John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

Last updated
John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
Davidson crest.png
Address
John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
615 12th Street

Augusta
,
Georgia
30901

United States
Coordinates 33°28′26″N81°58′32″W / 33.473778°N 81.975591°W / 33.473778; -81.975591
Information
Type Public magnet for the fine and performing arts
Established1934 (as elementary school)
1981 (as magnet school)
School district Richmond County School System
PrincipalRenee Kelly
Teaching staff45.60 (FTE) [1]
Grades6–12
Enrollment716 (2022-2023) [1]
Student to teacher ratio15.70 [1]
Campus type Urban
Color(s) Maroon and silver
  
MascotTitan
Nickname DFA
TuitionFree
Website Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School (DFA) is a public magnet school for the fine and performing arts located in downtown Augusta, Georgia, United States. It draws students in grades 6 through 12 throughout Richmond County. In addition to a basic curriculum of college preparatory and Advanced Placement academic courses, Davidson offers academic and fine arts courses in the areas of visual arts, music, chorus, dance, cinema production, and theatre. It has been recognized as a National Grammy Signature School, has been ranked as the #1 school in the state of Georgia, and has placed in the top 100 tier of Newsweek 's "America's Best High Schools."

Contents

History

Davidson was founded in 1934 and named after John S. Davidson (1846-1894), an Augusta native, local educator, and Freemason leader. [2] It was an elementary school from 1934 until 1981. In 1998, Davidson moved from its original site to a new campus one block away between 12th and 13th Street, Walton Way, and Telfair Street. Prior to this, the campus had been split across the original building, a converted police substation, several portable classrooms, and a renovated iron works building, spreading across three city blocks. At the time, it crossed the Augusta Canal's second level. Moving to the new location granted a view of the canal's third level.

The new location has a theater for art performances. Due to student demand, the original stained glass windows created by the class of 1983 were also moved to the new location. The school is within walking distance of historical landmarks in Augusta, including Sacred Heart Cultural Center and the Augusta Canal's first level.

Mascot

The original mascot for Davidson Fine Arts was the "Rainbow," due to every grade having a specific color. When all the colors combined, they formed a rainbow symbolizing the unity, diversity, and creativity of Davidson. In 2006, after the success of their swimming team, the school administration created an official mascot for sporting competitions. In a school-wide vote, the mascot "Titan" was chosen. Each grade is still represented by a color:

Each grade has a sister class with a similar color, with the exception of 9th grade, whose sister class was the lavender 5th grade class.

Admissions

Admission to Davidson is based upon grades and an audition to determine interest and aptitude in the fine arts. Middle school students audition in all of the fine arts areas and high school students are auditioned in up to two fine arts areas. Classes are admitted to Davidson by racial quotas (45% African American, 45% Caucasian, and 10% other). Overall, there are on average about 700 students split equally among all classes.

Awards and recognition

During the 2004–05 school year and again in 2015, Davidson was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, [3] the highest award a U.S. school can receive. [4] [5]

The school has consistently been named as one of the best in the state of Georgia, and was named the number one academic school in the state each year from 1996 to 2009, a feat due almost exclusively to the high achievement of the students the school accepts.

The school is also known for its music program; the Davidson Fine Arts Chorale has been named among the best high school choral classes in the nation.[ citation needed ] In 2004, Grammy Foundation selected Davidson as the Grammy Signature School, and granted the program $25,000. [6] [7]

Awards and recognitions include:

Clubs

Athletics

Davidson participates in several district competitive sports, among them track and field, golf, tennis, swimming, and volleyball. The school does not participate in the more traditional high school sports of football, basketball, and baseball.

