The Duke Ellington School of the Arts is a high school located at 35th Street and R Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C., and dedicated to arts education.
Serving 589 students in grades 9-12, Duke Ellington School Of The Arts ranks in the top 50% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 13% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 61% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 589 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 28:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 61% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts's student population of 589 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 320% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
589 students
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Year Founded
1974
School Calendar
School Motto
2 Corinthians 5:20 'Now then we are ambassadors for Christ…'
School Rankings
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts ranks within the top 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#71 out of 220 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
61%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
14%
19%
Black
66%
62%
White
14%
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
76%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
District Of Columbia
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Duke Ellington School Of The Arts's ranking?
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts is ranked #71 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Duke Ellington School Of The Arts often compared to?
Duke Ellington School Of The Artsis often viewed alongside schools like Benjamin Banneker High School, School Without Walls High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
13% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 61% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts?
The graduation rate of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts is 95%, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 76%.
How many students attend Duke Ellington School Of The Arts?
589 students attend Duke Ellington School Of The Arts.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Duke Ellington School Of The Arts?
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts has a student ration of 28:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Duke Ellington School Of The Arts offer ?
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Duke Ellington School Of The Arts part of?
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Duke Ellington School Of The Arts located?
Duke Ellington School Of The Arts is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 72 other public schools located in Northwest Washington.
School Reviews
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