Ujamaa School

Ujamaa School, an independent non-profit Afrikan community school, was founded and organized in 1968 by Baba El Senzengakulu Zulu.
El Senzengakulu Zulu was one of the organizers of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee.
It was also during that time that Baba Zulu worked closely with leaders of civil rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medger Ever., James Fornian, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Marion Barry, and Fannie Lou Hammer.
He worked along side others throughout the south to help organize the Freedom Rides.
Ujima Va IJjamaa school was founded to provide an institutional base that would ensure Afrikan children the development ofa strong, positive self-image, a valid value system, and the achievement of academic excellence.
lJjamaa's program provides for training in all facets of life.
Character, independence, self-sufficiency and positive approaches to meeting life's challenges are built into the school's program.
The overall program is geared to develop the total being, to help each child reach his or her ultimate goal and to develop to their highest potential.
Based on Baba Zulu's belief that we must do for self, in May 1968 lijamaa Shule was born.
Later, several other committed and dedicated brothers and sisters such as Mama Rose Pringle, Akbar, Mama Almasi, Mwata and Nkechi Namtambu, Hamid, Askia, Mama Khadijah, Baba Rasafik, Baba Ngoma and others came to help strengthen Ujamaa.
lijaniaa Shule began at 904 Florida Avenue, NW., next door to the old site of Ujamaa Bookstore, with only three watoto.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Enrollment: 63 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Ujamaa School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for:

Category
Attribute
School History
School Resources

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-9
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50

Student Body

Total Students
63 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
Ujamaa School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Endowment Size
$50 million

School Notes

  • School Motto: 'Truth and Honor'
  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
  • Ujamaa School, an independent non-profit Afrikan community school, was founded and organized in 1968 by Baba El Senzengakulu Zulu. El Senzengakulu Zulu was one of the organizers of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. It was also during that time that Baba Zulu worked closely with leaders of civil rights movement such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Medger Ever., James Fornian, Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson, Marion Barry, and Fannie Lou Hammer. He worked along side others throughout the south to help organize the Freedom Rides. Ujima Va IJjamaa school was founded to provide an institutional base that would ensure Afrikan children the development ofa strong, positive self-image, a valid value system, and the achievement of academic excellence. lJjamaa's program provides for training in all facets of life. Character, independence, self-sufficiency and positive approaches to meeting life's challenges are built into the school's program. The overall program is geared to develop the total being, to help each child reach his or her ultimate goal and to develop to their highest potential. Based on Baba Zulu's belief that we must do for self, in May 1968 lijamaa Shule was born. Later, several other committed and dedicated brothers and sisters such as Mama Rose Pringle, Akbar, Mama Almasi, Mwata and Nkechi Namtambu, Hamid, Askia, Mama Khadijah, Baba Rasafik, Baba Ngoma and others came to help strengthen Ujamaa. lijaniaa Shule began at 904 Florida Avenue, NW., next door to the old site of Ujamaa Bookstore, with only three watoto.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • John Doe, Nobel Laureate -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Ujamaa School cost?
Ujamaa School's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Ujamaa School?
The acceptance rate of Ujamaa School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 47%.
Who are famous alumni from Ujamaa School?
Ujamaa School famous alumni include: John Doe, Nobel Laureate.
What is Ujamaa School's ranking?
Ujamaa School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in District Of Columbia for: Highest percentage of students of color, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Ujamaa School?
The application deadline for Ujamaa School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Ujamaa School located?
Ujamaa School is located in the Northwest Washington neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are 55 other private schools located in Northwest Washington.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
This is an excellent school. It has high academic standards but in a loving environment. Teachers have high expectations and treat your children like their own. History taught from an African perspective is priceless and you won`t find it anywhere else. I highly recommend this school.
- Posted by
5  
My daughter went there in 9th grade in 1992 and it was the best year of her learning in school.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Top Ranked DC School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Enrollment: 63 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Washington, DC is $28,855 for elementary schools and $35,286 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Washington, DC is 47% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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