Admissions
Thank you for your interest in applying for admission to
Denver School of the Arts!
…
Denver School of the Arts is a public school for students in grades 6 through 12 that offers intensive studies in 11 majors (areas of study): band, creative writing, dance, guitar, orchestra, piano, stagecraft & design*, theatre, video cinema arts, visual arts, or vocal music.
*high school only
Miss our November Open House? Click here to review what was presented!
We do not currently offer school tours. If that changes, it will be posted here first.
Check out our FAQ for applicant families.
Step 1 Complete the application | Step 2 Attend or watch the pre-audition meeting | Step 3 Complete all audition components and be offered a seat | Step 4 Complete the DPS School Choice form |
Step 1: COMPLETE THE APPLICATION
Complete the DSA application anytime November 1, 2024 through January 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. DSA does not accept late applications, so ensure that this step has been completed no later than 8:00 p.m. on January 6, 2025 or the student artist will not be able to audition.
Once you complete the application and click “submit,” you will receive an email with your responses – this serves as confirmation that the application has been submitted.
Families seeking support in completing the application are welcome to visit DSA’s main office in person during the application window and our office staff will assist them.
Students may apply and audition for up to two majors.
If auditioning for two majors and the student is offered a seat, DSA determines what major will be offered.
Note – Stagecraft and Design is high school only. Students entering grades 6, 7 and 8 cannot apply for this Major.
Families/student applicants do NOT need to sign-up for the pre-audition meeting because the online application (step 1) is the sign-up. Pre-audition meetings will take place in-person at the Denver School of the Arts or virtually using Google Meet.
Step 2: ATTEND THE PRE-AUDITION MEETING
Each department will explain their audition process at their pre audition meeting, share more information about the major, and discuss what it’s like to attend Denver School of the Arts. Audition appointment information will be shared at the pre-audition meeting. Attendance at the pre-audition meeting is optional; however, DSA requests that applicants/families watch the recording of the meeting and review the meeting materials prior to being provided an audition appointment.
Band Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view, which includes the audition appointment link.
Creative Writing Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view to prepare for the audition.
Dance Pre-Audition Meeting
Thursday, December 19 at 6:00 p.m.
In person meeting at DSA’s Dance Studio
Guitar Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view, after which time they can request an audition time from natasha_olson-smith@dpsk12.net
Orchestra Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view, after which time they can request an audition time from enrique_lasansky@dpsk12.net
Piano Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view, after which time they can request an audition time from ji-hyun_kim@dpsk12.net
Stagecraft & Design Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view to prepare for the audition.
Theatre Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Applicants will be sent a recording of the meeting to view to prepare for the audition.
Video Cinema Arts Pre-Audition Meeting
Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.
This is a virtual meeting
Join at this link: https://meet.google.com/bbs-weoe-wnc?authuser=2&pli=1
Visual Arts Pre-Audition Meeting
This pre-audition meeting has already taken place. Please review the VA audition requirements here.
Vocal Music Pre-Audition Meeting
Tuesday, December 17 at 6:00 p.m.
In person meeting at DSA’s Concert Hall
Interpretation for the Pre-Audition Meeting
If you would like interpretation services available at either the pre-audition meeting or audition itself, please email AP Anna Conley at least two weeks prior at aconle2@dpsk12.net and be sure to include what language is needed.
Step 3: COMPLETE THE AUDITION
Auditions for admission to Denver School of the Arts are by appointment only. Audition appointment information will be shared at the pre-audition meeting. Auditions for the 2025/2026 school year will take place in January and February 2025.
IEP/504 Accommodations for Auditions
If a student will need special consideration or accommodations in the audition process, the student (or parent/guardian) must request the special considerations sought or accommodations needed and must provide supporting documentation (such as an IEP or Section 504 Plan). It would be discriminatory for the District to assume that special considerations or accommodations are necessary without first receiving such a request and appropriate supporting documentation.
At least one week prior to the audition, please provide a copy via email of the Section 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to the DSA staff member listed in the audition materials.
The admission of an identified student with disabilities eligible for special education and related services is contingent upon the determination of an IEP Team that the student can receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment at the school.
Interpretation for the Audition
If you would like interpretation services available at either the pre-audition meeting or audition itself, please email AP Anna Conley at least two weeks prior at aconle2@dpsk12.net and be sure to include what language is needed.
Audition Feedback
Due to the large number of applicants who complete the audition process, we do not offer written or verbal feedback.
Click on the arts departments listed below to learn about their audition process, including important links, dates, and tips:
Step 4: COMPLETE THE DPS SCHOOLCHOICE APPLICATION
Applicants to DSA must complete DPS SchoolChoice enrollment as a part of the application process.
The DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 window for the 2025-26 school year opens at 10 a.m. on January 15, 2025 and runs through February 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Please note: completing DPS SchoolChoice and selecting “DSA” does not secure enrollment unless and until the student has been offered a seat via an audition at Denver School of the Arts.
NOTIFICATION PROCESS
All students who complete an audition will be notified by email by end of day, Wednesday, February 12, 2025 about the outcome of their audition (either accepted, waitlisted, or not accepted). If the student has auditioned in more than one major and is offered a seat, it will be for one major.
If accepted, the student will have a seat at DSA next school year.
If waitlisted, DSA will contact the student’s family if/when openings become available. (Please note: this may not be until the start of the 2025 school year.)
If not accepted, DSA thanks you for taking the time to audition, but is not able to offer a seat at DSA to the student for the next school year.
Due to the large number of applicants who complete the audition process, we do not offer written or verbal feedback.
DPS Office and Choice and Enrollment Services will also notify all students of their 2025/2026 school assignment through the DPS online system (email and/or text) in late March 2025.
We do not offer shadowing or tours. Please consider attending an open house evening to learn more about our school.
Questions specific to the major and its audition process will be addressed at the pre-audition meetings. Other questions may be directed to Anna Conley, assistant principal who supports DSA admissions at aconle2@dpsk12.net
All information is subject to change. Please visit this site regularly for updates.