About Booker T.

Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts is part of the Dallas Independent School District and the first secondary school in the district to be awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary Education from the Department of Education.

Since 1976, the school has earned the distinction for Exemplary Arts Education from the Rockefeller Foundation, one of the top eigh magnet schools in the country by the Department of Education, and one of the top five schools in the nation by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts is located in downtown Dallas, in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. the largest contiguous Arts District in the United States.

BTWHSVPA has consistently earned national recognition: more than 600 awards in dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and creative writing through the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, 30 Presidential Scholars in the Arts, more than 267 music DeeBee awards from Downbeat Magazine (the largest number of any school, including colleges and universities in North America), playwriting awards, and many others. 

The mission statement states “As Dallas' revolutionary high school for 21st century scholar artists, we provide intensive, integrated training to build a bridge to the post-secondary and professional world.” 

About the Advisory Board

Since our establishment in 1976, the Advisory Board has raised funds for students to attend competitions, college auditions, and summer programs, and provided the financial backing for faculty to explore new programming and the school to buy new instruments and art supplies. 

We annually provide approximately $400,000 that directly benefits the students and faculty via grants, scholarships, programs and resources. We aim to bridge the gap between what is needed and what is provided, to ensure every student reaches their highest and best potential.

Our mission is to advance the school and provide opportunities and experiences for students and faculty in the pursuit of excellence in the arts and academics. 

More About Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts

Juilliard School accepts 12 male dancers worldwide, and 5 are from Dallas ISD's Booker T Washington (Dallas Morning News)

Two schools, one story: Dallas' Booker T. Washington High School turns 100 (YouTube)