Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts (BTWHSPVA) in Dallas Independent School District was the first secondary school in the country to receive the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary Education from the Department of Education. In 1976, the school got Rockefeller Foundation Exemplary Arts Education, which still stands today. According to the Department of Education, it is one of the best 8 Magnet Schools in the United States. The National Foundation for Advancement Arts acknowledges it as among the 5 top schools in the Nation. BTWHSPVA is located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the largest Arts District in the United States. BTWHSVPA has been achieving success in arts at a national level. With more than 600 awards from National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts in theatre and dance and visual arts, the school also has 30 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Notably, over 267 Downbeat Magazine music DeeBee Awards (the largest number) and many playwriting awards have been earned. Because of its rigorous dual emphasis in academics and arts, the school counts such graduates as Grammy Award winners Norah Jones and Roy Hargrove and Erykah badu. TV actress Elizabeth Mitchell is an actress and dancer. Christian Schumann, a visual artist. Chris Arnold paints murals. Gesel Mason, Theater Residency Artist, is a Theatre Residency Artist. As Dallas’ revolutionary high school for 21-century scholar artists, our integrated, intensive training will help you bridge the gap between post-secondary education and the professional world. Our Magnet schools ready you for college and conservatory, as well as the profession.

Most reviews are positive and highly recommend the school. Students and parents love the school and emphasize its supportiveness and the atmosphere. School’s nurturing nature and the encouragement are remarkable. The students are passionate and hardworking in multiple disciplines, including baking, dancing, music, and others. The Arts and academics are executed extraordinarily well to the satisfaction of the parents and students. Growth in academics and other fields is a key aspect promoted by both the teachers and the parents. The school's supportive environment and encouragement to students to explore and pursue their talents have created a positive atmosphere. When new students arrive at the school praised by other students, they also want to participate because they have seen the encouraging nature of the school. Indeed, the school is a recommendable place for students to grow in any angle that they wish to choose as the school offers several curriculums. There is even a guaranteed admission to a top arts college for those who wish to continue their path in arts. The school ensures the students are happy. Some students remarked that the school has given them a great sense of belonging. Lastly, being at Booker T. Washington has taught many students to be bold and brave in their creations and what they do generally. One of the students appreciated the parent teacher association involvement in school and the number of teachers who are interested in housemaking the school better for their kids. This is true greatness and proud school that any student would like to be trained. Every student's personality is captured and appreciated. From the reviews, the school is indeed a classic one.