About

Starting young, learning in a disciplined yet improvisational manner, flourishing in a tough world, developing a lifelong network of fruitful relationships—all these accomplishments are represented in the life of the composer, bandleader, and Washington, D.C. native, Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington. His are the qualities we have worked to instill in graduates since the Duke Ellington School of the Arts was founded nearly 50 years ago. We do so by guiding 9th to 12th-grade students through a full academic course of study and an arts major: Dance, Literary Media and Communications, Museum Studies, Instrumental or Vocal Music, Theatre, Technical Design and Production, or Visual Arts.

Exemplary Schools

Arts School Network is committed to its mission: to promote excellence in arts education by supporting and recognizing students, leaders, educators, schools, institutions, and organizations. It supports our four core areas including best practices, college and career pathways, elementary and middle school arts, and leadership. Members represent art leaders, schools, and organizations from around the world. 

Exemplary School designation is issued to individual schools in recognition of excellence in their efforts to evaluate strategically their purpose, operations, and educational programs.

US News Best High Schools 2020 – Gold

Duke Ellington School of the Arts was recognized by US News as one of the top schools in the nation and the #3 best school in the District of Columbia!