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Ballou High School exterior
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Ballou High School

publicWard 8

Congress Heights · Grades 9–12

OSSE STAR Rating

SY 2018-19
1 / 5 stars · Score 4.7 / 100
Enrollment: 1,024

Source: OSSE School Report Card — official rating from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

About Ballou High School

Ballou Senior High School provides a comprehensive educational experience, building on its rich history of pioneering academics and extracurriculars. Originally established as a School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Ballou continues to emphasize forward-thinking education. Students engage with a diverse range of academic offerings, including Advanced Placement courses designed for college credit, an immersive Arts Integration curriculum fostering creativity, and Career and Technical Education pathways preparing them for various future careers. Enrichment opportunities encompass all-gender Fall, Spring, and Winter Sports, alongside participation in the Amazon Future Engineer School initiative, promoting STEM skills. The school operates from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, with a required uniform. For families, Ballou offers lottery priority for siblings currently attending or those offered admission.

Ballou SHS has a rich history of pioneering academics and extracurriculars. Opening as a School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, the program was considered one of the most sophisticated curricula in the city, along with extracurricular activities such as the award-winning and nationally recognized Majestic Knights Marching Band. We continue cultivating and empowering socially engaged leaders for global success as many of our students become politicians, professional athletes, musicians,

Specialized Programs

Advanced PlacementArts IntegrationCareer and Technical EducationDual College EnrollmentInterscholastic SportsRestorative Justice Program

Enrichment

All-Gender Fall · Spring · & Winter Sports · Amazon Future Engineer School · Majestic Knights Marching Band · Student Government Association · Study Abroad

🕐 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.👔 Uniform required

Address

3401 4TH STREET SE

Language Programs

Dual College Enrollment

Enrollment Lottery

Not required

🚌

Free transit for students

All DC residents enrolled at Ballou High School (ages 5–21) qualify for Kids Ride Free — a SmarTrip card that grants free Metrobus, Metrorail, and DC Circulator rides on school days.

School Hours

From Google business listing — confirm with the school directly.

  • Monday8 AM to 1:45 PM
  • Tuesday8 AM to 1:45 PM
  • Wednesday8 AM to 1:45 PM
  • Thursday8 AM to 1:45 PM
  • Friday8 AM to 1:45 PM
  • SaturdayClosed
  • SundayClosed

Specialties

Advanced PlacementArts IntegrationCareer and Technical EducationDual College EnrollmentInterscholastic SportsRestorative Justice Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What grades does Ballou High School serve?+

Ballou High School serves grades 9–12 in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington DC.

What ward is Ballou High School in?+

Ballou High School is located in Ward 8, Congress Heights, Washington DC.

How do I apply to Ballou High School?+

Ballou High School is DCPS (DC Public Schools). Contact the school directly for enrollment and seat availability.

What is Ballou High School's OSSE star rating?+

Ballou High School received a 1/5 star rating (★☆☆☆☆) from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in SY 2018-19. OSSE ratings measure academic achievement, growth, and attendance.

Is Ballou High School tuition-free?+

Yes. As a DC public school, Ballou High School is tuition-free and open to all DC residents regardless of ward or neighborhood.

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