Benjamin Banneker Academic High School is a magnet high school located in Washington, D.C., that was originally built to serve as a neighborhood Junior High School. The school's name commemorates Benjamin Banneker, an African-American scientist, surveyor, almanac author and farmer.
Serving 703 students in grades 9-12, Benjamin Banneker High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 91% (which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 91% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 86% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 703 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 91%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 91% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Benjamin Banneker High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Benjamin Banneker High School's student population of 703 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has grown by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
703 students
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Year Founded
1981
School Calendar
School Motto
To develop our students’ life-long skills for learning.
School Rankings
Benjamin Banneker High School ranks within the top 10% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Benjamin Banneker High School is 0.49, 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
#17 out of 220 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
91%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
10%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
1%
Hispanic
17%
19%
Black
69%
62%
White
9%
14%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
76%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
11%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benjamin Banneker High School's ranking?
Benjamin Banneker High School is ranked #17 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What schools are Benjamin Banneker High School often compared to?
Benjamin Banneker High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like School Without Walls High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 91% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker High School?
The graduation rate of Benjamin Banneker High School is 95%, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 76%.
How many students attend Benjamin Banneker High School?
703 students attend Benjamin Banneker High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Benjamin Banneker High School students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Benjamin Banneker High School?
Benjamin Banneker High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Benjamin Banneker High School offer ?
Benjamin Banneker High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Benjamin Banneker High School part of?
Benjamin Banneker High School is part of District Of Columbia.
In what neighborhood is Benjamin Banneker High School located?
Benjamin Banneker High School 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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