Built in 1872 and named for abolitionist Charles Sumner, the Sumner School at 17th and M Streets NW is also one of the first commissioned specifically for freed slaves after the Civil War. Renovated in the 1980s, it now houses a museum and the D.C. Public School Archives.
Built in 1872 and named for abolitionist Charles Sumner, the Sumner School at 17th and M Streets NW is also one of the first commissioned specifically for freed slaves after the Civil War. Renovated in the 1980s, it now houses a museum and the D.C. Public School Archives. Credit: By

Over the years, the District has built and then discarded many beautiful schools. Here’s a good selection of particularly historic buildings, some of which have made their way back into good use, and others that are still sitting.

  • Built in 1872 and named for abolitionist Charles Sumner, the Sumner School at 17th and M Streets NW is also one of the first commissioned specifically for freed slaves after the Civil War. Renovated in the 1980s, it now houses a museum and the D.C. Public School Archives.
    Built in 1872 and named for abolitionist Charles Sumner, the Sumner School at 17th and M Streets NW is also one of the first commissioned specifically for freed slaves after the Civil War. Renovated in the 1980s, it now houses a museum and the D.C. Public School Archives. Credit: By
  • The Webster School, at 940 H Street NW, was built in 1882 as a 12-room schoolhouse. From 1925 until 1949, it was used as an Americanization school, where recent immigrants took citizenship classes, before being used for various purposes by the D.C. Public Schools. It was boarded up in the 1990s, and subsequent designation as an historic landmark halted plans to redevelop the building. Its been vacant ever since, and property records indicate that it's technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesn't have to pay vacant property taxes. s been vacant ever since, and property records indicate that its technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesn't have to pay vacant property taxes. s technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesnt have to pay vacant property taxes. t have to pay vacant property taxes.
    The Webster School, at 940 H Street NW, was built in 1882 as a 12-room schoolhouse. From 1925 until 1949, it was used as an Americanization school, where recent immigrants took citizenship classes, before being used for various purposes by the D.C. Public Schools. It was boarded up in the 1990s, and subsequent designation as an historic landmark halted plans to redevelop the building. Its been vacant ever since, and property records indicate that it’s technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesn’t have to pay vacant property taxes. s been vacant ever since, and property records indicate that its technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesn’t have to pay vacant property taxes. s technically owned by the U.S. General Services Administration, which doesnt have to pay vacant property taxes. t have to pay vacant property taxes. Credit: By
  • Charles Young Elementary, next to Spingarn High School on 26th Street NE off Benning Road, was built in 1931 and renovated in 1999. It closed in 2008, and hasnt been officially awarded to a new user, although charter schools have been expressing interest in the building. t been officially awarded to a new user, although charter schools have been expressing interest in the building.
    Charles Young Elementary, next to Spingarn High School on 26th Street NE off Benning Road, was built in 1931 and renovated in 1999. It closed in 2008, and hasnt been officially awarded to a new user, although charter schools have been expressing interest in the building. t been officially awarded to a new user, although charter schools have been expressing interest in the building. Credit: By
  • The Gales School, at 65 Massachusetts Avenue NE, was built in 1881 and used as a school until 1944. Since then, its had a variety of uses, from temporary housing for returning soldiers to offices for the rent control board. In the early 2000s, it was used as a hypothermia shelter for the homeless. It's been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men. s had a variety of uses, from temporary housing for returning soldiers to offices for the rent control board. In the early 2000s, it was used as a hypothermia shelter for the homeless. Its been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men. s been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men.
    The Gales School, at 65 Massachusetts Avenue NE, was built in 1881 and used as a school until 1944. Since then, its had a variety of uses, from temporary housing for returning soldiers to offices for the rent control board. In the early 2000s, it was used as a hypothermia shelter for the homeless. It’s been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men. s had a variety of uses, from temporary housing for returning soldiers to offices for the rent control board. In the early 2000s, it was used as a hypothermia shelter for the homeless. Its been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men. s been empty for the last few years, though, and has to be held up by steel beams. The current plan is for Central Union Mission to sell its building at 14th and R Street NW and rehabilitate the decrepit shell as a shelter for men. Credit: By
  • The Fillmore School, at 1801 35th Street in Georgetown, housed art programs for District children from 1974 until 1998, when it was sold to the Corcoran Gallery for art studio space.
    The Fillmore School, at 1801 35th Street in Georgetown, housed art programs for District children from 1974 until 1998, when it was sold to the Corcoran Gallery for art studio space. Credit: By
  • The Wormley School, at 3325 Prospect Street NW, was built in 1885 to educate D.C.s black children. It was used for that purpose until being converted into offices for the Board of Education in the 1950s. The District sold the building to Georgetown University for .5 million in 1998, and the University flipped it to a private developer for million in 2005. After some missteps, the building was finally rebuilt and sold as high-end condos. s black children. It was used for that purpose until being converted into offices for the Board of Education in the 1950s. The District sold the building to Georgetown University for .5 million in 1998, and the University flipped it to a private developer for million in 2005. After some missteps, the building was finally rebuilt and sold as high-end condos.
