Cab Calloway School of the Arts

- 100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807

Cab Calloway School of the Arts, located in Wilmington, Delaware, stands as a premier public magnet school dedicated to providing a rigorous, dual-focus education that seamlessly integrates arts and academics. Named in honor of the legendary jazz icon, Cab Calloway, the school offers students in grades 6 through 12 a unique opportunity to pursue their artistic passions while receiving a comprehensive academic education. The core philosophy of the school is that arts and academics are not separate entities but rather complementary forces that enrich and inform each other. This holistic approach is designed to cultivate independent inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and the innovative application of acquired skills. The school's mission is to empower students to become productive, self-directed, and lifelong learners who appreciate and respect diversity. The energy of the arts and academics truly unite here, creating a dynamic environment that fosters well-rounded individuals. The school has consistently been recognized for its academic excellence and artistic achievements, with students showcasing their talents in a wide range of performances and exhibitions. From a stunning production of "RENT" with a live band, as praised by one community member, to a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for higher education, Cab Calloway is a place where young people can thrive. It offers an invaluable option within the Delaware educational system for students who are motivated to learn and want to make the arts a central part of their middle and high school experience. The school operates as part of the Red Clay Consolidated School District, which originally supported the idea of an arts-infused public school presented by a group of parents in 1992.

Cab Calloway School of the Arts is conveniently located at 100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807. Its location in Wilmington makes it accessible to students from across New Castle County and the wider state of Delaware, as it operates on a school choice and lottery-based admissions system. The school prides itself on being a place that is good for kids, providing a welcoming and safe environment for young people to learn and grow. The campus is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible car park, which makes it easy for all visitors to arrive. Additionally, the building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that students and community members with mobility challenges can enter the facility without issue. The co-location with The Charter School of Wilmington offers students a unique dual-enrollment opportunity, allowing them to take courses in each other's curriculum and use shared facilities. This cooperative environment extends the academic and artistic opportunities available to students at Cab Calloway. The school's central location and commitment to accessibility make it a practical and welcoming choice for families seeking a high-quality, arts-focused education in the Delaware area. Being situated in a major city like Wilmington also means students are in close proximity to a variety of cultural and artistic venues, providing additional opportunities for learning and performance. The school's focus on practicality and accessibility is a testament to its commitment to serving the entire community, making its unique educational model available to a broad audience of motivated students.

Cab Calloway School of the Arts provides a robust and comprehensive curriculum that combines academic rigor with intensive arts training. Students choose from nine different arts majors, allowing them to focus deeply on their chosen discipline while receiving a well-rounded education. The services and majors offered include:

• Dance: An extensive interdisciplinary program that includes training in ballet, jazz, and modern techniques, as well as multicultural dance traditions. Students also study dance history, choreography, and injury prevention.

• Digital Media & Communication Arts: Students explore a variety of creative technologies and forms of expression, including creative writing, oratory, photography, cinema studies, and digital audio production. They learn to use industry-standard software like the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Instrumental Music: Focuses on the study of concert band and orchestra instruments, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students can also study music theory and composition.

• Piano: Students develop their musical technique and study a wide range of musical pieces in the school's piano lab.

• Strings: A program dedicated to aspiring string players, with a focus on orchestra and chamber music styles.

• Technical Theatre: A high school only program where students learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatrical productions, including lighting, sound, and stage management.

• Theatre Arts: A sequential course of study focusing on acting, directing, playwriting, and theatrical production. Students gain hands-on experience through performances and shows.

• Visual Arts: Students explore various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art, and are encouraged to develop their unique artistic voice.

• Vocal Music: Teaches the fundamentals of singing and ear training, proper vocal techniques, and exposes students to a variety of music genres and languages.

In addition to these arts majors, the school provides a full range of academic courses, from mathematics and science to social studies and world languages. Students can also participate in various extracurricular activities, including clubs and athletics, ensuring a balanced educational experience. This diverse and specialized curriculum is what makes Cab Calloway a unique and highly sought-after educational institution in Delaware. The school’s offerings are designed to prepare students not just for college but for a wide array of future opportunities in creative industries and beyond.

Cab Calloway School of the Arts has numerous features and highlights that make it a standout educational institution. Its most significant highlight is its arts-integrated curriculum, which provides students with intensive training in their chosen major alongside a strong academic program. This model is based on the belief that a holistic approach cultivates not only artistic mastery but also critical thinking and adaptability. The school’s productions and performances are a key highlight, often praised by the public for their professional quality. A reviewer of the school's production of "RENT" noted that the students were "very talented," and the production, featuring a "real band," was "amazing." These high-caliber performances give students a true pre-professional experience. The facilities also contribute to this excellence, with a renovated auditorium that includes a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, allowing students to train and perform in a professional environment. The school’s history is a notable highlight, as it was founded by a group of parents who envisioned an arts-centered education, and it was later officially named to honor jazz legend Cab Calloway, who took a personal interest in the school. The school’s admissions process is another key feature, as it is based on a "Skills Assessment" or audition in a student's chosen arts area. This ensures that the student body is composed of individuals who are genuinely passionate about and talented in the arts. Furthermore, the school's partnership with The Charter School of Wilmington offers students dual-enrollment opportunities and access to additional facilities like studios and computer labs at the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD). These collaborations provide a rich and varied educational experience that is rare in a public school setting. The school is also recognized for its dedication to safety and community, with many positive reviews from parents praising the supportive environment, communication from staff, and the development of their children's independence and confidence. The core values of the school, or "The Callo'WAY," emphasize cooperativeness, academic diligence, and a yearning for excellence, which are actively promoted throughout the school community.

For more information or to inquire about admissions and school tours, you can contact the Cab Calloway School of the Arts using the details below. Their team is ready to provide guidance and assistance to prospective families.

• Address: 100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

• Phone: (302) 651-2700

Choosing Cab Calloway School of the Arts is a decision that offers a truly unique and enriching educational experience for a motivated student. The primary reason it is a worthwhile choice is its unparalleled focus on the integration of arts and academics. This isn't just a school with a few art classes; it is a school where the arts are the central pillar of the curriculum, shaping the way students learn and think across all subjects. For a student with a genuine passion for a specific artistic discipline, this environment is a dream come true, providing intensive training that can prepare them for a future career in the arts. As one reviewer noted, the productions are "amazing," and the students are "very talented," a direct result of this specialized focus. The school’s admissions process, which requires an audition or skills assessment, ensures that every student is a contributing member of the arts community, creating a highly motivated and supportive peer group. The unique partnership with The Charter School of Wilmington and dual-enrollment opportunities with the Delaware College of Art and Design provide students with an exceptional level of academic and artistic resources that are not typically available in a public school setting. This allows students to take advanced courses and access high-end facilities, preparing them for success in college and beyond. While some reviews express concerns about social aspects and discipline, the vast majority of feedback from parents and students highlights the positive and supportive environment, with teachers who are dedicated to their students' growth. The school is consistently ranked highly by national publications, and parents have praised the outstanding communication from the staff and the development of their children's independence and confidence. For a family in Delaware seeking an educational institution that cultivates creativity, academic excellence, and a love for the arts in a dedicated and welcoming community, Cab Calloway School of the Arts is an exceptional choice.

Cab Calloway School of the Arts

100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA