The principal speaker at the dedication was Howard University professor John Hope Franklin.

Under his leadership, Spingarn gained a reputation as one of the top black schools in the district.

[10] In late 2021, it was announced that Spingarn High School will be reopened as the new site of the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA).

Spingarn High School had one of DC's most impressive basketball histories and has produced well-known players such as Elgin Baylor, Dave Bing and Sherman Douglas.

Spingarn has played in more City Title games than all but one DC public school and won in 1961, 1980, 1985 and 2000.