Washington, DC – On Monday, August 24 at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser will join officials from DC Public Schools (DCPS) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) to celebrate the first day of school at the newly renamed John R. Thompson, Jr. High School in Ward 3. This event will also mark the official ribbon-cutting for the school’s recent expansion, welcoming students back for the 2026-27 school year.
The campus, formerly known as MacArthur High School, has undergone significant renovations and now honors John R. Thompson, Jr., a notable Washingtonian, Georgetown basketball coach, and advocate for racial justice. The newly dedicated school aims to foster a sense of community and pride among students and residents alike.
The expansion increases the school’s capacity to accommodate up to 800 students in grades 9 through 12. New facilities include an entire floor dedicated to science classrooms, two art rooms, two music classrooms, administrative spaces, technology-equipped learning environments, and an outdoor classroom designed to enhance the educational experience.
This investment reflects Mayor Bowser’s ongoing commitment to modernizing educational facilities throughout the District. Since 2015, nearly $5 billion has been allocated to improving school infrastructure, aiming to create supportive learning environments that not only benefit students but also strengthen local neighborhoods.
The ceremony will be attended by prominent figures including Councilmember Matt Frumin, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn, and Interim Chancellor of DC Public Schools Dr. Kim Jackson, among others. Community members and press are invited to join the celebration, which will also be live-streamed on various platforms, including the Mayor’s official website and social media channels.
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