    The Wormley School, at 3325 Prospect Street NW, was built in 1885 to educate D.C.s black children. It was used for that purpose until being converted into offices for the Board of Education in the 1950s. The District sold the building to Georgetown University for .5 million in 1998, and the University flipped it to a private developer for million in 2005. After some missteps, the building was finally rebuilt and sold as high-end condos. s black children. It was used for that purpose until being converted into offices for the Board of Education in the 1950s. The District sold the building to Georgetown University for .5 million in 1998, and the University flipped it to a private developer for million in 2005. After some missteps, the building was finally rebuilt and sold as high-end condos. Credit: By
  • Foggy Bottoms Stevens School, built in 1868 as one of the first publicly funded schools for black children, was part of a batch of schools closed by former Chancellor Michelle Rhee in 2008. The city awarded the school to Equity Residential, which wanted to build apartments, but then withdrew the award under community protest. It's currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals. s Stevens School, built in 1868 as one of the first publicly funded schools for black children, was part of a batch of schools closed by former Chancellor Michelle Rhee in 2008. The city awarded the school to Equity Residential, which wanted to build apartments, but then withdrew the award under community protest. Its currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals. s currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals.
    Foggy Bottoms Stevens School, built in 1868 as one of the first publicly funded schools for black children, was part of a batch of schools closed by former Chancellor Michelle Rhee in 2008. The city awarded the school to Equity Residential, which wanted to build apartments, but then withdrew the award under community protest. It’s currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals. s Stevens School, built in 1868 as one of the first publicly funded schools for black children, was part of a batch of schools closed by former Chancellor Michelle Rhee in 2008. The city awarded the school to Equity Residential, which wanted to build apartments, but then withdrew the award under community protest. Its currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals. s currently being resolicited, with an educational use as part of the request for proposals. Credit: By
  • The Hayes School, at 5th and K Streets NE, was built in 1897 as a school for white children, but converted into a school for black children in 1947. Over the last few years, its been remodeled into the headquarters of D.C.'s Office on Aging. s been remodeled into the headquarters of D.C.s Office on Aging. s Office on Aging.
    The Hayes School, at 5th and K Streets NE, was built in 1897 as a school for white children, but converted into a school for black children in 1947. Over the last few years, its been remodeled into the headquarters of D.C.’s Office on Aging. s been remodeled into the headquarters of D.C.s Office on Aging. s Office on Aging. Credit: By
  • The Franklin School, a landmark at 13th and K Street NW, was designed by noted architect Adolf Cluss and built in 1869. It was used as a homeless shelter in the mid-2000s and closed in 2008. The city then solicited bids for the property, and may yet award it to a group that would turn it into a boutique hotel, but activists want to maintain it for educational uses. Meanwhile, the landmarked interior continues to decay; renovation is estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.
    The Franklin School, a landmark at 13th and K Street NW, was designed by noted architect Adolf Cluss and built in 1869. It was used as a homeless shelter in the mid-2000s and closed in 2008. The city then solicited bids for the property, and may yet award it to a group that would turn it into a boutique hotel, but activists want to maintain it for educational uses. Meanwhile, the landmarked interior continues to decay; renovation is estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Credit: By
  • The former Blair School, at 635 I Street NE, currently houses a transitional rehabilitation program for homeless men.
    The former Blair School, at 635 I Street NE, currently houses a transitional rehabilitation program for homeless men. Credit: By
  • The Perry School, at 128 M Street NW, in 1891 became the Districts first high school for black students built with public funds. In the 1960s, it became a food distribution center, and then closed in the 1970s. During the 1990s, Perry School Community Services Inc. raised .6 million to renovate the old building, which now includes several nonprofit tenants. s first high school for black students built with public funds. In the 1960s, it became a food distribution center, and then closed in the 1970s. During the 1990s, Perry School Community Services Inc. raised .6 million to renovate the old building, which now includes several nonprofit tenants.
    The Perry School, at 128 M Street NW, in 1891 became the Districts first high school for black students built with public funds. In the 1960s, it became a food distribution center, and then closed in the 1970s. During the 1990s, Perry School Community Services Inc. raised .6 million to renovate the old building, which now includes several nonprofit tenants. s first high school for black students built with public funds. In the 1960s, it became a food distribution center, and then closed in the 1970s. During the 1990s, Perry School Community Services Inc. raised .6 million to renovate the old building, which now includes several nonprofit tenants. Credit: By
  • Last used as a school in 1978, the Randall School at 65 I Street SW was sold by the District in 2006 to a partnership of the Corcoran Museum and Monument Realty, which fell apart in the financial crash. Last year, it was picked up again by a Miami-based venture that also owns the Capitol Skyline hotel across the street, with plans for a hotel, residential units, and gallery space.
