Dunbar High School

Dunbar High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
101 N St NW,  Washington, DC
District Of Columbia Public Schools
3.8
4.7
728 Students
C
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Stephen Jackson
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Average SAT Score
960
Average ACT Score
20
Math Proficiency
1%
Reading Proficiency
15%
Average GPA
3.21
Graduation Rate
82%

Niche Grade

C-
Academics
B
Teachers
C
College Prep
C+
Administration
A
Resources/Facilities
A-
Clubs and Activities
A
Sports
B+
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.21
Reading Proficiency
15%
Math Proficiency
1%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
13:1
Teachers
76
Full Time Teachers
76
Teachers in First or Second Year
18.9%
College Prep
Average SAT
960
Math
480
Verbal
490
Average ACT
20
Math
18
English
21
Reading
19
Science
20
Number of AP Courses
8
AP Pass Rate
0%
AP Math Enrollment
Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
2.4%
State Average
25.2%
English
34.7%
State Average
22.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
221:1

Student Diversity

Female
51.7%
Male
48%
Black
87.6%
Hispanic
11.2%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
White
<1%
Native American
<1%
Two or more races
<1%

School Rankings

#5 Best HS For Athletes in District of Columbia
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Morgan State University 199 Students
Howard University 149 Students
North Carolina A&T State University 148 Students
Bowie State University 143 Students
Virginia State University 140 Students
Delaware State University 139 Students
Norfolk State University 138 Students
North Carolina Central University 138 Students
Clark Atlanta University 125 Students
University of the District of Columbia 112 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 86 Students
Nursing 78 Students
Psychology 59 Students
Computer Science 38 Students
Biology 36 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 34 Students
Small Business Management 31 Students
Sport and Fitness Management 26 Students
Accounting 21 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 20 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 134 Reviews
5.0 Alum
6/17/2025
I enjoyed my 4 years attending Dunbar High school which is historically known for being the first high school for African Americans in the country. Prestigiously known for its sports programs and offers engineering and honors courses for advanced students. Students also have the opportunity for dual enrollment with Trinity University and UDC. Overall a great school and as a proud alumni I would recommend it to others as one of the better punlic schools in DC.
5.0 Senior
1/3/2025
My personal experience at Dunbar has been amazing. When I first got to Dunbar I didn't know where I belonged. But joining the Dunbar track team helped me find my belonging. Joining the team helped me discover a talent I didn't know I had. It also helped me meet some amazing girls who I call my sisters. The school spirit is also incredible. From the pep rally to the football and basketball games. I would say the worst experience has been the lost of my fellow classmates. But overall my experience at Dunbar has been great.
4.0 Senior
9/1/2024
The best parts about Dunbar they have good teachers to help you , They give you community services The worst part is sometimes they shoot near Dunbar.
GreatSchools Reviews
4.7 10 Reviews
5.0 parent
10/24/2025
Brings joy and happiness to students knowing that they can excel at all levels of education.
5.0 other
8/23/2014
Terrific staff and students! Enroll your children soon! This school is near Capitol Hill and H Street!
5.0 other
10/21/2013
As a community member I am really loving the new building. even though I am not originally from the area, I feel that this high school give the community an uplift. Great Job DCPS.
5.0 other
10/21/2013
I'm a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar Sr. High, I,graduated in 1981, when I was a student the parents & community were always deeply involved in the day to day functions, educational matter & the overall educational growth of the students attending, I feel that parents these days enroll their child...

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Dunbar High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Washington, DC and is served by the District Of Columbia Public Schools in District of Columbia. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 728 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Academic records show that 1% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 15% are proficient in reading. Dunbar High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.21, the graduation rate is 82%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 960 and an ACT score of 20. The average home value in this area is $734,463. Discover additional schools in the area, like McKinley Technology High School, Maya Angelou Academy at Youth Services Center, Gonzaga College High School, and more. Learn more about what Washington has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Dunbar High School.

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