SCHEDULE & PROCESS
ADMISSIONS
Audition Procedures
If your online application and all supporting materials have been received by the application deadlines, you will secure an audition spot – be sure to check back in December 2021 for the virtual audition platform Acceptd information. Each department has its own audition process.
All students must complete an audition profile on our virtual audition platform, Acceptd. Click here to upload your information to Acceptd once the portal is open. Students will have until February 1, 2022 to upload all their audition materials. Auditions begin the first week of February and are scheduled by art department and the first letter of your last name. Please be sure to review all requirements outlined below. Once you create a profile, and upload all of your materials, you will log-in the day of your audition and join us virtually!
In addition to the suggestions below on creating a studio in your own home, please note that you should be in a quiet and well-lit space, be sure that your computer or phone are fully charged and functioning properly. While we understand that many of you may be uncomfortable on camera, that is a requirement for all auditions. All virtual auditions just like in-person auditions are closed to parents/guardians, family members or peers. If there is anyone else in the room with you during your audition, you may be disqualified.
If you leave during your audition, you may also be disqualified.If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@ellingtonarts.org or call (202) 807-0538.
STEP 1: Online Application
AVAILABLE
DECEMBER 2022
Applications to Duke Ellington School of the Arts and all other DCPS and DC public charter high schools are submitted via the MySchoolDC website. For more information on the application process, see MySchoolDC.org. Please note that there are no paper applications – all applications must be submitted online through the MySchoolDC.org site.
The online application will request the email addresses of three people, in order for them to submit recommendations. After the student’s application is completed and submitted, these individuals will receive an email requesting that they complete the recommendation.
Upload a photo of the student, report cards, test scores and short essay(s) on why you believe Ellington and the art department are a right fit for you.
If you have any issues submitting application materials, contact the MySchoolDC hotline at 202-888-6336 or email us below.
STEP 3: Family Interview
Art Department Presentation Night will take place in February or March 2023 for all students who passed their audition and their families.
The family interview is the second to last step. We’ve become acquainted artistically – this is the chance for us to get to know the whole you better. Family interviews are held with the applying student and at least one supporting adult, the Director of External Affairs, staff from the relevant arts department, one of our administrators or Principal. Interviews are approximately 20 minutes long. They give us a chance to get to know each other better and to see if Ellington seems to be a mutual fit.
LATE FEBRUARY OR MARCH 2023
STEP 4: Admissions Committe Final Review
After your family interview is completed the Admissions Committee (Principal, Director of External Affairs, Administrations, Teachers and/or Department Chairs) review your total application and make a final admissions determination.
Official decisions are only made at the end of five rounds and are confirmed through MySchoolDC and an official welcome letter from Ellington Admissions with next steps regarding enrollment. MySchoolDC Lottery Results will be announced in April 2023.
All non-DC residents, who may be extremely qualified are subject to space-availability.
Duke Ellington School of the Arts does not discriminate in the admissions process based on an applicant’s disability in conformance with the District of Columbia Human Rights Act. Admissions candidates who have passed their audition are requested to submit their IEP or 504 Plan prior to testing in order that we may be sure to give an applicant their appropriate testing accommodation.