Eastern High School (Washington, D.C.)

The initial school building at 7th and C Streets S.E.

Eastern High School, as it is known today, was founded in 1890 under the name Capitol Hill High School. It was established in the Peabody Elementary School building at 5th and C Streets NE. The school served an all white student body with an enrollment of 170 students and a teaching staff of seven individuals. As time progressed, the school gained popularity, prompting its relocation to a new site at 7th and C Streets S.E. in 1892. Alongside the move, the school underwent a name change to Eastern High School, and its student body continued to expand. In 1909, the community rallied for the construction of a new school building, ultimately selecting the current location in 1914–1915. However, the onset of World War I caused a delay in the construction process.[9]

Snowden Ashford, a municipal architect, was chosen to create the blueprint for the new school. The Eastern Alumni Association strongly encouraged Ashford to deviate from his preferred Elizabethan and Collegiate Gothic style and instead design the new school in the more popular Colonial Revival style. However, Ashford's vision ultimately prevailed. He completed the designs for the school in 1921 and subsequently resigned from his position as Municipal Architect. Eastern High School became the last public school in the District to be constructed in the Collegiate Gothic style. Albert L. Harris, who succeeded Ashford, oversaw the final design and construction of the school.[10][11][12]

The new Eastern High School building, built by the Charles H. Tompkins Company Incorporated in 1923, was situated at 17th and East Capitol Streets N.E. Charles R. Hart, who was principal of Eastern High School from 1918 to 1945 led the school during its new building construction. In memory of the alumni who died in the Spanish-American War and World War I, a memorial flagstaff was erected in front of the building. The old Eastern High School building was eventually demolished to make way for Hine Jr. High School. When the students moved to the new facility, the enrollment exceeded 1,000. As the surrounding neighborhood of Eastern High School continued to grow, the school's capacity reached 3,000 students by 1934. To address the overcrowding issue, students who lived east of the Anacostia River were redirected to Anacostia High School.[13][14]

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court made a significant decision regarding the desegregation of public schools. Specifically, in the case of Bolling vs. Sharpe, the court declared that the practice of racial segregation within the DC public school system was unconstitutional, as it violated the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. Consequently, new school boundaries were established to address this issue. Subsequently, during the autumn of 1954, the first African-American students who were previously attending Cardozo (Central) and Spingarn High schools were transferred to Eastern, resulting in an African-American student population of 1.4%. However, within a span of ten years, Eastern underwent a transformation, with the African-American student population reaching an overwhelming majority of 99%.[15]

During the 1960s, significant milestones took place at Eastern High School, primarily involving its African-American student population. In 1964 Mr. Madison W. Tignor became the first African-American principal to serve Eastern. Recognizing the lack of curriculum that represented the Black experience and culture, students formed a collective called the Modern Strivers. In 1968, supported by the community, they founded the Freedom School, which employed committed educators. This institution offered Eastern students the chance to participate in classes off-campus that focused on Black History and culture in addition to their regular coursework.[16]

In the 1980s, the school underwent its first modernization phase. This included the installation of new windows, flooring, and parabolic troffer lighting in classrooms, as well as the addition of new stairwells, paint, fire doors, bathrooms, and the restoration of the auditorium, along with an overhaul of the elevator. Furthermore, significant improvements were made to the gymnasium. Unfortunately, a devastating fire broke out in the gymnasium on July 16, 1984, resulting in damages of approximately $1 million (equivalent to $2.90 million in 2023) and causing a 2-year delay on the gym's completion.[17]

Eastern High School was renowned for its exceptional marching band and its world-renowned choir. The Blue And White Marching Machine has graced national stages and even performed at presidential inaugurations. Under the direction of Dr. Joyce Garrett, the Eastern High School choir has captivated audiences at major national events, impressing Presidents Reagan, Clinton, George Bush Sr., and George W. Bush. They have also showcased their talent on televised performances, providing backup vocals for popular artists, and have even embarked on international tours. Notably, in 1988, the Eastern choir participated in the International Youth Music Festival held in Vienna, Austria, where they achieved the remarkable feat of securing the second place silver medal.[18][19]

The 1988 Eastern High School Choir in Vienna, Austria after winning the Silver Medal

In 2021, DC's redistricting of Wards moved Eastern from Ward 6 to Ward 7. The school's boundaries and feeder patterns, however, have remained the same. Neighborhoods within Eastern's boundaries include Barney Circle, Capitol Hill, Carver Langston, Hill East, Kingman Park, Navy Yard, and Southwest Waterfront.[20][21]

The following elementary schools feed into Eastern:[22]

• Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
• Brent Elementary School
• J.O. Wilson Elementary School
• Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School
• Maury Elementary School
• Miner Elementary School
• Payne Elementary School
• Peabody Elementary School (Capitol Hill Cluster)
• Thomson Elementary School
• Tyler Elementary School
• Van Ness Elementary School
• Watkins Elementary School (Capitol Hill Cluster)

The following middle schools feed into Eastern:[22]

• Eliot-Hine Middle School
• Jefferson Middle School Academy
• Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Capitol Hill Cluster)

The following K-8 schools feed into Eastern:[22]

• Browne Education Campus
• Capitol Hill Montessori School @ Logan