Mayor Bowser Dedicates Dorothy I. Height Elementary School in Ward 4 Following $63 Million Modernization

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, members of the school community, and District and community leaders to celebrate the completion of a $63 million modernization of Dorothy I. Height Elementary School (DHES) in Ward 4. Named for the renowned civil rights and women's rights activist and longtime Washingtonian, the reimagined 86,000-square-foot campus offers students a vibrant, state-of-the-art learning environment that reflects Dr. Height's lifelong commitment to opportunity, service, and educational excellence.
"We are so proud to dedicate the modernized Dorothy I. Height Elementary School," said Mayor Bowser. "Today is a reminder and a celebration of how far we've come together and the opportunities we continue to create for our children. This beautiful school is a wonderful way to honor the legacy of Dr. Height."

The modernized school opened at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, welcoming nearly 400 students into reimagined learning spaces that include a new playground, rooftop activity area, all-electric kitchen, and modern cafeteria. The project has already received multiple industry awards for its innovative design and construction.

"It is an honor to lead a school district that keeps Dr. Dorothy Height's legacy alive through students and educators who strive for excellence in learning and teaching," said Chancellor Ferebee. "The modernization of Dorothy I. Height Elementary School provides scholars with a learning facility that will empower them to succeed academically while preserving Dr. Height's historic legacy in the nation's capital."

Dr. Height was a trailblazing civil rights and women's rights leader who spent her life fighting for equality, economic opportunity, and political participation. In recognition of her lifelong contributions for African American women and families, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton in 1994. She served as the 10th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated from 1944 to 1956 and the fourth president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) from 1957 to 1998, when she became Chair and President Emeritus. Both organizations continue to advance her vision of leadership, empowerment, and educational access.

"Dr. Height's legacy reminds us that leadership is rooted in responsibility. As members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, we honor her example by serving our communities with purpose and pride," said Nicole Jordan, President of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. "Today's dedication celebration helps to ensure that her spirit of scholarship and service lives on through every student who walks the school's halls for years to come."

"The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) was led by iconic civil rights activist Dr. Dorothy Irene Height for over 40 years. During her tenure as President and National Chair, Dr. Height invested heavily in the D.C. community." said NCNW National Chair Dr. Lois Keith. "Her presidency made improving education a cornerstone of our mission, especially in the nation's capital, and we are heartened to see Washington DC's leaders committed to remaining a national model for progress. This building is a beautiful homage to a shared vision."

Since 2015, Mayor Bowser has invested more than $3.6 billion to modernize schools across all eight wards, including over $750 million in Ward 4 alone. Ward 4 schools modernized under her leadership include Truesdell Elementary School (2025), Dorothy I. Height Elementary School (2024), Raymond Elementary School (2023), Military Road Early Learning Center (2021), Lewis Elementary School (2021), Coolidge High School (2019), Ida B. Wells Middle School (2019), MacFarland Middle School (2018), Powell Elementary School (2017), Lafayette Elementary School (2016), and Roosevelt High School (2016).

The FY26 budget includes an additional $197 million for school modernizations and renovations in Ward 4, including planned projects at Barnard Elementary School, LaSalle-Backus Elementary School, and Whittier Elementary School, continuing the Bowser Administration's commitment to ensuring every child can attend a modern, high-quality school close to home.

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