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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.[2] A historical marker commemorates its history.

Awards

The school was designated a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence[3] and received awards from the United States Department of Education, the International Network of Schools for the Advancement of Arts Education, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.[4]

In December 2009, the school was designated a Florida Heritage Landmark by the Bureau of Historical Preservation. The ceremony was attended by students and school officials, Anderson's family, and the first graduates of the school from 1959.[5]

History

Opened in 1922 as The South Jacksonville Grammar School for grades 1—9, the school was primarily attended by African American students; the only school in the region during that time.[citation needed] In 1945, the school name changed to Douglas Anderson School.[citation needed] During the 1950s, the school became a high school with the mascot of "Fiery Dragons" and in 1959, the school saw its first graduating class with a commencement speech given by Noah Marsh.[citation needed] During the 1960s, the school closed briefly and reopened in 1968 as a campus for Florida Junior College.[citation needed] In 1970, the school closed briefly again and reopened in 1971 as the Douglas Anderson Seventh Grade Center.[citation needed] In 1985, the school opened as Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.[citation needed]

Notable alumni

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Search for Public Schools - School Detail for DOUGLAS ANDERSON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS". nces.ed.gov. US Department of Education. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  2. ^ "History / History".
  3. ^ "Blue Ribbon Schools Program (Archived Information)" (PDF). U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  4. ^ "The Grammy Foundation announces the 2010 Grammy Signature Schools" (PDF) (Press release). The Grammy Foundation/The Recording Academy. 2010-03-25. Retrieved 2010-10-30.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Sanders, Topher (2009-11-14). "Douglas Anderson graduates come back for school's 50th anniversary". The Florida Times-Union. Morris Communications. Retrieved 2010-10-31.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Anderson_School_of_the_Arts