John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

- 615 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, commonly referred to as Davidson or DFA, is a celebrated public educational institution located in Augusta, Georgia, serving students in grades 6 through 12. As a magnet school, it offers a distinctive educational model that seamlessly integrates a demanding college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive instruction in the fine arts. For Georgia families prioritizing both academic rigor and artistic development, Davidson stands out as a premier secondary school option. Its commitment to excellence in both spheres has consistently earned it high rankings not only within the state of Georgia but also on a national level.

The school operates with a clear mission: "Excellence in education achieved through a passion for the fine arts." This philosophy ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, recognizing that engagement in the arts—be it music, theatre, dance, or visual arts—enhances academic performance and fosters creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence. The student body, typically around 700 to 730 students, benefits from a focused, smaller-school atmosphere and a highly favorable student-to-teacher ratio, often cited as 10:1. This intimate setting is designed to encourage individual growth, strong community bonds, and a culture where self-discipline and community responsibility are highly valued, aligning with the core values sought by Georgia parents for their children's secondary education.

Davidson is recognized as both a High school and a Middle school, providing a continuous, six-year trajectory of specialized instruction. Admission is highly competitive and based on both academic records and an audition process designed to assess a student’s aptitude and interest in the fine arts. This selective process is a key factor in maintaining the school's exceptional standards for academic achievement and artistic quality, leading to impressive standardized test scores (e.g., average SAT of 1220 and ACT of 27) and high college readiness rates among its graduates. The school’s performance on state assessments, with high proficiency rates in both reading and math, reinforces its standing as a top-tier institution in the state's public education system.

Location and Accessibility

The campus of John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is located in the vibrant urban center of Augusta, Georgia, at 615 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901, USA. Its downtown location offers unique advantages, placing students within walking distance of historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and the various resources of Augusta’s urban core. This environment provides a dynamic backdrop for learning, often allowing for easy integration of local culture and history into the curriculum.

For the convenience and inclusivity of Georgia families, the school demonstrates a significant commitment to Accessibility. The facility is equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a designated Wheelchair accessible parking lot. This ensures that the educational and artistic opportunities offered by this highly-rated public school are available to all eligible students and community members, fully complying with state and federal accessibility standards. The central location in Richmond County makes it a practical option for students commuting from various parts of the surrounding metropolitan area who are seeking its specialized magnet curriculum.

Services Offered

As a comprehensive Art school, Music school, and Performing arts institution operating as a Public educational institution, Davidson offers a broad array of services designed to fulfill its dual mandate of academic and artistic excellence. Key offerings include:

• Rigorous Academic Curriculum: Full college preparatory course load for grades 6-12, including Honors and a substantial number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
• Diverse Fine Arts Paths: Specialized, credit-bearing instruction in multiple fine arts areas, including Visual Arts, Music (Instrumental, Choral, Orchestra), Dance, Drama/Theatre, and Cinema Production.
• Digital and Alternative Learning: Provision of Online classes as a Service option, offering flexibility and expanded course access for students.
• Extracurricular Enrichment: After School Programs and various clubs and organizations, though the emphasis is generally on arts and academic pursuits (e.g., Model UN, Math Team, and various art-related groups).
• College and Career Readiness: Dedicated counseling services, high AP participation and success rates, and a history of producing National Merit Scholars, ensuring students are well-prepared for post-secondary education.
• Audition-Based Admission: A formal, equitable audition process to assess aptitude and passion in the fine arts, ensuring a dedicated and talented student body.

Features / Highlights

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School possesses numerous features that elevate its standing among secondary schools in Georgia and the nation:

• Top-Tier Rankings: Consistently ranked as one of the best public middle schools and magnet high schools in Georgia by various national organizations (e.g., Niche, U.S. News & World Report), often achieving the #1 or top 3 spots in state categories.
• National Recognition: Recipient of the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence multiple times (2004, 2015) and recognized as a National Grammy Signature School for its outstanding music programs.
• College Readiness: A high graduation rate (around 95%) coupled with high average standardized test scores (SAT 1220, ACT 27) and a near 100% AP participation rate.
• Dual Emphasis: Successful integration of highly demanding academic coursework with intensive, specialized fine arts instruction, allowing students to excel in both the studio/stage and the classroom.
• Inclusive Environment: Designated as Good for kids and fully accessible with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, promoting equity of access for all eligible students.
• Student Achievement: A track record of producing National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars, and winners in state literary and theatre competitions, demonstrating both academic and artistic success.

Contact Information

Georgia residents can contact John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School directly for admissions information, curriculum details, or general inquiries:

• Address: 615 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901, USA
• Phone: (706) 823-6924
• Mobile Phone: +1 706-823-6924

What is Worth Choosing

For discerning Georgia parents, especially those in the Augusta area, John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School is worth choosing for its unique and proven model of excellence. The rigorous, specialized environment is specifically designed to challenge academically gifted and artistically talented students from grades 6 through 12. Its multiple national recognitions, outstanding student-teacher ratio, and superior college-readiness metrics demonstrate its effectiveness as a Public educational institution that rivals many private schools. Choosing Davidson means opting for a path that encourages a deep pursuit of passion through the arts while simultaneously enforcing the academic discipline necessary for success in competitive colleges and universities. While the school's high standards lead to a demanding workload, as reflected in some student feedback, the result is a well-prepared and exceptionally capable graduate. The overall positive atmosphere, high level of talent, and strong sense of community, frequently cited by students, along with its commitment to accessibility, make it an unparalleled choice for secondary education in Georgia.

John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School

615 12th St, Augusta, GA 30901, USA