Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) was established in 1974 by two trailblazing African-American artists and activists, Peggy Cooper-Cafritz and Mike Malone.
Their vision was to provide equitable access to a life-changing arts education for the District's talented youth, regardless of background or ability to pay.
To this day, DESA is the only public high school in DC to offer a dual curriculum integrating college-preparatory academics with pre-professional arts training in Dance, Instrumental Music, Cinematic Arts & Media Production, Museum Studies, Technical, Design & Production, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music.
Nearly 50 years later, Ellington continues to nurture the next generation of scholar-artists and changemakers.
Class of 1996 alumni ONLY
$100 - until April 30, 2026
(Zelle QR code to D’Sheka Perkins 202-271-9490)
All alumni classes
$125 - May 1, 2026 until ticket sales end August 31, 2026