It was one of the first schools in Washington to open after Congress authorized the education of African Americans.

[2] The students who attended school came from the neighborhood, traveled from other parts of upper Northwest Washington, as well as from Montgomery County, Maryland.

The building is faced with red brick and is accented by stucco panels and limestone trim.

The large banks of multi-paned windows are located on the front and the sides of the building for maximum lighting.

The gently flared hipped roof features wide scrolled eaves, and is topped by an octagonal shaped cupola.