How do I arrange for an audition/portfolio review?
Submit an application formby the deadline and submit your supporting materials in order to be scheduled for an audition.  The application can be accessed from our Admissions Process page – click here to learn the details of the admission process and fill out the application.  Once your application has been processed, we will contact you to arrange an audition. 

What do I bring to the audition / portfolio review?
Click here to see what to bring to any Ellington audition, and to  check the specific requirements for each art discipline of interest.

May I apply even if I don’t live in the District of Columbia?
Yes. If you are accepted and decide to attend, there is a tuition requirement for non-residents. Please click here

for more information about non-resident attendance.

NOTE: A student whose parent or custodial caregiver fails to present the required proof of residency within 10 days of the opening of the school year will be excluded from attending Ellington. Please be advised that the Ellington Administration will not accept responsibility for falsification of residence.

Why may students only apply for 9th and 10th grade?
Students who attend Ellington graduate with two diplomas – a DCPS diploma and an Ellington arts diploma.  In order to earn the credits necessary for the Ellington diploma, students must be with us for three years.  Exceptions to this are made for students who bring along sufficient acceptable arts credits, as documented on their transcript.  And of course, we always make exceptions for our active military families!

May I audition for more than one area?
You may audition for up to two arts areas.   But if you are accepted by multiple departments, you must choose one concentration. Please refer to each arts discipline's audition requirements by clicking here.

Are there forms for the recommendation letters?  No, there are no forms to use. The letters of recommendation are truly letters. 

What happens after the audition?
Admission to Ellington is a four-step process. After the audition you will be notified in a few weeks whether or not you passed the audition.   Students who pass the audition will be invited back for an academic placement assessment followed by a family interview. Final admissions decisions will be made some time after the family interview, but no later than late March.

How do I get to Ellington?

Most of our students take public transportation to get to and from school (there is no DCPS school bus to Ellington).  The most popular routes include...

• The D51 Duke Ellington Bus is a morning-only express bus with stops in Southeast - see wmata.com to get a current map and timetable.
• The D1,D2,D3 and D6 buses all  run between Ellington and DuPont Circle - many students travel to and from DuPont Circle and then connect from there.  See wmata.com.
• The DC Circulator stops on Wisconsin Avenue and R, with both Rosslyn and Union Station routes.  Check out www.dccirculator.com.

I've read all this and still have questions - who can help?  Been through our admissions information and still have a question?  No problem - please contact our Admissions Director, Ms. Barbara Power, by email at bpower@ellingtonarts.org or by phone at 202-298-1777 ext. 1774.