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 the city of Baltimore, Maryland. It is named after a famous African-American poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar. The school is known for its special academic programs and its amazing sports teams.
Contents
History of the School
Dunbar High School first opened in 1918 as an elementary school. At that time, schools in Baltimore were segregated, which meant that Black and white students had to attend separate schools. Dunbar was part of the "colored schools" system for African-American students.
The school was named after Paul Laurence Dunbar, a celebrated poet who had died 12 years earlier. In 1925, the school became a junior high, and by 1940, it had grown into a high school. It was the second high school in Baltimore to give diplomas to African-American students.
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After many years of use, the school building needed an upgrade. In 2007, the school was closed for a huge renovation that cost $32 million. Students attended classes at a nearby elementary school during this time. The newly updated school opened in 2009 with cool new features like modern science and robotics labs, a new library, and a bigger cafeteria.
Academics and Special Programs
Dunbar is a magnet school. This means it is a public school that attracts students by offering special programs focused on certain subjects. Students at Dunbar can choose to study unique topics like:
- Biotechnology (using living things to make useful products)
- Emergency Medical Technology (EMT)
- Accounting
- Nursing
- Health Care
Because of its strong academic programs, Dunbar High School has been recognized as a Bronze Medal School by U.S. News & World Report, a company that ranks schools and hospitals.
Sports at Dunbar
Dunbar's sports teams are a huge part of the school's pride. The school's mascot is an Owl, and the teams are called the Poets for boys and the Lady Poets for girls.
The school offers many sports, including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, softball, and volleyball. They also have coed teams for cross country, swimming, and track and field.
Football Powerhouse
The Dunbar Poets football team is one of the best in Maryland. In 1993, Baltimore City schools joined the MPSSAA, which organizes state championships. Since then, the Dunbar football team has won the state title many times, including in 1994, 1995, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2017, and 2021.
Basketball Champions
The school's basketball program is legendary. The boys' team has won the state championship fifteen times since 1993. They were so good that they were even named National Champions in 1983, 1985, and 1992.
The girls' basketball team, the Lady Poets, are also champions. They won the state title six times, including four years in a row from 2000 to 2003.
Helping the Community
Dunbar works with an organization called Thread. This group, started by people from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, helps students who might be struggling in school. Mentors from Thread work one-on-one with students, giving them tutoring and support to help them succeed and graduate.
Famous People from Dunbar
Many famous and successful people have walked the halls of Dunbar High School as students, teachers, or coaches.
Famous Alumni
- Tupac Shakur, a world-famous rapper and actor, attended Dunbar for his first year of high school.
- Reginald F. Lewis, a very successful businessman.
- Robert M. Bell, became the Chief Judge of Maryland's highest court.
- D. Watkins, a bestselling author and writer for the TV network HBO.
- Ultra Nate, a popular musician.
Stars in the NFL
- Tavon Austin, wide receiver for teams like the Dallas Cowboys.
- Tommy Polley, linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens.
- Calvin Williams, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Legends of the NBA
Dunbar is famous for producing many NBA players, including:
Notable Staff and Coaches
- Bob Wade, coached the Dunbar basketball team and later became the head coach for the University of Maryland. He was the first African-American head basketball coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Sam Cassell, a former student and NBA star, returned to Dunbar and later became an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics.
- Keith Booth, another former student and NBA player, also came back to coach at Dunbar.