Notable alumni

NameClass yearNotabilityReference(s)
Antonia Gentry 2015Actress

Notable Teachers/Faculty

NameDepartmentNotabilityReference

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Union County Magnet High School</span> High school in Union County, New Jersey, United States

The Union County Magnet High School (UCMHS) is a magnet public high school located in Scotch Plains on the Union County Vocational Technical Schools Campus, serving the vocational and technical educational needs of students in ninth through twelfth grades throughout Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The school's goal is to prepare students for college/vocational training utilizing technology through problem solving, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary education. Students must apply to enter the school and the school accepts one-thirds of applicants. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools since 1946.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baton Rouge Magnet High School</span> Public, magnet school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Baton Rouge Magnet High School is a public magnet school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, founded in 1880. It is part of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System with a student body of approximately 1500 students. The current building was built in 1926, and, as Baton Rouge High School, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The campus underwent a two-year renovation and expansion starting in 2010, resulting in the addition of two new wings to the main building. This renovation was completed and the school reopened in fall 2012. Baton Rouge High is also one of the highest-ranked schools in the state, and consistently wins state-level academic competitions. The school requires students to pass enrollment standards and exceed graduation standards. As a result, nearly all graduating students attend college.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marine Academy of Science and Technology</span> Magnet high school in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) is a coeducational four-year magnet public high school located in the Sandy Hook section of Middletown Township, in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, serving students in ninth through twelfth grade. The school offers learning in all subjects, specializing in marine science and technology. It is one of five career academies administered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD). MAST requires each student to participate in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) every year as well as an Annual Military Inspection (AMI) in the spring or fall. The school's curriculum focuses on marine sciences and marine technology/engineering. The school offers small classes with close personal attention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Blue Ribbon Schools Program</span> School excellence award in the United States

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States Department of Education award program that recognizes exemplary public and non-public schools on a yearly basis. Using standards of excellence evidenced by student achievement measures, the Department honors high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing any achievement gaps between students.

High Technology High School, founded in 1991, is a four-year magnet public high school for students in ninth through twelfth grades, located in the Lincroft section of Middletown Township, in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, operated as a cooperative effort between the Monmouth County Vocational School District (MCVSD) and Brookdale Community College. It is a pre-engineering academy, offering courses such as Introduction to Engineering and Design, Exploring Engineering, and Principles of Engineering. It is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The school has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools since 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitney High School (Cerritos, California)</span> Public secondary school in Cerritos, California, United States

Gretchen A. Whitney High School, called Whitney High School or WHS, is a public school in Cerritos, California serving grades 7–12. It is in the ABC Unified School District. According to US News Report, as of 2023, Whitney High School is ranked 2nd in the state of California and ranked 17th nationally among all high schools.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas Anderson School of the Arts</span> School in Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, commonly known as DA or DASOTA, is a magnet high school in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, United States. The school opened in 1922 during segregation as a primary school for African American students. The school is named after a local civil rights activist, Douglas Anderson. In 1985, the school was renovated into a magnet high school specializing in performing, visual and language arts. A historical marker commemorates its history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alief Kerr High School</span> Magnet school in Texas, United States

Alief Kerr High School is an Alief ISD public school located in the Alief community, and in the limited purpose city limits of Houston, Texas, United States. The school is a part of the Alief Independent School District and serves grades 9 through 12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School</span> High school in Jersey City, New Jersey, United States

Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School is a magnet public high school located at 123 Coles Street in Jersey City, in Hudson County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The school is named in memory of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, the astronaut and scientist who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. McNair is part of the Jersey City Public Schools district. The school has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools since 1979 and is under Probationary Accreditation status as of 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School</span> Magnet public high school

Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School is a magnet public high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District with a focus on serving students who plan to study in the healthcare field. It is located near the LAC+USC Medical Center, in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Academy of Allied Health & Science</span> Magnet school in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States

The Academy of Allied Health and Science (AAHS), established in 1996, is a small magnet public high school located in Neptune Township, in Monmouth County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. The school is one of five career academies offered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District. The school focuses on medical education for teenagers who want to pursue medical careers. Proximity to Jersey Shore University Medical Center provides students with hands-on training in a hospital setting. The school has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools since 1999.

Augustus R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet Middle and High School is a public seven-year magnet school in downtown Augusta, Georgia, United States, drawing students from grades six through twelve from all parts of Richmond County.

