Frank W. Ballou Senior High School is a public school located in Washington, D.C., United States. Ballou is a part of the District of Columbia Public Schools.
Serving 597 students in grades 9-12, Ballou High School ranks in the bottom 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 ≤1% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 5% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 597 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤1% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Ballou High School's student population of 597 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 62 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
597 students
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Year Founded
1960
Colors
Blue, Gold
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Ballou High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ballou High School is 0.08, 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
#219 out of 220 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤1%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
4%
19%
Black
96%
62%
White
n/a
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
76%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
5%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
- 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 is ranked #219 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Ballou High School often compared to?
Ballou High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Anacostia High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤1% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ballou High School?
The graduation rate of Ballou High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 76%.
How many students attend Ballou High School?
597 students attend Ballou High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
96% of Ballou High School students are Black, and 4% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ballou High School?
Ballou High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Ballou High School offer ?
Ballou High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Ballou High School part of?
Ballou High School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Ballou High School located?
Ballou High School is located in the Southeast Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 45 other public schools located in Southeast Washington.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
As a native of Washington, DC, as well as a parent with a now, 14-year-old son, I have, on a constant basis, particularly done my best to be informed about the numerious facts, realities, the struggles and countless up's/down's, including the way the local and other news papers, radio and other media forms, as well as many of the local and outside citizens and/or public have chosen to look at, and/or give little or no recognition towards Ballou High School, particularly given the many problems/troubles and related general, social and other related characteristics in connection with Ballou High School, currently and in the past. Still, a very major concern to me as a very caring individual, mother/parent, and local citizen who has, for the best part of my young and adult life, lived in the Washington, DC area, and just recently having moved to the Ward-8 corrindor, as well as having had relatives who have been a student at Ballou High School, currently, and in the past; I find myself, as well as having shared my own thoughts and/or views about what is, and/or has taken place at Ballou High School. For the most part, it has been a really rough and tough ride, this, according to my niece(s) who currently, and in the not so recent past, have attended and been a student at Ballou High School.
Ballou High School seems to be in one big mess, and somebody needs to really look at and take into consideration the views of the very students who do and/or have recently attended Bllou High School, because that school continues to be a nest where young minds that are willing, and want to achieve, learn from instructors and others who are ready and willing to help these same students acquire the educational and associated goals, but who are often, for the most part treated with little or no respect by the very staff and people in charge that they have tried and wanted to believe in, trust and need to stand by them, but to no avail. No, Ballou High School continues to fail the test and the very ones who need this school and all that it may well be able to offer them, although it seems like a dream gone bad for most of the students who attend that school. This, according to my 15-year-old niece, and other relatives who have, by the grace and mercy of God, and others who helped them "get through and/or escape" the madness at Ballou High School in order to, at whatever cost, still pursue their asperations and dream. Help make this, Ballou High School a better institution and/or high school for and where the student will not continue to be forgetten, and/or treated in such an awful and nightmarish manner, and be distained for/to fail instead of achieve. Help and listen to me, listen to us now.
5 10/10/2025
Yes, I would recommend this school to others because of the quality education I received. I am a 1975 graduate of Ballou, and have gone on to do great things in my life (BA in Economics, MA in Organizational Management/Administration, and PhD in Ministry).
Minister Dr. Gwendolyn J. Bridgett
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