Dr. Dre Unveils $200 Million Compton High School, Featuring State-of-the-Art Performing Arts Center Bearing His Name

Compton, California – In a historic moment for his hometown, hip-hop icon and business mogul Dr. Dre has officially opened the doors to the brand-new $200 million Compton High School, a groundbreaking campus designed to empower future generations both academically and creatively.

The grand opening ceremony on May 14 drew a crowd of excited students, proud educators, local leaders, and community members, all eager to witness the unveiling of a 31-acre campus that redefines what’s possible in public education. Among the highlights: a world-class Performing Arts Center, funded by Dr. Dre’s personal $10 million donation and now bearing his name—a lasting tribute to his passion for uplifting youth through music and the arts.

The new Compton High School boasts cutting-edge classrooms, a full-size gymnasium, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool, setting a new benchmark for educational facilities in the region. For Dr. Dre—born Andre Young, and a Compton native—the project is the realization of a long-held dream.

“This isn’t just a school—it’s a launchpad for innovation and creativity,” Dr. Dre shared with ABC News. “We dreamed about a place like this, and today it stands as a reality for every student in this city.”

During his heartfelt address, Dr. Dre spoke about the resilience and determination that defined his own journey from Compton’s streets to global stardom, emphasizing how grit combined with opportunity can spark greatness. “I want every student here to dream bigger than they ever thought possible—because I did, and look where it brought me,” he encouraged.

The new campus replaces the original Compton High School, which had served the community since 1896. Construction began in 2021 as part of a major revitalization effort to transform educational opportunities in Compton.

With this monumental investment, Dr. Dre continues to give back to the community that shaped him, inspiring a new generation of leaders, innovators, and artists to reach for their dreams—and reminding the world that greatness can start anywhere.