Ballou High School

At a Glance

Ballou High School is a public high school serving students in grades 9 through 12 in Ward 8's Congress Heights neighborhood. Located in Southeast Washington DC, Ballou has a distinguished history that includes opening as a School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology with one of the most sophisticated curricula in the city. The school is particularly known for its award-winning and nationally recognized Majestic Knights Marching Band, which has been a cornerstone of student life and community pride for years. Today, Ballou continues its mission of cultivating and empowering socially engaged leaders for global success, with alumni who have gone on to become politicians, professional athletes, and musicians.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools high school, Ballou participates in the My School DC lottery system for enrollment. Families should submit their applications during the common lottery window, typically in the winter for the following school year. Ward 8 residents may receive enrollment priority, but the lottery is open to students across the District.

The school serves exclusively high school students in grades 9-12, meaning families should plan for their students to complete all four years of secondary education here. This four-year structure allows the school to focus specifically on preparing teenagers for post-secondary success, whether that means college, career training, military service, or entering the workforce. Students will experience the traditional high school transition milestones, from freshman orientation through senior graduation.

Ballou's location in Congress Heights places it in a historically significant Southeast DC neighborhood with strong community ties. The school is accessible via public transportation, an important consideration for DC families whose students may be commuting from other parts of the city. Parents should familiarize themselves with Metro and bus routes that serve the 4th Street SE corridor.

The school's focus on creating socially engaged leaders means students are encouraged to think beyond academics alone. The emphasis on community engagement and global perspective reflects Ballou's commitment to preparing students not just for tests, but for meaningful participation in civic life and diverse professional environments.

Programs and Approach

Ballou High School's founding as a School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology reflects a longstanding commitment to rigorous academics in STEM fields, though the school has evolved to provide comprehensive high school education. The school environment is designed to support effective teaching and learning through a safe and engaging atmosphere, with particular attention to empathy and community support services that recognize the whole student.

The Majestic Knights Marching Band represents one of Ballou's most visible and celebrated programs, having earned national recognition and numerous awards over the years. This kind of extracurricular excellence provides students with opportunities to develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills while representing their school and community at competitions and events.

As a DCPS school, Ballou follows the District's academic standards and calendar. Enrollment happens through the My School DC platform, where families can list Ballou among their school choices during the lottery period. The lottery system is designed to provide equitable access to schools across the District, regardless of where families live, though some schools offer boundary or ward preferences.

Parents interested in Ballou should attend information sessions or tours when available, and connect directly with the school to understand current programming, support services, and the day-to-day experience for students. The school's website and main office can provide details about specific course offerings, graduation requirements, and how the school supports students in preparing for their post-graduation plans.

Visiting and Contact

Ballou High School is located at 3401 4th Street SE in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or obtaining current enrollment information should visit the school's website at https://www.balloudc.org/ or call 202-645-3400.