Over the Rainbow: DCPS Welcomes Class of 2026’s Newest Members 

More than 100 rainbow graduates were honored for their hard work and perseverance this summer 

Earlier this month, DC Public Schools (DCPS) Interim Chancellor Dr. Kim Jackson joined students, educators, and families to celebrate the 2026 Rainbow Graduation. Held at the George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, the ceremony recognized nearly 130 students receiving their diplomas from 15 schools. 

Rainbow Graduation happens each August for students who completed their remaining required coursework during the summer months, or who otherwise missed their school ceremony in the spring.  

For Dr. Jackson, the ceremony ensures that students don’t feel left behind or less successful than their peers. 

“Rainbow graduation is my favorite graduation of the school year because it allows our students who need just a little more time to get all their ducks in a row, to cross that finish line and meet their peers on the other side,” she said. “It is my hope that whatever these scholars dream of, they will go out into the world and achieve it. I know they’ll make themselves proud, their families proud, and our city proud.” 

The ceremony marks the hard-earned conclusion of students’ K-12 academic journeys and honors their perseverance. 

Many of the students used the day to reflect on how far they have come, including Antonio Reddick, a rainbow graduate from Dunbar High School. “It’s a relief,” he said of finally crossing the stage. Reddick’s journey was not linear, and he acknowledged the challenges he and his fellow graduates faced along the way. “No matter how great you’re doing in life, something can hit you, so just be ready to overcome that adversity the right way and not shut down,” he said. 

Reddick hoped his peers know there is no shame in graduating later than other members of their class. “Keep pushing through it…You can still go after what you want to do in life,” Reddick said.  

Cori King, a graduate from McKinley Technology High School, was proud of how far she has come. “It feels very good [to have graduated] because there were times I had doubts if I would get through it,” she said. Surrounded by the cheers of her fellow graduates, she felt an overwhelming sense of unity. “Everyone worked so hard and persevered this summer; it’s pretty inspiring to see how many of us there were up there.”  

DCPS’ Deputy Chancellor of Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, Dr. Drewana Bey, delivered the keynote address prior to Dr. Jackson’s official acceptance of the graduating class on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser. 

Rainbow graduates joined the rest of the nearly 3000 members of DCPS’ Class of 2026, over 2000 of whom will continue to a two or four-year degree program. Nearly 500 will continue their post-secondary journeys with career education, apprenticeship, or employment, and about 50 graduates committed to serving in the United States Armed Forces.