Science Academy of South Texas, also known as "SciTech", is a high school in Mercedes, Texas, United States, as part of the South Texas Independent School District. This campus is ranked among the top 1% Best Public High Schools in America.

Advanced Technologies Academy (A-TECH/ATA) is a magnet public high school in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. It focuses on integrating technology with academics for students in grades 9–12. The magnet school program was founded in 1994 and is part of the Clark County School District. The first year included only 9th and 10th grade, adding a grade each year. The first graduating class was 1997, and the first graduating class with all four years of attendance was 1998. The magnet school focuses on computer and technology related study fields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edison Academy Magnet School</span> Magnet high school in Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States

The Edison Academy Magnet School is a four-year career academy and college preparatory magnet public high school located on the campus of the Middlesex County College in Edison, in Middlesex County, New Jersey. As of the 2022–23 school year, the school had an enrollment of 175 students and 11.0 classroom teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 15.9:1. There was 1 student eligible for free lunch and 2 eligible for reduced-cost lunch.

Southwood Middle School Center for the Arts, more commonly known as Southwood Middle School, is a public secondary school located on 16301 Southwest 80th Avenue in Palmetto Bay, Florida. Its principal is Raul Garcia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lakeville North High School</span> Public high school in northern Lakeville, Minnesota, United States

Lakeville North High School (LNHS) is a public high school in northern Lakeville, Minnesota, United States. Formerly Lakeville High School, LNHS received its current name when a second high school, Lakeville South High School, was built. Grades 9–12 attend the school, and its principal is Kim Budde.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DeKalb School of the Arts</span> Public magnet school in Avondale Estates, Georgia, United States

DeKalb School of the Arts (DSA) is a public performing arts magnet school in DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, east of the city of Atlanta. It is a part of the DeKalb County School District, as well as a member of the Arts Schools Network.

Arvida Middle School is a Blue Ribbon middle school in Miami, Florida, United States, founded in 1975, that educates around 1,850 students from grades 6-8. Its principal since August 2019, is Angela Holbrook.

The Woodbridge Academy Magnet School, formerly known as the Middlesex County Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences, is a four-year career academy and college preparatory magnet public high school located in Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, serving students in ninth through twelfth grades as part of the Middlesex County Magnet Schools, which serves students of many diverse cultures from all over Middlesex County. While enrolled in this high school student can receive college credits for classes based in allied health and biomedical sciences through Rutgers University–Newark.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Davidson Magnet School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  2. ↑ "John S. Davidson".
  3. ↑ Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 2003 to 2006 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed May 11, 2006.
  4. ↑ CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department Archived 2007-08-19 at the Wayback Machine , Journal Inquirer , November 16, 2006. "The Blue Ribbon award is given only to schools that reach the top 10 percent of their state's testing scores over several years or show significant gains in student achievement. It is considered the highest honor a school can achieve."
  5. ↑ Viers Mill School Wins Blue Ribbon; School Scored High on Statewide Test; The Washington Post . September 29, 2005, "For their accomplishments, all three schools this month earned the status of Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor the U.S. Education Department can bestow upon a school."
  6. 1 2 "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-08-11. Retrieved 2009-01-02.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. 1 2 "The GRAMMY Foundation, in Partnership with 7 UP, Names 42 High Schools as the 2005 GRAMMY Signature Schools | Business Wire | Find Articles". findarticles.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  8. ↑ "Richmond County schools | the Augusta Chronicle". Archived from the original on 2012-09-08. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  9. ↑ "GHSA Literary Champions | GHSA.net".
  10. ↑ http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/DMGetDocument.aspx/Georgia%20Schools%20of%20Excellence.pdf?p=6CC6799F8C1371F69E6FB53468D378F2C97B1A5179973F05154BFF12215BB6E7&Type=D%5B%5D
  11. ↑ America's Top Public High Schools | Newsweek Best High Schools | Newsweek.com
  12. ↑ Education Center - US News Education
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.