DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL

Dunbar HS is a Title I public high school that is part of the District of Columbia Public Schools school district, located in Washington, DC with about 617 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 48 teachers, Dunbar HS has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, located at 101 N St NW in Washington, D.C., holds a distinguished place in American history as the nation’s first public high school for African Americans. Originally established in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, it has long been a symbol of academic excellence and intellectual achievement within the District of Columbia. Today, the school operates under the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system, continuing its legacy by providing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes STEM education, career-focused pathways, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of community leaders.

The modern Dunbar High School facility, which opened in 2013, is a state-of-the-art campus designed to meet LEED Platinum environmental standards while housing comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs. Beyond its modern infrastructure, the school remains deeply rooted in its storied past, striving to maintain the high standards of discipline and scholarship that defined the "Dunbar tradition" for over a century. Through a blend of honors programming, athletics, and community engagement, the school serves as a cornerstone of the neighborhood, dedicated to empowering students to succeed in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

For more information, contact Dunbar HS at (202) 698-3762 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.