Mission and Vision

Mission of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

Our mission is to ensure that every student reaches their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences provided in a nurturing environment.


Our Values
values

Our Mission & Vision

Core Beliefs

  • We believe Black lives matter.
  • We believe the education process involves the progressive development of each individual to his/her fullest potential regardless of ethnic, social, or religious background.
  • We believe all students will be equipped with the tools to achieve personal goals, to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workplace, and to become contributing community members.
  • We believe all students deserve a high-quality education that enables them to compete successfully in today’s society.
  • We believe warrant experiences and opportunities necessary to yield independent thinkers, capable workers, and creative problem-solvers.
  • We believe that Dunbar exists as an integral part of the community and appreciate the diverse roles of parents, community leaders, private and public partners, civic groups, religious institutions, and community officials that support the process of education.

About Dunbar High School: A Legacy of Excellence

Dunbar High School, located in Washington, D.C., holds a distinguished place in American educational history. Founded in 1870 as the Preparatory High School for Negro Youth, it was the nation's first public high school for African Americans. Renamed in 1891 after the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the school quickly established itself as a beacon of academic excellence and intellectual rigor.

Operating during an era of segregation, Dunbar High School provided an unparalleled education, often exceeding the standards of white schools of its time. Its faculty, many of whom held advanced degrees from prestigious universities, instilled a strong foundation in classics, sciences, and arts. This dedication to high-quality education enabled generations of Dunbar graduates to achieve remarkable success in various fields, including science, law, medicine, politics, and academia.

The school's rich history is a testament to the power of education and community resilience. Dunbar's legacy continues to inspire its current students and faculty to uphold its tradition of academic achievement and social responsibility.