[4][5] It was one of the nation's first high schools for African Americans and represents an important development of Washington's education system.

The dual school system created disparities in facilities, grounds, architectural design and size.

However, the school provided a rigorous curriculum and an extraordinary faculty because of the limited professional opportunities for African Americans.

Among the many teachers was Carter G. Woodson who taught French, Spanish, English, and history, and Christian Fleetwood, a recipient of the Medal of Honor.

Then in 1928, Shaw moved to the Mckinley Manual Technical School building at 7th and Rhode Island Avenue, NW.