Our child is starting her 2nd year there (10th grade). If you want your kids to have a Walls or Banneker academic experience, then you probably don't want Duke. However, I wouldn't totally reject Duke on an academic basis. Like any school, there are some amazing teachers and some less than average teachers. You'll find that at Walls or Jackson-Reed, or anywhere, really. With 1 exception (who ended up getting fired/leaving Duke mid-year anyway), my child's core academic subject teachers for 9th grade were phenomenal. She went to Deal for middle school, and in some cases the Duke teachers were even better, more responsive, etc. And, two of her teachers at Duke actually came from Jackson-Reed by choice.

This year, for 10th grade, she could have taken 4 AP classes if she opted to. There is a range of ability, and certainly many kids who are smart and hard-working and value their education and all the other perks that Duke offers.

I can't speak to all of the Arts disciplines, but for the program my daughter is in, the teachers are also wonderful people with a wealth of real world experience. Many of them are grads of Duke as well, and have been affiliated in some way with the school for their entire careers. Their dedication to the kids is unparalleled.

Another positive aspect about Duke is that it is a reasonable size - 600 kids total in all 4 grades. There are about 150 kids in each grade, and in my daughter's art program there are about 20 total in her grade. I'm impressed by how the teachers/staff get to know the kids, even if they're not in a class with them at the current time. And, there is a lot of diversity and not many cliques among the students, which my child values tremendously. She is far happier there socially than she ever was at Deal.

We have also had positive experiences with the guidance counselor/social worker/support team. I think you need to look at the whole package that is Duke before dismissing it only on academics. We have attended many events there and it is truly an inspiring place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:1. Is it a competitive environment for music? I know you have to apply / audition to get in, but once in -- is it a supportive teaching environment? Collaborative among the kids vs just trying to out-do each other?

2. Anyone know where most graduates go from Duke? On to other degrees and professions? Continue on with whatever their Duke concentration was?

3. If your kid went to Duke, did they stay all 4 years? Go back to a more general education environment and pursue their passion (music, dance, etc.) outside of school?

4. Bullying, violence, etc. -- what is the environment like there compared to other DCPS environments?

Thanks for any info / thoughts / anecdotes you can share!

ICYMI: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1218013.page There are a lot of threads on Duke but not too many posts from parents with first hand experience. We had the option of sending our DC to Duke but ultimately chose against it primarily because of the academics.

I did miss that - thanks!

Anonymous wrote:DO NOT SEND YOUR KID TO DUKE!

OP here. Why not? Curious to hear your opinion, but perhaps not in all caps?

Anonymous wrote:1. Is it a competitive environment for music? I know you have to apply / audition to get in, but once in -- is it a supportive teaching environment? Collaborative among the kids vs just trying to out-do each other?

2. Anyone know where most graduates go from Duke? On to other degrees and professions? Continue on with whatever their Duke concentration was?

3. If your kid went to Duke, did they stay all 4 years? Go back to a more general education environment and pursue their passion (music, dance, etc.) outside of school?

4. Bullying, violence, etc. -- what is the environment like there compared to other DCPS environments?

Thanks for any info / thoughts / anecdotes you can share!

ICYMI: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1218013.page There are a lot of threads on Duke but not too many posts from parents with first hand experience. We had the option of sending our DC to Duke but ultimately chose against it primarily because of the academics.

DO NOT SEND YOUR KID TO DUKE!

1. Is it a competitive environment for music? I know you have to apply / audition to get in, but once in -- is it a supportive teaching environment? Collaborative among the kids vs just trying to out-do each other?

2. Anyone know where most graduates go from Duke? On to other degrees and professions? Continue on with whatever their Duke concentration was?

3. If your kid went to Duke, did they stay all 4 years? Go back to a more general education environment and pursue their passion (music, dance, etc.) outside of school?

4. Bullying, violence, etc. -- what is the environment like there compared to other DCPS environments?

Thanks for any info / thoughts / anecdotes you can share!