Denver School of the Arts Friends Foundation

Background Statement

DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS FRIENDS FOUNDATION (DSAFF)

The Denver School of the Arts Friends Foundation (DSAFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supporting the Denver School of the Arts (DSA) through fundraising and outreach. This fundraising arm for the school was first organized as the Friends of DSA (FDSA) in 1989, was instrumental in the initial planning and launching of DSA, as well as supporting DSA's unique approach to curriculum enrichment, the Visiting Artists Program. In 2012 the Friends Foundation expanded to help meet the changing needs of DSA, while also pursuing a new vision for the school. From that work the foundation was renamed "DSA Friends Foundation" (DSAFF), building a fresh board, including former and new members. DSA Friends continues to set ambitious goals for expanding fundraising to ensure the stability and quality of DSA's programs for the future.

THE DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

(DSA)

DSA is a comprehensive, secondary arts magnet school serving students in grades 6-12 in the Denver Public Schools. In addition to a rigorous academic program, DSA students engage in intensive studies in one of eleven majors (Band, Creative Writing, Dance, Guitar, Orchestra, Piano, Theatre, Stagecraft & Design, Visual Arts, Video Cinema Arts, or Vocal Music.) DSA is committed to fostering a lifelong love of the arts in a culturally diverse, academically challenging environment. In 1991, the first 200 DSA students began classes; today, the school serves over 1,000 students in eleven arts programs. DSA students have won national competitions in every artistic discipline and rank among the top 5% of schools in Colorado for the ACT. DSA has also been recognized in the US News & World Report "Best High School Rankings" for 12 consecutive years.

DSA's growth over the past three decades has been informed by a powerful vision: The combination of intensive studies in the arts and a rigorous standards-based academic curriculum-guided by highly skilled teaching professionals, and supported by the best learning tools and environment possible-creates the highest level of student motivation and accomplishment. The DSA vision continues to inspire and produce exemplary results, with nearly 100% of graduates matriculating to conservatories or universities.

DSA currently houses over 1000 students in a building that was built for 800. With the recent purchase of 4 buildings across the street on the former Johnson & Wales campus, DSA looks forward to significantly expanding its student body and providing greater arts access to a diverse student body.