Downey Unified School District has been named a 2026 National Schools to Watch District, a prestigious honor that...
Downey Unified Earns National Recognition for Strong Middle Schools
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News & Announcements
Downey Unified Celebrates Statewide Leadership Recognition and Regional Excellence
Downey Unified School District is proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in district leadership, as Columbus High...
Three Downey Unified Middle Schools Named 2026 California Distinguished Schools
Doty, Griffiths, and Sussman Middle Schools have been officially recognized as 2026 California Distinguished Schools.
Sussman Middle School Officially Designated an IB World School
The IB Middle Years Programme is designed to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring students who are prepared to be lifelong learners and global citizens.
Game On: Downey Unified Esports Championship Showcases Student Talent and Future Opportunities
Downey High Claims Esports Championship in Thrilling Rivalry Matchup
All 20 Downey Unified Schools Earn State PBIS Recognition
We’re proud to share that every Downey Unified school—20 out of 20—has been recognized by California PBIS (CA PBIS) for the successful implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
Downey Unified Celebrates Record-Breaking 449 Students Recognized as 2025 AP Scholars
Districtwide success as Downey and Warren High Schools set new records for AP Scholar recognition We are proud to announce...
Downey Unified Celebrates Record Number of AP Scholars
Downey Unified School District is proud to announce that a record 449 students from Downey and Warren high schools have been recognized as AP Scholars for their outstanding performance on last May’s Advanced Placement (AP) exams. This is the largest number of students in district history to achieve this distinction.
11th Annual State of the Schools Breakfast
We invite our families and the community to attend this year’s informative event on Friday, Oct. 10th.
Downey High School’s EPIC Jazz Choir Earns 3rd Place in the World at European Choir Games
Representing Downey as one of only two teams from the entire United States, Downey High School’s EPIC Jazz Choir has made history.
Downey Unified Administrators Honored with Top ACSA Region 14 Awards
Dr. Cari White and Kathy Nicassio celebrated for leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success
Three Elementary Robotics Team Qualify for State Championship
Out of 19 teams that competed in their first VEX IQ Robotics Tournament (VIQRC), six teams ranked in the top 50 in California, and 10 ranked in the top 100.
Sussman Middle School Named 2025 California & National Schools to Watch
Downey Unified’s four middle schools now hold this state and national designation
Downey Unified Wins Prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award for Transformative Unified Sports Program
This award recognizes our commitment to inclusion and excellence through Unified Sports, promoting belonging for all students.
Three new schools named Apple Distinguished Schools
Now a total of 11 schools across the district honored with this national recognition.
10th Annual State of the Schools Breakfast
We invite our families and the community to attend this year’s informative event on Friday, Oct. 11th.
Students crowned as SkillsUSA National Champions
Competing in various areas of technical and soft skills competitions, eight Downey Unified students have come home as United States SkillsUSA Champions!
Yale-Bound Downey Unified Graduate Receives Prestigious Gates Scholarship
Downey High School senior is one of 750 across US to be selected for full scholarship
2023-24 Commencement/Promotion Schedule
As we close out the school year, we are excited to share the dates, times and locations for each school’s ceremony as we celebrate our students’ achievements!
Congratulations to our FIRST Robotics 2023-24 Winning Teams!
Downey and Warren High robotics teams competed on the worldwide stage by both qualifying for the 2024 FIRST Championship, an international robotics competition.
Griffiths and Stauffer Middle Schools Named California ‘Schools to Watch’
Congratulations to Griffiths and Stauffer middle schools for receiving their second re-designations of this prestigious honor.
2023-24 Open House Schedule
Open House season begins soon and we are excited to welcome our families on campus!
Inclusive Co-Teaching Model in Downey Unified Wins a Golden Bell Award
At the end of November, our district received a prestigious statewide recognition for our Secondary Education and Special Education Departments’ achievements in co-teaching practices.
Downey Unified Teacher Receives State & County Teacher of the Year Honors
Kirsten Neill was named a 2024 California Teacher of the Year Finalist and a 2023-24 Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year.
Downey Unified Once Again featured by Apple Newsroom for Innovative use of Technology
We are very proud to share that our district was once again featured by Apple in their official national newsroom on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
SoFi Stadium’s FIRST EVER high school football game
Shining bright under the lights, Warren Bears and Downey Vikings played a historic game at SoFi stadium, with over 18,000 people in attendance.
Beyond the Classroom: Athletics & Academics in Downey Unified
Being a student-athlete is no easy feat. In Downey Unified, athletes must balance classes, practice, and workouts throughout their day, as well as competitions against other schools and districts. Take a few minutes to read why Downey Unified’s athletic programs are some of the best.
Empowered at a Young Age
Warren High School student flourishes as Entrepreneur
Downey Unified Featured by Apple Newsroom for Innovative use of Technology through Apple Learning Coaches
We are very proud to share that, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, our district was featured by Apple in their official national newsroom on Monday, May 8, 2023.
Expanding Young Women’s Futures in Engineering
Annual Femineer Gala continues to excite and inspire, while showcasing middle and high school student work.
Special Education Director Receives Regional County Honor
Dr. Rebekah Ruswick is the fourth District administrator to receive an ACSA award in the last six years.
Lewis Elementary Takes Trophy at Dale Lostetter Carnival of Champions
Elementary schools from across Downey Unified gathered to participate in a variety of athletic competitions
Downey High Alumnus who discovered Titanic’s final resting place – Bob Ballard
Robert “Bob” Ballard, a retired U.S. Navy Commander and professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, graduated from Downey High School in 1960.