansion of the school from 1550 students to
almost 1750.
School Curriculum
Durham School of the Arts is a 6-12 magnet
school that offers eleven different arts
specialties in addition to a comprehensive
academic course load. They offer several AP
courses for college credit. They offer seven
periods a day and student graduate with a
maximum of 28 credits.
Bell Schedule and Calendar
Daily Schedule (Grades 9-12) 7th Grade Daily Schedule
Period 1: 9:15 – 10:05 Period 1: 9:15 – 10:05
Period 2: 10:11 – 11:01 Period 2: 10:09 – 11:01
Period 3: 11:07 – 11:57 Period 3: 11:05 – 11:57
Period 4 and lunch: 11:57 – 1:24 Lunch: 12:02 – 12:29
11:57 - 12:28 “A” Lunch Period 4: 12:32 – 1:24
12:34 - 1:24 “A” Fourth Period Period 5: 1:31 – 2:21
12:03 - 12:53 “B” Fourth Period Period 6: 2:28 – 3:18
12:53 - 1:24 “B” Lunch Period 7: 3:25 – 4:15
Period 5: 1:31 – 2:21
Period 6: 2:28 – 3:18 6th Grade Daily Schedule
Period 7: 3:25 – 4:15 Period 1: 9:15 – 10:15
Period 2: 10:20 – 11:25
8th Grade Daily Schedule Lunch: 11:30 – 12:00
Period 1: 9:15 – 10:05 Period 3: 12:05 – 1:10
Period 2: 10:11 – 11:01 Period 4: 1:15 – 2:21
Lunch: 11:05 – 11:33 Period 6: 2:28 – 3:18
Period 3: 11:37 – 12:27 Period 7: 3:25 – 4:15
Period 4: 12:34 – 1:24
Period 5: 1:31 – 2:21
Period 6: 2:28 – 3:18
Period 7: 3:25 – 4:15
 Middle School: Reading

DSA’s reading scores are exemplary

compared to the district. They have
been pretty consistent, but 7th and
8th grade went down nominally last
year, so it will be interesting to see if
this trend is reversed.
 Middle School: Math

While scores are good compared to

the rest of the district, there is
concern with how 8th grade math and
Math I scored last year. As a result,
Math I classes were made smaller
and there will be an increased focus
on the Math PLC’s this year. There is
also concern that scores will go down
further next year as students in 8th
grade who take Math I will no longer
take the 8th grade EOG.
 High School EOC Data

High school EOC scores are

significantly higher than the district
averages. The Math I trend is
concerning and scheduling and PLC
changes have been made to try to
increase student achievement in this
area. ACT results and GLP are both
very high and the school graduates
96% of its students in 4 years.
2015-16 School Report Card
School Professionals
DSA has six counselors who cover the six grades. The Student
Services department is very well-organized and their roles are
clearly defined.

The school social worker is on campus four days a week and is

heavily involved in the attendance committee as truancy is one of
the larger issues that this chool faces.

Both the front office staff and the school treasurer have been in
place for several years, so they efficiently work through
procedures that have been in place for years.
Culture
Generally speaking teachers enjoy working at DSA! The TWC survey
reflects that at the building level teachers feel valued, protected, and
able to teach without. The concerns that teachers have generally are
issues that are handled at the state or district level such as technology
funding and class size. Teacher do, however, express a desire to have
a greater role in the school’s decision making process. Strong points in
the survey revolve around the respect that the staff has for one another
and the level of community engagement and support. 95% of teachers
believe that DSA is a good place to work!
Awards and Celebrations
DSA is a highly decorated school! It has been honored several times as an
exemplary school both in NC and nationally. In addition to the academic
awards, DSA’s arts program is highly decorated. When you walk in the
main office and in the hallways thre are constant reminders of the past
success of DSA students and the school. It is very clear that there is a
culture of excellence hear at DSA. One nice thing they do at the middle
school level is that they have quarterly awards ceremonies that honor
students for academic and artistic excellence. The entire grade is brought
into the auditorium to recognize these students!
Student Discipline Reports
TBD
 Internal Communication
This school lives on email and it is a
professional expectation to check it
regularly. Since DSA is a 6-12 school,
whole school meetings are rare and
email is used as a way to convey
general information. Daily
announcements are sent in the morning
and the expectation is that the staff will
read them. Grade level and subject
PLC’s are then used for more specific
information.
IExternal Communication
DSA has recognized this as an
issue and has made one of the AP
responsibilities public relations.
DSA is rolling out a facebook page
and a twitter account this fall. Until
then, almost all communication to
parents happens with a connect ed
message or through email and
website updates.
School Website
Component + - Δ

Webpage highlights students X

TBD
Links to school calendar X

School vison/mission statement on the web page X

School contact information (principal, nurse, guidance counselor, teacher emails) X

Information about the Common Core X

Student Handbook X

Current School Improvement Plan X

Link to School Activities X

List of School/Student Awards X

Parent-friendly X

Brochures or newsletters X

Letter from Principal(s) X

School website uses school colors and/or school logo/mascot X