DASH – Design and Architecture Senior High SchoolArticle Submitted By: Nick Britton (Located in Dade County, FL) The Mission of Design and Architecture Senior High School is to provide a high level, integrated education in design and academics, and to use both traditional faculty and career professionals to facilitate learning within a well-designed, state of the art learning environment. DASH came into existence in 1990 through a Saturn Proposal for a magnet high school program to address the needs of artistically talented students who sought specialized instruction in the design areas of architecture/interior design, fashion design, industrial design, visual communications (graphics) and entertainment technology (film). “Education by Design” is the philosophy behind DASH, as well as a catalyst toward innovation and refinement. Our vision is to educate talented students to become confident and critical thinkers through interdisciplinary challenges in the visual arts in preparation for college and a career in the design world.
The four-year art and design curriculum offers outstanding opportunities for comprehensive study in fine arts and one of five professional design careers. Instructors recently or currently working in the design industry teach the design courses. The five design programs include architecture/interior design, fashion design, industrial design, visual communications and entertainment technology. Widely recognized as the world’s preeminent design-centered public high school, DASH has achieved 8 straight years of “A school” status from the Florida Department of Education. The 115 seniors of the graduating class of 2008 earned a record-breaking $12.3 million in scholarship offers and maintained our annual tradition of a 100% graduation rate. In Newsweek magazine’s May 2008 report, DASH was ranked 39th among the nation’s top 500 high schools. In conjunction with Design Miami, a highlight of the premiere international art showcase known as Art Basel that descends on Miami each December, principal sponsor HSBC Private Bank invited DASH students last year to create a chair in recycled aluminum. The five finalist student designers enjoyed the privilege of seeing their concepts fabricated and showcased around the world. This year, HSBC has accepted an exciting proposal from the Fashion Design program at DASH to produce 10 exceptional pieces using sustainable fabrics from materials like hemp and bamboo. Fashion teacher Rosemary Pringle and 20 of her students are busy sketching looks that will come to life in front of an international audience this winter. For additional information about DASH, please visit our website at www.dashschool.org |
DASH’s college preparatory program includes standard, honors, and advanced placement courses leading to a 32-credit diploma. Qualifying students receive college credit for design courses through a dual enrollment agreement with local colleges. The highly qualified faculty is composed of certified teachers, contracted design professionals, and college adjunct professors. An industry related internship program is offered to all seniors. The high academic standards and an exceptional design program allow DASH students to compete effectively for college admissions and scholarships.
