DSA PATHWAYS
What is the DSA Pathways Initiative?
DSA Pathways is a District initiative to devote resources and expertise to enhancing the artistic and educational programs of Detroit School of Arts (DSA) and four selected K-8 Feeder Schools: John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy, Brenda Scott Academy for Theatre Arts, Spain Elementary-Middle School, Edward “Duke” Ellington Conservatory of Art and Music at Beckham Academy. “Pathways” not only refers to creating pathways for admission to DSA but also to the College and Career pathways for which these programs prepare DPSCD students. Middle School Arts Conservatories are in each of the DSA Feeder Schools, and DSA Pathways schools are supported by DSA Pathways Partners.
What are DSA Pathways Partners?
26 DSA Pathways Partners have been established to support the arts training at DSA and the four DSA Feeder Schools. These partners include colleges and universities, major cultural institutions, and community arts organizations. The partners’ work will be spread across the five DSA Pathways schools, though each school will not necessarily work with all 26 partner organizations.
What is a Middle School Arts Conservatory?
Arts Conservatory is a term for a school focused on advanced study of one or more art forms. The DPSCD Middle School Arts Conservatory programs will allow selected 6th–8th-grade students to focus on intensive arts training in addition to their academic classes. Students will be admitted to DSA Pathways Middle School Arts Conservatories through application and audition.
Why do students need to apply and audition for DSA and Middle School Arts Conservatories?
Like other Application and Examination schools in DPSCD, DSA Pathways Schools are looking to identify students with specialized interests, talents, and skills – in the Arts for potential conservatory students. In addition to identifying students who would most benefit from advanced arts training, having them study alongside students of similar artistic interests and skills will intensify the learning experience.
Can students currently attending schools outside of DPSCD apply for DSA or the Middle School Arts Conservatories?
Yes! Middle school and high school students from any school are eligible to apply, audition and – if accepted – attend Detroit School of the Arts or any of the four Middle School Arts Conservatories.
Will students already enrolled in one of the four Feeder Schools need to apply and audition for Middle School Conservatories?
Yes. All grade 6-8 students who wish to attend a Middle School Arts Conservatory must apply and audition to be accepted. Students already enrolled in the school and recommended by their arts instructors may not need to audition.
Do all middle school students at the DSA Feeder Schools need to apply to be in the Middle School Arts Conservatory in order to be enrolled in the school?
No. Middle School students at the DSA Feeder Schools do not need to be in the Arts Conservatory in order to be a student at the school. Middle school students not in the Arts Conservatory will continue to have the opportunity to take Arts and other K-8 electives.
Which Arts Disciplines can a student apply for?
Students applying for DSA and Middle School Arts Conservatories can apply to major in the following areas: Dance, Drama, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and Visual Arts. Students applying for DSA can also apply to major in Multimedia Production (a College Technical Education program) and Literary Arts (9th-grade applicants only).
How does a student “audition” for non-performing arts, such as visual arts, literary arts, and multimedia production?
Students applying for non-performing arts will have a “portfolio review” and interview instead of a traditional audition. An arts “portfolio” is a collection of examples of a student’s work in that art form. For example, someone applying for visual arts would include samples of drawings, paintings, sculptures – or photos of these.
Are 8th graders at the Middle School Arts Conservatories guaranteed admission to DSA?
No. Students from Middle School Arts Conservatories are still required to apply and audition for admission to DSA. The advantage these students have is that at the Middle School Arts Conservatories, students will get intensive arts training to help prepare a competitive audition for DSA. They also get the opportunity to interact with and familiarize themselves with DSA teachers in their arts discipline.
I have general questions about DSA Pathways, DSA, or Middle School Arts Conservatories.
Contact Lisa Arnold, the Curriculum Leader of Fine and Performing Arts, or contact each of the schools directly in the DSA Pathways–Schools section above. You can also attend one of their scheduled open houses.
For all other questions, please contact Lisa Arnold, Fine and Performing Arts Curriculum Leader.