    Last used as a school in 1978, the Randall School at 65 I Street SW was sold by the District in 2006 to a partnership of the Corcoran Museum and Monument Realty, which fell apart in the financial crash. Last year, it was picked up again by a Miami-based venture that also owns the Capitol Skyline hotel across the street, with plans for a hotel, residential units, and gallery space. Credit: By
  • The Slater School, on P Street just west of North Capitol Street, was built in 1891 and has been occupied since 1988 by the non-profit Associates for Renewal in Education. Adrian Fentys administration signaled its intention to sell the building in 2008, but nothing's come of that idea yet. s administration signaled its intention to sell the building in 2008, but nothings come of that idea yet. s come of that idea yet.
    The Slater School, on P Street just west of North Capitol Street, was built in 1891 and has been occupied since 1988 by the non-profit Associates for Renewal in Education. Adrian Fentys administration signaled its intention to sell the building in 2008, but nothing’s come of that idea yet. s administration signaled its intention to sell the building in 2008, but nothings come of that idea yet. s come of that idea yet. Credit: By
  • The Langston School, built in 1902 right next to the Slater School on P Street NW, has no current use and is in considerable disrepair. The District offered it for redevelopment in 2008, but got no responses for charter schools or development interest.
    The Langston School, built in 1902 right next to the Slater School on P Street NW, has no current use and is in considerable disrepair. The District offered it for redevelopment in 2008, but got no responses for charter schools or development interest. Credit: By
  • The former Margaret Murray Washington Career High School at 27 O Street NW was decommissioned in 2009 and awarded to a partnership of Urban Matters, Mission First Development, Mt. Lebanon Community Development Corporation and Square 134 Architects for conversion into senior residences and community space.
    The former Margaret Murray Washington Career High School at 27 O Street NW was decommissioned in 2009 and awarded to a partnership of Urban Matters, Mission First Development, Mt. Lebanon Community Development Corporation and Square 134 Architects for conversion into senior residences and community space. Credit: By
  • The J.F. Cook School, built in 1926 right across from Slater and Langston on P Street NW, was closed in 2008 and offered for redevelopment. The city awarded the property to a partnership of YouthBuild Public Charter School and the Latin American Youth Center, which proposed to house at-risk youth on the upper floor. Under protest from residents, that deal fell apart, and YouthBuild is now seeking another partner to complete needed renovations.
    The J.F. Cook School, built in 1926 right across from Slater and Langston on P Street NW, was closed in 2008 and offered for redevelopment. The city awarded the property to a partnership of YouthBuild Public Charter School and the Latin American Youth Center, which proposed to house at-risk youth on the upper floor. Under protest from residents, that deal fell apart, and YouthBuild is now seeking another partner to complete needed renovations. Credit: By
  • The Harrison School, at 13th and V Streets NW, was built in 1890 and closed in 2008. The city has awarded it to Meridian Public Charter School.
    The Harrison School, at 13th and V Streets NW, was built in 1890 and closed in 2008. The city has awarded it to Meridian Public Charter School. Credit: By
  • The Alexander Crummell School was built in 1911 at Kendall and Gallaudet Streets NE--now behind the old Hechts Warehouse and Love Nightclub--as a school for black children, and was used as an auto auction house after it closed in the late 1960s. Its been falling apart, covered with ivy, even after being placed on the D.C. Inventory of Public Sites in 2002. The District issued a new request for offers on the property just this week.s been falling apart, covered with ivy, even after being placed on the D.C. Inventory of Public Sites in 2002. The District issued a new request for offers on the property just this week.
    The Alexander Crummell School was built in 1911 at Kendall and Gallaudet Streets NE–now behind the old Hechts Warehouse and Love Nightclub–as a school for black children, and was used as an auto auction house after it closed in the late 1960s. Its been falling apart, covered with ivy, even after being placed on the D.C. Inventory of Public Sites in 2002. The District issued a new request for offers on the property just this week.s been falling apart, covered with ivy, even after being placed on the D.C. Inventory of Public Sites in 2002. The District issued a new request for offers on the property just this week. Credit: By
  • The former Gage School at 2nd and V Streets NW, now known as Parker Flats, was built in 1904. The District sold it to Howard University, which in turn flipped it to a development company in 2004, and its now condos. s now condos.
    The former Gage School at 2nd and V Streets NW, now known as Parker Flats, was built in 1904. The District sold it to Howard University, which in turn flipped it to a development company in 2004, and its now condos. s now condos. Credit: By