Durham School of the Arts

"This school is lacking teachers who actually care about your child’s education. If you are not on top of your child, the teachers will allow them to fail without any regard, communication or partnership with you. This is incredibly shocking as I graduated from this school and the teachers were always in communication with my parents to ensure I was on track for success. However, I would like to shout out Mr. Lockamy and my sons current band teacher Mr. Anthony Amos. These 2 are the only teachers who have communicated with me without me reaching out first. Sadly, my son has had over 14 teachers during his short tenure at DSA. If you are ok with only 14.28% of teachers caring about your child education, this is then perfect school for you. If you are ok with teachers not empowering your children or offering words of encouragement, this is the school for you. Lastly, I asked my son if any teachers say good job, I offer tutoring, or a simple you can do this but try harder next time, he replied no. This was heart breaking. Is this what DSA has come to? My husband and I are supporting our son throughout his middle school journey but this will not be enough if teachers are not partnering with parents to push, encourage and empower each child to success. This school looks good on paper but it’s mediocre at best."

"This school is amazing its just that the building is old and it's liyearky falling apart. A good majority of the teachers are good and nice, they are welling to help if you need it. The only problem that I have is with the security there is little to no security and when there is the cops are always in one area instead of covering and looking out for the whole school. Many incident have happend that could've ben prevented if there was more security. Like the random guy that walked into our school. There are many thing that students do but that's like in eavry other school. Besides the security problem the students are nice and welcoming and so are the administrators. the front office can be a little intenmidating. A week ago a pice of glass got stuck in my hand. I walked to front office for help and they said that they could not help me they could either call my parents or I can try to remove it myself. They did not eaven gived me a bandaid. And the nurse is not eaven in school she is only hear like once a week. And this was eaven before covid started the nurse would never be there when I and my friends needed them. Besides all that the school is fine and I recomanded to those who want to study arts because that's realy the only thing that the school can realy offer. But I still love this school."

"I'm writing this review because of Ms Thibodeaux, this has to be one of the hardest working people I've ever seen. She was busy helping someone this morning when she noticed my son and I also needed help. She appeared to be juggling several tasks when she had to unlock (while holding three bags, a couple of book and her coffee) the door to let us all in and immediately began to take care of our needs even though she did not have to do this for at least another 30 minutes. She went out of her way to take care of everyone of us,. I had to come and write about it here on the DSA website. Thank you Ms thibodeaux you really made my day."

"I have been going to DSA since 6th grade I’m now an 8th grader as someone who just finished the 1st 9weeks of in person school I can say there are some things i’am very disappointed in. We have to stay outside in the mornings due to covid and meetings in the summer and spring that is perfectly fine but it is winter and student are staying outside in the 40 degree weather which isn’t very practical. For students who just don’t have jackets nor can afford a good quality one , this is bad students can get sick and possibly miss more days of school. Teacher wise I love all my teacher and administrators. And the people here are your Average everyday students there no smarter or better than any one else in the state or county."

"Great school with amazing chorus program love the chorus teachers. Needs some more minority teachers since we are predominantly minority's, but still a good school. Foreign language program could be better but you can't have everything. They hand out a lot of suspensions very senselessly, be aware of that. Ms Garvoille and Mr Myers are the best."