Georgtwn Cmea, 1410 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007, US

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts is a Washington, DC, public high school that offers a dual degree program: a full college prep curriculum and pre-professional arts training. Students, who come from every ward in DC, graduate with two degrees: a DC Public School (DCPS) diploma and an Ellington Arts diploma. School administrators describe the school as a home for students with raw talent and a passion for the arts. Students are "a bit quirky" and find a welcoming and supportive environment at Ellington, according to school officials. Students participate in extended school days from 8:30am to 5pm to meet both the DCPS academic requirements and then to tackle three hours of arts major training. Arts majors available are: Dance, Literary Media and Communications, Museum Studies, Instrumental or Vocal Music, Theater, Technical Design and Production, and Visual Arts. First Lady Michelle Obama visited the school in the summer of 2010 and students have performed at the White House on multiple occasions.