Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paul Laurence Dunbar High School |
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| Address | |
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1400 Orleans Street
, 21231
United States
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| Coordinates | 39°17′42″N 76°35′56″W / 39.29512°N 76.59876°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public magnet high school |
| Motto | "Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow" |
| Founded | 1918 |
| School district | Baltimore City Public Schools |
| School number | 414 |
| CEEB code | 210170 |
| NCES School ID | 240009000298 |
| Principal | Yetunde Reeves |
| Teaching staff | 43 FTE (2022-23) |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 1,067 (2022-23) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.33 (2022-23) |
| Campus type | Urban |
| Color(s) | Maroon and gold |
| Athletics conference | MPSSAA 1A |
| Mascot | Owl |
| Team name | The Poets (boys) Lady Poets (girls) |
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School is a public high school in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. It's known for its strong academic programs and successful sports teams. The school's motto is "Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow."
Contents
School History
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School first opened in 1918. It started as an elementary school, Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School, No. 101. At that time, schools in the area were separated by race. This system was ended by 1954. The school was named after Paul Laurence Dunbar, a famous African-American poet who had passed away 12 years before the school opened.
In 1925, the school's name changed to Dunbar Junior High School, No. 133. By 1940, Dunbar became a high school. It was the second school for African-Americans in Baltimore to give out high school diplomas.
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After many years of use, the main high school building was closed for big renovations in the summer of 2007. Students went to a temporary school nearby. The renovations cost $32 million and were finished in August 2009. The updated school got new science and robotics labs, wider hallways, bigger windows, a new cafeteria, and a new library.
Academics and Programs
Dunbar High School is a special type of school called a magnet school. This means it offers unique programs that focus on certain subjects. Students can choose to study:
- Biotechnology
- Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Health care delivery systems
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Dunbar High School as a "Bronze Medal School." This award shows that the school does a great job helping students succeed.
Athletics and Teams
Dunbar's sports teams are called "the Poets," and their mascot is an Owl. The school offers many different sports for students.
Boys' Varsity Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
- Wrestling
Girls' Varsity Sports
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Softball
- Volleyball
Coed Varsity Sports
- Cross country
- Swimming
- Indoor track and field
- Outdoor track and field
Football Success
In 1993, the Baltimore City Public Schools joined a larger statewide sports group called the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA). Since then, the Dunbar football team has won many state championships. They won in:
- 1994
- 1995
- 2004
- 2006
- 2007
- 2008
- 2012
- 2013
- 2017
- 2021
Basketball Success
Since 1993, the boys' basketball team has won the State Championship 15 times! They were also named National Champions in 1983, 1985, and 1992. The girls' basketball team, known as the Lady Poets, has also done very well, winning the state title in:
- 2000
- 2001
- 2002
- 2003
- 2011
- 2012
Community Partnerships
Dunbar High School works with an organization called Thread. This group helps high school students by providing one-on-one tutoring and support. If a student is struggling, Thread mentors can help them with schoolwork and personal challenges. This partnership helps students stay in school and succeed.
Notable Alumni
Many successful people have graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
Business and Industry
- Reginald F. Lewis: He was a very important business leader, serving as Chairman & CEO of TLC Beatrice Foods International.
Politics and Government
- Robert M. Bell: He was the Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals, which is the highest court in Maryland.
- Clarence "Tiger" Davis: He served in the Maryland House of Delegates, helping to make laws for the state.
- Ken Harris: He was a member of the Baltimore City Council.
Music
- Tupac Shakur: A famous rapper and actor (attended 9th grade).
- Ultra Nate: A well-known musician (class of 1986).
Film and Television
- D. Watkins: A New York Times Bestselling author and writer for HBO.
Sports
NFL Players
- Calvin Williams: Former wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Tommy Polley: Linebacker for teams like the St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens.
- Bob Wade: Defensive back for the Washington Redskins.
- Tavon Austin: Wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Delano Johnson: Defensive lineman for the Houston Texans.
- Alfonzo Graham: Running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NBA Players
- Muggsy Bogues
- Sam Cassell
- Kurk Lee
- Reggie Lewis
- Reggie Williams
- David Wingate
- Skip Wise
- Keith Booth
- Terry Dozier
Notable Staff
Some coaches at Dunbar have also gone on to achieve great things.
- Keith Booth: He has been an assistant coach for men's basketball teams at the University of Maryland and Loyola University Maryland.
- Bob Wade: He was the head coach of the University of Maryland men's basketball team. He was the first African-American head basketball coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Sam Cassell: He is an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics.
