Ellington School for the Arts | Washington, D.C.

Named for the American jazz bandleader and composer Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (1899–1974), the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts, located in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C, was founded in 1974 and is the only DC public high school that provides professional arts training and college preparation to talented DC public school students. Each student takes a full academic course-load and, additionally, majors in one of eight arts disciplines: dance, literary media, museum studies, instrumental music, vocal music, theater, and visual arts.

Other Facts:

• The school’s curriculum requires students earn 34% more credits than those at other D. C. public high schools.
• Students must maintain a minimum grade point average in both academics and the arts to be permitted to perform.
• The school has a 99% on-time graduation rate.
• Famous alumni include Dave Chappelle (comedian), Johnny Gill (R&B singer and member of New Edition), Meshell Ndegeocello (singer), and Wallace Roney (jazz trumpeter).

Duke Ellington School of the Arts
Address: 3500 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: (202) 282-0123
Official Website
Map & Driving Directions