Duke Ellington is the only high school in the District of Columbia that accepts students based on a potential for the arts and not prior academic standing. The ability to excel in one of the school’s eight arts majors is given more weight than prior academic achievement - allowing the admissions process to identify both talent and commitment. Ellington is committed to admitting talented students who may be academically challenged or several years behind grade-level and providing them with the academic tools to succeed. Success in the arts awakens students’ self-esteem and their desire to succeed in academic as well as creative disciplines..

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• Duke Ellington students receive a pre-professional Arts Endorsement in addition to a traditional HS Diploma 

• 99% of Ellington students graduate (avg of the last 3 years) compared to the overall 65% graduation rate across the district

• Duke Ellington had 98.5% College Acceptance Rate in 2022

• Over $11 million in college scholarships earned by the 2022 graduating class

• US News & World Report has consistently ranked Duke Ellington in the Top 14% of public high schools nationwide.

• Alumni include world- renowned performers such as opera singer Denyce G, Grammy-winning bassist Ben Williams, Comedian Dave Chapelle, and many more.