Eastern High School

At a Glance

Eastern High School is a public high school serving students in grades 9–12 in Ward 7's Kingman Park neighborhood. As a designated International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Eastern offers both the IB Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, providing college preparatory coursework designed to develop globally minded students. The school emphasizes rigorous academics alongside character development, preparing graduates to become innovative and inclusive leaders in their communities and beyond.

With its location on East Capitol Street NE, Eastern serves families throughout the District of Columbia through the citywide My School DC enrollment system. The school combines rich traditions with forward-looking educational approaches, supported by experienced teachers and community partnerships that enhance the learning experience for all students.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools high school, Eastern participates in the My School DC lottery system for enrollment. Families must submit applications during the annual lottery period, typically in the winter for the following school year. Because Eastern is a high school serving only grades 9–12, students will need to transition in from a middle school, making it important for eighth-grade families to research the school and include it on their lottery application if interested.

The International Baccalaureate designation sets Eastern apart from many neighborhood high schools. The IB Middle Years Programme serves grades 9–10, providing an interdisciplinary framework that emphasizes critical thinking and global awareness. Students in grades 11–12 can pursue the IB Diploma Programme, a rigorous pre-university course of study recognized by colleges and universities worldwide. Not all students must complete the full IB Diploma—some may choose to take individual IB courses—but the framework shapes the school's academic culture.

Eastern's location in Kingman Park places it in a residential area of Northeast DC, accessible via public transportation and situated near the eastern border of the District. The Ward 7 location means Eastern serves a part of the city that has historically been underserved by college preparatory programs, making the IB World School designation particularly significant for families seeking advanced academic opportunities close to home.

The school's mission explicitly mentions community partnerships, which typically provide students with enrichment opportunities, internships, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. These partnerships often complement classroom instruction and help students build professional skills and networks before graduation. Parents should ask about current partnership offerings during school tours or open houses.

Programs and Approach

Eastern High School's designation as an IB World School means the curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate framework, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and the development of well-rounded students. The IB approach requires students to think critically across disciplines and to consider multiple perspectives, preparing them for college-level work and global citizenship.

As a DCPS school, Eastern operates within the District's public school system and follows the citywide enrollment calendar. Families interested in Eastern should register through the My School DC platform during the application window. The lottery system aims to provide equitable access to schools across the District, though some schools may have preferences for in-boundary students or other factors outlined in their lottery policies.

The school's emphasis on "exemplary teachers" and "rich traditions" suggests a school community that values both academic excellence and school culture. High schools with strong traditions often offer students a sense of belonging and identity, which can support academic success and personal growth during the critical high school years.

Extracurricular learning experiences form part of Eastern's educational model, complementing classroom instruction with activities that build leadership, teamwork, and specialized skills. These experiences help students develop the "character and confidence" mentioned in the school's mission and provide opportunities for students to explore interests beyond core academics.

Visiting and Contact

Eastern High School is located at 1700 East Capitol Street NE in the Kingman Park neighborhood of Ward 7. Families interested in learning more about the school, scheduling a visit, or accessing current enrollment information should visit the school's website at https://www.easternhighschooldcps.org/ or call 202-698-4500.