Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School or Phelps A.C.E. High School is a public high school in the northeast quadrant of the District of Columbia, United States. The school is often considered a prime example of the school investment program currently occurring in DC.
Serving 310 students in grades 9-12, Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in District Of Columbia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 22%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 31%).
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the District Of Columbia state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 87% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 310 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 20% in DC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in District Of Columbia for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School's student population of 310 students has grown by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
310 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1912
School Rankings
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 220 schools in District Of Columbia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School is 0.20, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#118 out of 220 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
22%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
31%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
10%
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
8%
19%
Black
89%
63%
White
1%
13%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
76%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
10%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School's ranking?
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School is ranked #118 out of 220 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in District Of Columbia.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 22% DC state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 31% DC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School?
The graduation rate of Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School is 90-94%, which is higher than the District Of Columbia state average of 76%.
How many students attend Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School?
310 students attend Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
89% of Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School?
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the District Of Columbia state average of 11:1.
What grades does Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School offer ?
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School part of?
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School is part of District Of Columbia School District.
In what neighborhood is Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School located?
Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School is located in the Northeast Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 64 other public schools located in Northeast Washington.
School Calendar
View the Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
August 25, 2025 (Monday)
School Reviews
5 12/27/2021
This is the Best High School in Washington DC!!! The leadership, administration & students are great! Great culture thank & academics!!!
Review Phelps Architecture Construction And Engineering High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.