Grades 9–12
What the data shows
School Without Walls High School · 5-star OSSE rating · Open enrollment · 6 photos.
Source: OSSE School Report Card — official rating from DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
School Without Walls (SWW) is a selective DCPS magnet high school at 2130 G Street NW in Foggy Bottom, Ward 2 — literally embedded on the George Washington University campus. Established in 1971, accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, SWW is consistently ranked the #1 DCPS high school by U.S. News and the #2 high school in the DC Metro Area, with a U.S. News national rank of #69.
The name dates to 1971, when SWW pioneered a model of taking students out of conventional classrooms and into DC's institutions — Smithsonian museums, Library of Congress, federal agencies, university libraries — for fieldwork. The school now occupies a building on GW's campus, but the field-based philosophy persists: many courses incorporate site visits, GW collaborations, and DC-based research projects.
SWW's defining feature is its co-location with GW. Students can:
This is one of the deepest high school / university partnerships in the country and a primary reason for SWW's college matriculation strength.
SWW is application-only with no in-boundary or lottery preference:
Families considering SWW often also apply to Benjamin Banneker, McKinley Tech, and Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Despite the small enrollment, SWW competes in DCPS interscholastic athletics including soccer, basketball, ultimate frisbee, cross country, track, tennis, and crew. The Music Program (including OrlandFest performances) and Math Team are recognized at the state level.
Compare other selective DCPS high schools on our high schools in DC directory.
“School Without Walls (SWW) is a public selective high school established in 1971, and accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Over the years, the school has become one of the many outstanding schools in the District of Columbia Public School system and in the nation. In 2010 and 2018, Walls was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. US News and World Report (2023/2024) #114 in the nation. School Without Walls High School has achieved ”
Specialized Programs
Enrichment
Model UN · Robotics · SGA · Future Business Leaders of America · Electric Car
2130 G STREET NW
Dual College Enrollment
Not required
All DC residents enrolled at School Without Walls 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.
From Google business listing — confirm with the school directly.
School Without Walls High School serves grades 9–12 of Washington DC.
School Without Walls High School is located in Ward 2, Washington DC.
School Without Walls High School is DCPS (DC Public Schools). Contact the school directly for enrollment and seat availability.
School Without Walls High School received a 5/5 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.
Yes. As a DC public school, School Without Walls High School is tuition-free and open to all DC residents regardless of ward or neighborhood.
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