(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser is set to celebrate the first day of school at the newly renamed John R. Thompson, Jr. High School in Ward 3 on Monday, August 24 at 11 am. This significant event will also mark the official ribbon-cutting for the school’s recent expansion, a project that underscores the District’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities across Washington, DC.
Previously known as MacArthur High School, the institution has been renamed to honor John R. Thompson, Jr., a notable Washingtonian and Georgetown basketball coach recognized for his advocacy for racial justice. The celebration will not only welcome students back as they embark on the 2026-27 school year but will also formally dedicate the expanded campus, which is now capable of accommodating up to 800 students in grades 9 through 12.
The expansion includes an entire floor dedicated to new science classrooms, two art rooms, two music classrooms, an administrative space, and technology-equipped learning environments, including an outdoor classroom. This investment is part of Mayor Bowser’s broader efforts to modernize school facilities across the District, with nearly $5 billion allocated to such improvements since 2015.
The event will feature key figures in education and local government, including Councilmember Matt Frumin, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, and Dr. Antoinette S. Mitchell, State Superintendent of Education. Attendees can find the school located at 4530 MacArthur Blvd NW, with nearby bus routes D94 and C85 providing access. The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment will also provide a live feed of the celebration, allowing residents to participate virtually through various platforms.
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