Roosevelt High School (Washington, D.C.)

Roosevelt High School (Washington, D.C.)
Name	Roosevelt High School
Established	1926
Type	Public
District	District of Columbia Public Schools
Principal	Dr. Sah Brown
Grades	9–12
Enrollment	~1,200
Campus	Urban
Colors	Blue and white
Mascot	Rough Riders
Nickname	Rough Riders

Roosevelt High School (Washington, D.C.) is a public high school located in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C.. Operating under the District of Columbia Public Schools system, it was established in 1926 and named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. The school serves a diverse student body and has a long history of academic, athletic, and artistic contributions to the Washington metropolitan area.

History

The school opened in 1926, during a period of significant growth for Northwest D.C., and was named for the nation's 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. Its early years were marked by its role as a comprehensive neighborhood school for the Petworth and Brightwood communities. In the latter half of the 20th century, the school, like many in DCPS, navigated the challenges of desegregation and shifting urban demographics. A major modernization project was completed in 2013, involving a comprehensive renovation and expansion of its historic campus to meet 21st-century educational needs, a project managed by the District of Columbia Department of General Services.

Campus and facilities

The school's campus occupies a full city block along 13th Street NW, bordered by Hamilton Street and Piney Branch Road. The original 1926 building, a Collegiate Gothic structure, was significantly expanded and modernized in the 2013 renovation. Current facilities include a state-of-the-art athletic complex with a turf field, a performing arts auditorium, multiple science laboratories, and dedicated career and technical education spaces. The campus is centrally located near the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro station and the Petworth Library.

Academics and programs

Roosevelt High School offers a standard DCPS curriculum alongside several specialized programs. It hosts an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, providing a rigorous college-preparatory track. The school's Career and Technical Education pathways include programs in Information technology, Engineering, and Hospitality and tourism. Additional academic supports and enrichment are offered through partnerships with local organizations like City Year and the College Board's Advanced Placement program.

Athletics and extracurriculars

Athletically, the Roosevelt Rough Riders compete in the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association (DCIAA). The school fields teams in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and track and field, with notable success in basketball and cross country running. Extracurricular activities are robust, including award-winning programs in marching band, JROTC, debate, and theatre. Student groups also participate in citywide competitions and events sponsored by the District of Columbia Arts Center.

Notable alumni

Roosevelt High School has produced graduates who have achieved prominence in diverse fields. In politics and public service, alumni include former D.C. Council member William P. Lightfoot and former United States Ambassador Michele T. Sison. In arts and entertainment, notable alumni are go-go music pioneer Chuck Brown, singer Marvin Gaye, and actress Helen Hayes. Sports figures include former National Football League player Larry Brown and Major League Baseball player Maurice "Moe" Hill.

In popular culture

The school has served as a filming location and cultural reference point. Exterior shots of the campus were used in the HBO series The Wire, which depicted urban life in Baltimore. The school's legendary music teacher, William "Doc" Hines, and its connection to the development of go-go music in Washington, D.C., have been documented in films like The Beat: Go-Go's Fusion of Funk and Hip-Hop. The school is also frequently cited in local media coverage of DCIAA sports and academic events.

Category:Educational institutions established in 1926 Category:High schools in Washington, D.C. Category:International Baccalaureate schools in the United States