BALLOU HIGH SCHOOL

Ballou 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 880 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 70 teachers, Ballou 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.

Frank W. Ballou Senior High School, located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Southeast Washington, D.C., is a prominent educational institution within the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system. Serving a predominantly African American student body, the school has a long-standing history in the community and offers a comprehensive high school curriculum. The school operates with a focus on academic development, college and career readiness, and student engagement, striving to prepare its students for life after graduation through a variety of extracurricular programs, athletics, and academic support services.

In recent years, Ballou High School has been a focal point of efforts by DCPS to enhance student outcomes, improve school culture, and modernize facilities. The school campus, located on 4th Street SE, serves as a vital hub for the local Ward 8 community. While the school has faced historical challenges regarding academic performance and public perception, it continues to work toward strengthening its graduation rates and post-secondary pathways, supported by city-wide initiatives aimed at fostering equity and providing resources for students in the nation's capital.

For more information, contact Ballou HS at (202) 645-3400 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.