Banneker Admissions Overview

Banneker admissions, step by step.

Start with who can apply and how the application works. Then check what each part asks for.

Checked against Banneker's published admissions pages on November 5, 2026.

Who can apply

Who can apply.

Confirm the rules before planning anything else.

Entry grades: Banneker accepts applications for Grade 9 and Grade 10 only.
Grade 10 seats: Grade 10 interviews are held only if there are available seats for the upcoming school year.
How admission works: Admission is based on meeting specific criteria, not a random lottery. The My School DC lottery is where eligible applicants are matched.
DC residency: DC public school enrollment requires proof of DC residency. Check My School DC's residency page for what counts and for families who do not live in the District.
What Banneker looks for: Banneker says it looks for achievers with a passion for learning, a commitment to community, and who work through challenges, and that the most successful applicants show tenacity through achievement on their GPA.

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Check My School DC's residency page early. It lists what counts as proof.
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If a rule on a page and a rule in this guide disagree, trust the source page and ask My School DC in writing.

The application

Where to apply: A My School DC application is required for DCPS selective high schools, and it includes an extra section with school-specific items. The application cannot be submitted until all required information is in.
How many schools: A student can apply to up to 12 high schools on the My School DC application.
Ranking: The order in which a family ranks schools does not affect the chance of acceptance to a selective school.
Report cards: Banneker's listing on My School DC asks for report cards: the final report card from the prior year and the first quarter report card from the current year. The listing on the page we reviewed is labeled for the SY2026-27 requirements, so confirm the exact years when the next listing is posted.
Essays: Two essays are required: one submitted online in the My School DC application (character limit 5,000), and one written in person on site.
Recommendations: Recommendations are completed online through My School DC: English teacher, Math teacher, and Counselor or Administrator. Banneker's rubric describes three recommendations, from the Principal, Assistant Principal or School Counselor and the Math and ELA teachers.
Process: Banneker's admissions process is application review, an in-person on-site essay, and a family interview. No entrance exam is listed.

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