The United States Congress allocated $26 million in 1926 for the construction of the existing building at 2nd and T Streets NE, in the Eckington area.

Students focus on one of three courses of study: Engineering, Information Technology (Networking, Computer Science, and Digital Media), or Biotechnology.

Renovations to the older campus and modernization in a manner consistent with its intended role as a technology school were cited as reasons for the delay.

On September 7, 2012 Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan named McKinley a National Blue Ribbon School.

They offer baseball, bowling, boys' basketball (JV and varsity), boys' soccer, cheerleading, cross country, flag football, football, girls' basketball, girls' soccer, indoor track, softball, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball.