Design and Architecture Senior High
Nestled in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) stands out as one of the top magnet schools in the United States. Famed for its rigorous academic program and immersive design-focused curriculum, DASH has earned national recognition for producing innovative thinkers, artists, and designers ready to shape the future.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history, academics, admissions process, majors, student life, notable alumni, and the school’s role in Miami’s artistic landscape.
A Brief History of Design and Architecture Senior High
Design and Architecture Senior High was founded in 1990 as part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. From its inception, the school was designed as a magnet school with a unique focus on visual arts and design. The goal was to create a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum infused with professional-level training in creative disciplines.
Housed in a retrofitted Art Deco building, the school’s location is symbolic of its mission: bridging traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge creativity. Over the years, DASH has maintained its mission to “nurture the creative and academic talents of serious art and design students.”
Academic Excellence Meets Creative Innovation
Design and Architecture Senior High offers a highly competitive academic curriculum designed to prepare students for top-tier colleges and careers in the arts. Students are required to complete four years of core academic subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies. What sets DASH apart is how these subjects are interwoven with the arts to give students a comprehensive and contextual education.
Students benefit from Advanced Placement (AP) courses in subjects such as English Literature, U.S. History, Calculus, and Environmental Science, allowing them to earn college credit during high school.
The school’s philosophy emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. For example, a science class may incorporate principles of architecture or environmental design, making lessons relevant to the real world of creative professions.
The Majors: Specializations That Define Careers
Design and Architecture Senior High offers six distinct majors that students choose upon acceptance:
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Architecture
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Industrial Design
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Fashion Design
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Entertainment Technology
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Visual Communications/Web Design
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Fine Art
Each major provides students with hands-on experience, industry-relevant software training, studio time, and critiques that simulate a college or professional environment.
1. Architecture
Students study spatial thinking, drafting, and design principles while learning industry software such as AutoCAD and SketchUp. They work on real-world design projects, model-making, and urban planning concepts.
2. Industrial Design
This major blends engineering, aesthetics, and functionality. Students learn how to create user-centered products, prototypes, and 3D models, often using 3D printers and advanced fabrication tools.
3. Fashion Design
4. Entertainment Technology: Design and Architecture Senior High
Students work with Adobe Creative Suite and learn how to produce professional-quality content.
5. Visual Communications/Web Design
Students in this major explore branding, graphic design, typography, UI/UX design, and web development. The curriculum emphasizes both aesthetics and function in digital design.
6. Fine Art
For students focused on traditional and contemporary media, this major provides intensive instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The portfolio development is tailored for fine arts colleges and conservatories.
Admission: A Competitive and Selective Process
Getting into Design and Architecture Senior High is not easy. As a magnet school, it draws applicants from across Miami-Dade County, and selection is based on academic achievement, portfolio submission, and an interview or audition.
Application Requirements:
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Completed magnet application through Miami-Dade County Public Schools
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Transcripts and academic records
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Interview or audition, depending on the major
The admissions process evaluates not only talent but also motivation, creativity, and a commitment to the arts. Each year, DASH accepts only a limited number of students, making it one of the most selective high schools in Florida.
College Preparation and Career Readiness
Design and Architecture Senior High is not only about cultivating artistic talent but also preparing students for college and careers. The school boasts a 100% graduation rate and a near-perfect college acceptance rate. Graduates are regularly admitted to prestigious institutions such as:
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Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
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Pratt Institute
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Parsons School of Design
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Cooper Union
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
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School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
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California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
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University of Florida
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University of Miami
DASH’s college advising team works closely with students to develop portfolios, prepare for college interviews, and apply for scholarships. The school also offers dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges for students to earn credits.
Life at Design and Architecture Senior High: A Unique Student Experience
The student experience at Design and Architecture Senior High is dynamic, inspiring, and often intense. With a school day that blends studio classes with academics, students are encouraged to think critically and create passionately.
Facilities and Resources:
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Dedicated art and design studios
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3D printing lab
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Sewing and textile lab
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Digital editing suites
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Architecture and drafting labs
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Exhibition galleries
Students also have access to community-based art projects, internships with design firms, and field trips to local museums and cultural institutions. Because the school is located in the Miami Design District, students are immersed in a vibrant creative environment.
Exhibitions, Fashion Shows, and Senior Portfolios
Every year, DASH hosts student exhibitions, public installations, and a fashion show that has become a staple in the Miami arts scene. The senior showcase allows graduating students to present their work to college representatives, design professionals, and the public.
These events not only highlight student talent but also provide networking opportunities and real-world exposure. Many students report that these showcases played a major role in earning college scholarships and internships.
Notable Alumni: Design and Architecture Senior High Graduates Who Made It Big
Over the years, Design and Architecture Senior High has cultivated a network of successful alumni who have made waves in the worlds of fashion, design, and entertainment.
Some notable alumni include:
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Esteban Cortázar, fashion designer who debuted at New York Fashion Week at 17
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Lauren Shapiro, acclaimed ceramic artist and installation designer
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Diego Orlandini, founder of Wynwood Coloring Book
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Dominique Falla, a prominent visual communication designer
These alumni are a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence and creativity.
Awards and Recognition: Design and Architecture Senior High
Design and Architecture Senior High is consistently ranked among the top high schools in the United States. Some notable accolades include:
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Named one of "America’s Best High Schools" by U.S. News & World Report
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Ranked among the Top 20 Magnet Schools in the U.S.
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Designated a Magnet School of Excellence multiple years
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High performance on state and national standardized tests
This recognition is not just based on academics but also on innovation, creativity, and the school's contribution to the local and national arts community.
Community Impact and Industry Partnerships
DASH isn’t just a school — it’s a pillar of Miami’s Design District. Through partnerships with local businesses, galleries, and cultural organizations, students gain real-world experience and industry exposure.
Local architects, designers, and artists often mentor DASH students, review portfolios, and participate in classroom critiques. These partnerships make the transition from high school to the professional world more seamless for DASH graduates.
Why DASH Is a Model for Creative Education
Design and Architecture Senior High exemplifies how a public high school can rival elite private institutions in quality, creativity, and outcomes. With a focus on excellence in both academics and the arts, DASH continues to shape the next generation of designers, artists, and innovators.
Whether a student dreams of launching a fashion brand, designing the next urban space, or creating immersive multimedia experiences, DASH provides the foundation, guidance, and inspiration needed to turn those dreams into reality.
Final Thoughts
Design and Architecture Senior High is more than a school — it's a launchpad for creative futures. Its blend of academic rigor, artistic immersion, and community engagement has made it a beacon of excellence in arts education. For students serious about pursuing a career in design or the arts, few high schools offer the resources, reputation, and results that DASH does.
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