Monday was the first day back to school for students in D.C. Public Schools -- and the first day ever for those at the District's new school for boys.
The Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Northeast is the District's first boys-only school and the first school to focus on young men of color.
The boys came to school Monday in coats and ties, the required uniform at the school.
"It's another high standard for me," said Absalom Bolling, one of the 110 students who started at the school Monday. "You have to wear a suit and tie to school. That's professional. That shows that people hold a higher expectation for me, and that's something I want to step up to."
The school is opening with some controversy. The ACLU has said the school discriminates against girls, but the D.C. attorney general says the school doesn't violate any laws.
DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson at the school's opening that the school district is looking at what might work in a girls-only school, too.
"We're not a one-size-fits-all school district," Henderson said. "Because something might work for some of our young people doesn't mean it will work for all of our young people."
There's still a lot of work to do inside the school. The school system says the school is ready to open, but added that the building is a three-year construction project.
Meanwhile, Mayor Muriel Bowser still has a very important position to fill.
D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson is stepping down from her position next month. Her last day will be Sept. 30.
The move does not come as a surprise; Henderson has said she planned to leave DCPS, although she had previously said she would remain until 2017.
She has been with DCPS for nine years, taking over as chancellor in 2010 after serving as deputy chancellor under Michelle Rhee.
Officials will launch a nationwide search for a new chancellor in the fall. John Davis will serve as interim chancellor; he most recently held the role of DCPS' Chief of Schools, Bowser said.
Monday is also the first day of schools for students in Anne Arundel and Frederick counties. See other back-to-school dates for public school students in the D.C. area here.
