- How is their instrumental program? Intensity, quality of instruction, varied opportunities to play and expand as a musician, etc.

This is dependent on the teacher, I hear the cello teacher has some issues, but others are wonderful. The relationship between the teacher for the instrument/arts discipline is intense so you should meet that person specifically and see.

- How are the other academics? Do you anticipate your kid will be college ready? How are the guidance counselors and college counselors? Are teachers kind and supportive? (We have only been here a few years, and don't have any experience with DCPS.)

Mixed bag, like all DCPS schools, the math teacher are great for example. And my child and friends are fully on track for a good college.

- What are the kids like, generally? Is it easy for most kids to really find 'their people'?

Yes, for sure. The population is diverse economically and racially, and academic achievement wise - that is there are plenty of high performing kids.

- Do kids burn out? Sounds like a LONG school day!

Not mine but perhaps some other kids do, especially if they don't love what they are doing or the teacher is not amazing.

- From the parent perspective -- has it all been worth it to send your kid there vs simply supplementing their interests in the Arts outside of a more mainstream school? How is parent involvement at the school?

Yes for sure worth it and totally different to supplementing with private music lessons. If you want to be involved you can be, but in general they don't ask for much.

Anonymous wrote:I have commented on another Ellington Post. I had several kids graduate from Ellington, all gainfully employed making 6 figures. One participated in HISCIP which is called duel enrollment now and took 3 classes at Georgetown. Two received significant college scholarships, one was full tuition. It’s not for everyone, but plenty who attend go on to college and are successful. Two classmates received Trachtenberg scholarships to GW and one was awarded a Gates Millennium scholarship.

En garde!

How many kids is “several”? How many years ago?

No horse in this race but seems beyond dumb to throw shade at kids pursuing careers in arts for working at restaurants. Every actor and most artists whom you've ever heard of worked in restaurants at some point. It is a perfect job because it allows for open days to audition.

You may all now proceed with your inane and juvenile "discussion".

Anonymous wrote:My kid is not in the instrumental program but they have friends who are. It seems to be a very rigorous program and your child will have tons of amazing opportunities to perform. I wouldn’t worry about being shy. There are all kinds of kids in that program.

Academics can be a mixed bag as you may find at any public school (depends on the teacher, etc), but there are honors and AP classes for motivated students. My child has taken both.

It is a long school day, but my child adjusted quickly. The commute is long from almost everywhere. We live in DC and it takes about 45 minutes by metro and bus each way.

Kid has not applied to college yet, but I don’t think you are going to get a lot of hand holding there like you would from private school. Same with things like academic course selection. You are on your own there to just pick classes that seem best.

This is the key. Public schools demand more initiative from the student. If your kid is shy, but generally knows herself, going to DESA might be a good way for her to break through her shyness. But if she needs hand holding, DESA might not be the best place for her.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a terrible school I know a few people in their early 20's who attended and they're barely illiterate. They wait tables now.

+1000 I know two: one works at a cheesecake type of "restaurant" waiting tables and the other selling cars at a car dealership. They dance well though!!!!

A handful of people that you don't deem successful doesn't reflect on the school as a whole. I mean, I know an Alban's graduate who currently works at a big box store and has been there for 10+ years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a terrible school I know a few people in their early 20's who attended and they're barely illiterate. They wait tables now.

+1000 I know two: one works at a cheesecake type of "restaurant" waiting tables and the other selling cars at a car dealership. They dance well though!!!!

This seems to be really low quality trolling. This is the second “cheesecake” post. There are no Cheesecake Factory restaurants in DC. Why make up dumb lies?

There's also one at 15th and H.

Well, there is a Cheesecake Factory on Wisconsin near Military in NW. It is close to MD but it is in DC. It has been there since the late 80's.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's a terrible school I know a few people in their early 20's who attended and they're barely illiterate. They wait tables now.

+1000 I know two: one works at a cheesecake type of "restaurant" waiting tables and the other selling cars at a car dealership. They dance well though!!!!

This seems to be really low quality trolling. This is the second “cheesecake” post. There are no Cheesecake Factory restaurants in DC. Why make up dumb lies?

To the poster asking about the social scene: my 11th grader has a fantastic group of friends from different departments. They are all hardworking and ambitious. The atmo is supportive and not cut-throat. It doesn't seem particularly cliquish. By definition, there are no jocks lol! DD loves the social scene (she is occasionally frustrated by the academics)

DESA academics are a mixed bag. It's also the case for all other DCPS schools. ELA curriculum, for example, is just terrible -- they barely read anything. Some teachers are amazing and others are barely competent. Graduates go on to stellar arts programs. Not so many kids go on to top colleges but I don't know if it's because they choose not to or bc they don't get in. There are honors and AP options and opportunities to challenge yourself.

I have commented on another Ellington Post. I had several kids graduate from Ellington, all gainfully employed making 6 figures. One participated in HISCIP which is called duel enrollment now and took 3 classes at Georgetown. Two received significant college scholarships, one was full tuition. It’s not for everyone, but plenty who attend go on to college and are successful. Two classmates received Trachtenberg scholarships to GW and one was awarded a Gates Millennium scholarship.

Anonymous wrote:Duke Ellington is a train wreck.

How so?

Duke Ellington is a train wreck.

Anonymous wrote:DS is a rising senior in instrumental music. We have been very happy with his HS experience at DESA. Friends are hardworking and committed young artists. Challenging academic subjects are available, including STEM subjects for those who want them.

What's the social scene like?

Anonymous wrote:It's a terrible school I know a few people in their early 20's who attended and they're barely illiterate. They wait tables now.

+1000 I know two: one works at a cheesecake type of "restaurant" waiting tables and the other selling cars at a car dealership. They dance well though!!!!