Denzel Washington's early life and educational background laid the foundation for his future success.
Birth
December 28, 1954
Denzel Hayes Washington Jr. was born in Mount Vernon, New York, to Lennis Washington, a beauty parlor owner, and Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., an ordained Pentecostal minister.
Pennington-Grimes Elementary School
1968
Washington attended Pennington-Grimes Elementary School in Mount Vernon until 1968.
Oakland Military Academy
1968-1970
At the age of 14, his parents divorced, and his mother sent him to Oakland Military Academy in New Windsor, New York, which he credits with changing his life.
Mainland High School
1970-1971
Washington attended Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Fordham University
1971-1977
He earned a BA in Drama and Journalism from Fordham University, where he played collegiate basketball and later focused on acting.
American Conservatory Theater
Post-1977
Washington attended graduate school at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California, for one year before returning to New York to begin his professional acting career.
