Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, commonly known as DA or DASOTA, is a magnet high school in the San Marco neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, United States. The school opened in 1922 as a primary school specifically for African American students. The school is named after a local civil rights activist, Douglas Anderson. In 1985, the school was renovated into a magnet high school specializing in performing, visual and language arts. Awards Over the years, the school has accomplished many achievements including becoming a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and receiving awards from the United States Department of Education, International Network of Schools for the Advancement of Arts Education and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In December 2009, the school became a Florida Heritage Landmark by the Bureau of Historical Preservation. The ceremony was attended by students and school officials, Anderson's family and the first graduates of the school from 1959. History Opened in 1922 as The South Jacksonville Grammar School for grades 1—9, the school was primarily attended by African American students; the only school in the region during that time. In 1945, the school name changed to Douglas Anderson School. During the 1950s, the school became a high school with the mascot of "Fiery Dragons" and in 1959, the school saw its first graduating class with a commencement speech given by Noah Marsh. During the 1960s, the school closed briefly and reopened in 1968 as a campus for Florida Junior College. In 1970, the school closed briefly again and reopened in 1971 as the Douglas Anderson Seventh Grade Center. In 1985, the school opened as Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. Notable alumni Wes Borland - guitarist Ben Harper - guitarist Patrick Heusinger - actor John Otto - drummer References Art schools in Florida High schools in Jacksonville, Florida Educational institutions established in 1985 Duval County Public Schools Public high schools in Florida 1985 establishments in Florida