Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts in Florida: Fostering Academics and the Arts

Located in downtown West Palm Beach, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts has established itself as a first class arts high school. This public magnet school attracts students from all over Palm Beach Count, Florida to develop their artistic talents. However, Dreyfoos is not only about the academics: students are required to complete the standard public high school curriculum, complete with honors and Advanced Placement classes.

Admissions:

Students are required to audition for a specific "major", which they will take classes in if accepted. Dreyfoos offers the following majors: Communications, Visual Art, Dance, Theater, and Music. While each "major" or department has different requirements for their auditions, all students must present their work (whether it be a speech, painting, dance, monologue, or solo) for a panel of judges which include staff of the school. Letters are mailed out in early April to notify student's if they have been admitted to the school.

Curriculum:

Students are required to take seven classes every school year. Two of these classes must be in their major, while the other five are academic. Qualified students may wish to take classes at Palm Beach Community College or Florida Atlantic University to earn college credit, in a program called "Dual Enrollment". Must students who Dual Enroll are seniors; however, underclassmen may also chose to take part in the program. Seniors have the option of of taking a "senior privilege", which allows them to not have a class either first period or seventh period. In addition to the senior privilege program, seniors may be able to take extra classes in their major if they have completed their required academic classes. For example, a communications major who has completed their required foreign language courses may choose to take debate, film, and creative writing classes.

Awards:

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts has ranked on Newsweek Magazine's annual "Top 100 Best High Schools List" many times; in 2005, it was ranked as one of the twenty best high schools in the nation. The school has also received the 2005 International Exemplary Arts School award. Each department within the school has one numerous awards, ranging from receiving the championship title two years in a row at the Bickel and Brewer public policy debate tournament, state thespian competitions, and state and national band competitions. The students at the school have a well deserved reputation for being some of the best in their respective arts.