John R. Thompson Jr. High School in Washington, D.C., reopened its doors in August 2024 after a $91 million renovation, now bearing the name of the former Georgetown University men’s basketball coach who passed away in 2020.
The school, which had been known as MacArthur High School, previously served only first‑year and sophomore students until the 2023‑2024 academic year; it now enrolls more than 390 learners and boasts a capacity of 800, reflecting a substantial expansion of its learning environment.
The renovation introduced state‑of‑the‑art science laboratories, art studios and music classrooms, while preserving the school’s historic character and reinforcing its role as a community hub.
Renovation and Community Impact
The decision to rename the institution came from J.P. Scymcowicz, a Northwest D.C. neighborhood commissioner, who described Thompson as a local hero whose contributions to education and social justice made him a natural choice for the school’s new identity.
Thompson’s coaching career at Georgetown spanned from 1972 to 1999, during which he led the Hoyas to a 1984 national championship and six Big East tournament titles, establishing him as one of the most celebrated figures in college basketball history.
Beyond the hardwood, Thompson was an outspoken advocate for Black athletes, famously walking off the court in 1989 to protest NCAA regulations that disadvantaged low‑income players and championing greater access to higher education for marginalized students.
His dedication to academic success was evident in a 97% graduation rate among his players, underscoring a philosophy that linked athletic achievement with personal and professional development.
The partnership behind the school’s transformation includes Georgetown University, the District of Columbia Public Schools and local leadership, illustrating a coordinated effort to promote diversity, equity and academic excellence in the city’s public education system.
As the newly renamed Thompson High School welcomes an expanding student body, its story continues to reflect the coach’s enduring influence on basketball, education and the pursuit of social justice.