Curious about a high school with a legacy of academic excellence? You are standing before Benjamin Banneker Academic High School. This magnet school is a beacon of learning in Washington D.C. It has a rich history and a bright future.
Banneker High School opened its doors in 1981. It was created to set a new standard for public education. The school was named after Benjamin Banneker. He was an African-American scientist and surveyor. He was also an almanac author and farmer.
Originally, Banneker High School was located near Howard University. In 2021, it moved to a new campus in Shaw. This new location is at the former Shaw Middle School site. The old Banneker building is being renovated to become the new Shaw Middle School.
Banneker draws students from all over the city. Admission is competitive. Applicants must pass a multiple-choice test. They also need to write an essay and attend an interview. Recommendations and academic records are also considered.
The school has a diverse student body. As of the 2023-2024 school year, it has 671 students. These students are in grades 9 through 12. Banneker is an IB Diploma Programme world school. It offers a rigorous academic curriculum.
Banneker High School consistently ranks among the best in the U.S. U.S. News & World Report has recognized its excellence. It was ranked 136th nationally in 2021. In the District, it is consistently a top-performing school. Banneker was also a National Blue Ribbon school in 1991, 2007, 2017 and 2023.
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities. Students can participate in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer. There is also a robotics club. The robotics club has won awards for its inventions. These include a cell-phone locker and a door-hinge locker for school safety.
In 2018, Banneker students won second place in a NASA competition. They invented equipment to remove lead from water fountains. The school hosted President Barack Obama for his annual Back To School speech in 2011 and 2016.
Banneker alumni have gone on to achieve great things. They credit the school with preparing them for college and careers. Many alumni stay connected to the school. They support current students through mentoring and scholarships.
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School is more than just a school. It is a community. It is a place where students can grow academically and personally. It is a place where they can prepare for a bright future. The school’s motto is “Embrace the spirit of teaching and learning.” This spirit is evident in everything Banneker does.
Banneker High School alumni celebrated the school’s 40th anniversary in 2021 with a gala. They also launched the Banneker Alumni Society. This society aims to support the school and its students.