Dr. Dre Champions Education in Compton with $200 Million High School and State-of-the-Art Performing Arts Center

COMPTON, CA – Hip-hop legend and Compton native Dr. Dre returned to his hometown Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of the city’s brand-new $200 million Compton High School—a milestone that promises to transform the educational landscape for generations to come.

A Vision Realized

The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a crowd of students, families, city officials, and community members, all eager to witness the unveiling of the 31-acre campus. The new Compton High School boasts cutting-edge facilities, including a 140,639-square-foot academic building, a 36,534-square-foot gymnasium, a half-size Olympic pool, and lush landscaping featuring California native plants.

But the crown jewel of the campus is the 40,868-square-foot Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center—made possible by Dr. Dre’s generous $10 million donation. The center stands as a testament to his commitment to nurturing creativity and talent within the community that shaped him.

A Personal Commitment

Taking the stage at the ceremony, Dr. Dre—born Andre Young—couldn’t help but smile at the massive mural of his face adorning the new arts center. “It was not my idea for my head to be as big as that on the side of this building,” he joked, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Reflecting on his journey, Dre shared, “This was a commitment of time, resource and heart. It took a long time. It actually took me a long time to get this going.” He expressed immense pride in seeing his city rally around such an ambitious project.

Investing in the Next Generation

The new high school, funded through a 2015 district bond measure, is set to welcome more than 1,800 students this August. District leaders and city officials, including Superintendent Darin Brawley and Mayor Emma Sharif, joined Dr. Dre at the event to mark this new chapter for Compton’s youth.

Dr. Dre’s dedication to education and the arts is well-documented. In addition to pledging royalties from his 2015 “Compton” album to support the new center, Dre and longtime collaborator Jimmy Iovine opened a magnet public school in South Los Angeles in 2022 and have contributed $70 million to USC for a new academy.

A Lasting Legacy

Though he once attended Centennial High, just a few miles away, Dr. Dre’s heart has remained with Compton. His investment in the city’s future is more than just financial—it’s a symbol of hope, possibility, and the enduring power of giving back.

As Compton High prepares to welcome its first class this fall, the community celebrates not just a new building, but a new era—one where dreams are nurtured, talent is celebrated, and the next generation is inspired to reach even greater heights.