Jackson-Reed High School

At a Glance

Jackson-Reed High School is DC's largest public high school, serving students in grades 9 through 12 in the Tenleytown neighborhood of Ward 3. The school occupies an impressive eight-acre campus with seven buildings at 3950 Chesapeake Street NW, and has earned recognition for its commitment to sustainability through LEED certification and Green Ribbon School status. Jackson-Reed brings together a diverse student body in an environment that emphasizes tolerance, acceptance, and academic rigor, with school-wide decisions centered on what best supports student learning in this modernized facility.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC Public Schools high school, Jackson-Reed participates in the My School DC lottery system, which means families apply during the annual lottery window rather than through direct enrollment. The school serves grades 9–12 exclusively, so students typically enter as freshmen and remain through graduation, which can provide four years of continuity in a single building without the transitions common at schools with other grade configurations.

The school's location in Tenleytown places it in Northwest DC's Ward 3, an area generally accessible by public transit and positioned near several major DC corridors. Being DC's largest high school means families should expect a bigger school environment with the opportunities and considerations that come with size—more students, more potential course offerings, and a campus that spans multiple buildings across substantial grounds.

Jackson-Reed's recent modernization reflects DC's investment in updating school facilities, and the LEED certification indicates the campus was designed or renovated to meet green building standards. The Green Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education recognizes schools that reduce environmental impact, promote health and wellness, and provide environmental education—factors that may matter to families prioritizing sustainability.

The school offers several pathways beyond standard coursework, including Advanced Placement courses for students seeking college-level academics, Career and Technical Education programs for hands-on skill development, and Dual College Enrollment opportunities that allow eligible students to earn college credits while still in high school. The school also provides interscholastic sports teams and a JROTC program for students interested in military-connected leadership development.

Programs and Approach

Jackson-Reed's mission centers on creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued and academic expectations remain high. The school's stated commitment to making decisions based on student learning suggests a focus on outcomes and data-informed practices rather than tradition alone. With offerings that span Advanced Placement, Career and Technical Education, and Dual College Enrollment, the school appears designed to serve students with varying post-graduation plans, whether that's a four-year college, community college, career training, or direct workforce entry.

As a DCPS school, Jackson-Reed follows the My School DC enrollment process. Families interested in the school for the 2024–25 school year or beyond should submit applications during the annual lottery period, typically in late winter or early spring. Rising ninth graders receive priority at their in-boundary high school if one exists, though families can list multiple schools in their lottery application in order of preference. Because Jackson-Reed is a neighborhood school, in-boundary students generally have access, while out-of-boundary families participate in the lottery for any available seats.

The modernized campus includes multiple buildings spread across eight acres, which means students navigate a more complex physical environment than schools housed in a single structure. The school's size and physical footprint can accommodate varied activities, from athletics to specialized programs, though families visiting should consider what a multi-building campus means for their student's daily experience.

Visiting and Contact

Jackson-Reed High School is located at 3950 Chesapeake Street NW in the Tenleytown neighborhood. Families can reach the school at 202-282-0120 or visit https://jacksonreedhs.org/ for information about tours, open houses, and current programming details.