Welcome to Southwood Middle School Center for the Arts – an award-winning visual and performing arts magnet school.

Important Links

Award-Winning Programs

art magnet banner

The Visual Art Magnet Program includes exposure to art history, contemporary trends and instruction in quality art education. Studio emphasis is placed on drawing, composition, printmaking, painting, commercial arts, fibers, sculpture and ceramics with a constant concern for aesthetics and art appreciation.

» Art Magnet Information

band magnet banner

The Band Magnet Program focuses on the performance of wind and percussion instruments. Students receive small group instruction, participate in large ensemble classes, and perform with these groups throughout the year. Experience on an instrument is not required, the most important quality of the applicant is their desire to learn to play a band instrument.

» Band Magnet Information

chorus magnet banner

The Chorus Magnet Program includes instruction in skills and techniques involved in singing and and training in creative expression. Students receive small group instruction, participate in large ensemble classes, and perform with these groups throughout the year. Chorus students progress towards maximum personal achievement in the selected music discipline.

» Chorus Magnet Information

dance magnet banner

The Dance Magnet Program provides exposure to intensive instruction in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz and choreography with occasional classes in other styles. Emphasis is placed on technique, choreography, composition, improvisation, dance history, and development of original movement. Students participate in special performances, field trips, and master classes.

» Dance Magnet Information

drama magnet banner

The Theater Magnet Program is designed to develop fundamental skills in the student actor through physical and vocal training, improvisations, the study of plays and their construction, musical theater, play production, theatrical choreography, “technical theater”: costuming, set design, makeup design, publicity, props, lighting, sound and play writing. In addition to classroom experiences, students attend drama festivals, state conferences, workshops, special performances and outstanding theatrical productions.

» Drama Magnet Information

orchestra magnet banner

The Orchestra Magnet Program includes instruction in skills and techniques involved in singing and playing instruments, practice in musical interpretation, and training in creative expression. Students receive small group instruction, participate in large ensemble classes, and perform with these groups throughout the year. Music students progress towards maximum personal achievement in the selected music discipline. Students without prior string instrument instruction are also welcomed to apply! If you have the desire to learn how to play the violin, viola, cello or double bass apply today!

» Orchestra Magnet Information

photography magnet banner

The Photography Magnet Program emphasizes the photograph as an art form. This comprehensive course includes the study of visual perception through the use of the camera, the technical aspects of shooting, lighting, printing (digital and darkroom), and photo presentation. The curriculum also includes a study of the history of photography.

» Photography Magnet Information

robotics banner R02

Building Thinkers. Engineers. Leaders.

The Robotics Academy is an award-winning, three year middle school program where curiosity turns into capability and students learn to solve real problems through engineering, teamwork, and grit.

» Robotics Academy Information

News & Events

2025-2026 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Survey

February 11, 2026

2026 Miami National College Fair

February 11, 2026

Join us for the Miami National College Fair and connect […]

Department of Mental Health Services – Rooted in Purpose Mental Wellness

January 21, 2026

MDCPS Mental Health Department wants to remind you that you […]

Spotlight Flyers

Featured Media