Ballou High School
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 664 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 60-64% (Btm 50% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ballou High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
School Overview




School Rankings
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School Notes
- Ballou Senior High School is located in Washington, DC, United States. Ballou is a part of the District of Columbia Public Schools.
- History: In 2003 a major instance of mercury being spread throughout the school caused for its closure for several weeks and the redirection of students and staff to near by educational facilities. Another incident caused the death of one student and wounding of another student with a gun.
- Ballou SHS also has one of the best choirs and also one of the best bands in the District. The Ballou choir directed by Gary Stanley has been one of the more positive aspects of the school. They have traveled and perfomed in various states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida just to name a few. The choir has also had an impact on the type of media the school has gotten in the last couple of years. They have brought a more positive outlook on the school and the students who attend.
- Ron Suskind wrote a 1998 biography that featured the journey of a Cedric Jennings and his high level of achevement in this school.
- Naming: The school has been named to commemorate former Superintendent of the District of Columbia School System, Frank W. Ballou around 1960.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ballou High School's ranking?
Ballou High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for: Highest math proficiency (Top 5%), Highest reading/language arts proficiency (Top 10%) and Largest percent of students eligible for free lunch (Top 1%).
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% DC state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 38% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ballou High School?
The graduation rate of Ballou High School is 60-64%, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 70%.
How many students attend Ballou High School?
664 students attend Ballou High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Ballou High School students are Black, and 3% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ballou High School?
Ballou High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is equal to the District Of Columbia state average of 12:1.
What grades does Ballou High School offer ?
Ballou High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Ballou High School part of?
Ballou High School is part of District Of Columbia Public Schools School District.
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