Cab Calloway School of the Arts

Introduction / Overview

For Delaware families seeking an educational experience that goes beyond traditional academics, the Cab Calloway School of the Arts in Wilmington stands out as a unique and highly regarded institution. Part of the Red Clay Consolidated School District, Cab Calloway is a public magnet school serving students in grades 6 through 12, offering a rigorous curriculum that seamlessly integrates the arts with academic excellence. Named in honor of the legendary American jazz icon Cab Calloway, the school is dedicated to fostering independent inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and the innovative application of acquired skills. Students at Cab Calloway choose a specific arts major, allowing them to deeply immerse themselves in their chosen discipline while receiving a comprehensive academic education. This dual focus prepares students not only for higher education but also for diverse career paths, whether in the arts or other fields. It’s a place where passion for the arts is nurtured alongside academic rigor, creating a truly distinctive learning environment right here in our community. The school's mission is to prepare today's learners to thrive in tomorrow's world, and it achieves this by offering a holistic approach that cultivates artistic mastery and empowers students with confidence and purpose. Its reputation as a top-ranked school for the arts in Delaware, as well as a highly-rated public middle and high school overall, makes it a compelling option for local families.

Location and Accessibility

The Cab Calloway School of the Arts is conveniently located at 100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA. This central Wilmington address makes the school easily accessible for students and families residing throughout New Castle County and the broader Delaware region. Its proximity to major roadways, including DuPont Road (Route 141) and Interstate 95, ensures relatively straightforward commutes from various neighborhoods in Wilmington, as well as surrounding towns like Hockessin, Newark, and even parts of southern Pennsylvania. As a magnet school, Cab Calloway attracts students from diverse geographical areas within the district, and its strategic location aids in accommodating this wide reach. The area around the school is a mix of residential and institutional properties, contributing to a sense of community. While specific parking information isn't always widely publicized, being a well-established school within a populated area, practical arrangements for student drop-off and pick-up are typically in place. Its location within the Red Clay Consolidated School District further integrates it into the regional educational landscape, making it a familiar landmark for many Delaware residents.

Services Offered

• Integrated Arts and Academic Curriculum: Students engage in a comprehensive academic program while specializing in one of nine arts majors.
• Diverse Arts Majors: Offerings include Dance, Digital Media (web/print design, cinema/videography, photography, typography, digital audio production), Instrumental Music, Piano, Strings, Technical Theatre (high school only), Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, and Vocal Music.
• Middle and High School Education: Serving students from grades 6 through 12, providing a continuous, specialized educational path.
• Performance and Exhibition Opportunities: Regular school productions, concerts, art shows, and public performances allow students to showcase their talents and gain practical experience. The school has been noted for its amazing student performances, such as the Spring Show 'RENT.'
• Competitive Arts Training: Preparation and opportunities for students to participate in various arts competitions and festivals at local, regional, and national levels.
• Dual Enrollment Programs: Students have the option to take courses at the Charter School of Wilmington (located in the same building) and can also participate in a dual-enrollment program with the Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) for courses like animation or drawing, gaining access to DCAD's facilities.
• Extracurricular Clubs and Activities: A wide array of clubs are available, fostering student interests beyond their core academic and arts studies.
• Athletics: While Cab Calloway does not have its own sports teams, its students can participate in athletic programs through the Charter School of Wilmington.
• Counseling Services: Support for academic guidance, college applications, and personal well-being.
• School-Based Health Center: A wellness center staffed by a Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Coordinator, and Registered Dietitian, offering accessible healthcare services for students.

Features / Highlights

• Arts-Focused Magnet School: Recognized as the premier public school with an arts-based curriculum in Delaware, attracting talented students from across the state.
• High Academic Standards: Consistently ranked highly by organizations such as Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report, demonstrating strong academic performance.
• Dedicated Faculty: Many teachers are highly passionate and involved in students' academic and artistic development.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Features a renovated performing arts space with stadium-style seating, professional-quality sound and video systems, and specialized areas for technical theater training, including dressing rooms and a scene shop.
• Strong Student Talent: Real customer reviews highlight the exceptional talent of the students, particularly in performances.
• Collaborative Environment: The school fosters a supportive atmosphere, often described as inclusive, where students and faculty work together to achieve goals.
• Partnerships for Expanded Opportunities: Its co-location with the Charter School of Wilmington and partnership with DCAD provide students with broader academic and artistic resources.
• Successful Alumni: Graduates often go on to top universities and successful careers, a testament to the school's comprehensive preparation.
• Unique Learning Approach: The integration of arts and academics cultivates a different kind of learning that encourages creativity and critical thinking across all subjects.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (302) 651-2700

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Delaware families, the Cab Calloway School of the Arts offers an unparalleled educational experience that caters to students with a genuine passion for the arts, seamlessly blending it with a robust academic program. Its designation as a public magnet school means it provides a specialized, high-quality education without the tuition costs associated with private arts academies, making it an accessible option for many local households. The school's unique curriculum, with its nine distinct arts majors, allows students to deeply explore their creative interests from an early age, fostering talents that might otherwise remain untapped in a traditional school setting. This dedicated focus on both artistic and academic excellence ensures that graduates are well-rounded individuals prepared for diverse future endeavors, whether pursuing higher education in prestigious universities or launching professional careers. The strong sense of community, as evidenced by positive reviews about student talent and supportive environments, means children aren't just attending a school; they're joining a vibrant, creative family right here in Wilmington. While some feedback mentions areas for improvement regarding disciplinary consistency or administrative responsiveness, the overwhelming sentiment emphasizes the school's strengths in nurturing artistic ability and providing strong academic foundations. The opportunities for students to perform, exhibit their work, and even take dual enrollment courses at the Charter School of Wilmington or DCAD further enhance the value proposition for Delaware residents. Ultimately, Cab Calloway School of the Arts is a local treasure that champions the transformative power of arts education, offering a pathway for Delaware's young, aspiring artists and thinkers to thrive and contribute to our community's cultural richness.

Cab Calloway School of the Arts

100 N Dupont Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA