Education

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Summer students make their way along the Georgetown University campus, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 22, 2014. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

Ballou Band Director Darrell Watson, left, becomes emotional as builders invite him in to see the new band room in the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Watson's band room is currently in the basement of the aging Ballou and is dark with no natural lighting. According to an official at the school it has mice, smells badly, and is cold. "Dreams do come true," Said Watson, "If I could make champaign with the kool-aid like I have before...I'll just have to add caviar to it. I'm ready to move in now." Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Ballou Band Director Darrell Watson becomes emotional as builders invite him in to see the new band room in the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Watson's band room is currently in the basement of the aging Ballou and is dark with no natural lighting. According to an official at the school it has mice, smells badly, and is cold. "Dreams do come true," Said Watson, "If I could make champaign with the kool-aid like I have before...I'll just have to add caviar to it. I'm ready to move in now." Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Construction workers listen as Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Construction workers listen as Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingâ€™s steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features â€œgreenâ€ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Ballou Band Director Darrell Watson becomes emotional as builders invite him in to see the new band room in the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Watson's band room is currently in the basement of the aging Ballou and is dark with no natural lighting. According to an official at the school it has mice, smells badly, and is cold. "Dreams do come true," Said Watson, "If I could make champaign with the kool-aid like I have before...I'll just have to add caviar to it. I'm ready to move in now." Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Ballou Band Director Darrell Watson becomes emotional as builders invite him in to see the new band room in the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Watson's band room is currently in the basement of the aging Ballou and is dark with no natural lighting. According to an official at the school it has mice, smells badly, and is cold. "Dreams do come true," Said Watson, "If I could make champaign with the kool-aid like I have before...I'll just have to add caviar to it. I'm ready to move in now." Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Workers stand at the construction site of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Ballou Band Director Darrell Watson becomes emotional as builders invite him in to see the new band room in the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Watson's band room is currently in the basement of the aging Ballou and is dark with no natural lighting. According to an official at the school it has mice, smells badly, and is cold. "Dreams do come true," Said Watson, "If I could make champaign with the kool-aid like I have before...I'll just have to add caviar to it. I'm ready to move in now." Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Hess Senior Project Manager Aaron Mengel, third from right, leads a tour of the auditorium of the new Ballou High School following a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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14 year olds enrolled in the Ballou Summer Bridge Program for rising 9th grade students listen to Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speak at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingâ€™s steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features â€œgreenâ€ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray looks at building renderings during a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray speaks at a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern Ballou High School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingâ€™s steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features â€œgreenâ€ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, center, walks through the ongoing construction of Ballou High School following a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the new modern School in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Councilmember Marion Barry (Ward 8), left, and Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, center, sign a poster for those who have had a part in making the new Ballou High School building during a ceremony celebrating the topping out of the steel frame of the school in Ward 8 which is set to finish phase 1 of construction by December 2014, Washington, D.C., Tuesday, July 15, 2014. Topping out of the buildingÕs steel frame signifies that the structural components of the building are complete and marks the fact that the construction team is now less than six months away from substantial completion of Phase 1 of the modernization project. The new Ballou Senior High School will feature a new design that will make it one of the finest academic facilities in the United States. The design for the new Ballou features ÒgreenÓ energy-efficient systems as well as high-tech, multi-media data projectors; classroom sound-enhancement systems; and flexible, student-focused learning environments with advanced computer and science labs. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)