Learn about Drew-Freeman Middle School
Drew-Freeman Middle School is located in District Heights, MD 20747. Built in 1960, the school was formerly named Francis Scott Key Junior High School. In 1995, the school was relocated to LaReine High School, a former all girls’ catholic school.
When the former principal of Francis Scott Key, Dr. Jesse L. Freeman, Jr. died in 1994, the staff wanted to rename the school after him. Dr. Freeman had been instrumental in the implementation of a Science, Mathematics, and Technology center at Francis Scott Key and several other schools in the county.
Dr. Charles Drew was a Washington, D.C. native who developed his passion for medicine after his sister died from pandemic influenza. He improved techniques for blood storage, transfusions. He also developed large-scale blood banks during World War II. Dr. Drew spoke out against racial segregation in blood donations. Dr. Drew was one of a few African-American surgeons during that time.
In order to honor the legacy of both Dr. Freeman and Dr. Drew, Prince George’s County Public Schools decided to rename the school Drew-Freeman.