Our School
A Message from Our Principal
Dear Future Vikings,
The staff is thrilled to welcome you to Downey High School! We can’t wait for you to dive into our innovative programs and amazing opportunities. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer exciting courses like Engineering, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Automotive Technology, Computer Science, Bio-Medical, and Food Science, Dietetics & Nutrition, giving you the skills to shine in the 21st century.
At Downey, every Viking is prepared for college and career success. With countless sports teams, clubs, and activities, you’ll find your passion and make lasting memories. Our goal is to help you connect with our school and community in meaningful ways.
Be adventurous! Explore what excites and inspires you. Try new classes, join clubs, and participate in sports or activities. Our counselors and staff are here to help you discover your passions and guide you through your high school journey. The more you put into your time at Downey, the more rewarding it will be.
Downey Vikings embrace 21st-century challenges with cutting-edge technology while honoring our traditions. I am honored to be your principal and look forward to working with you to make Downey High School the best high school in Downey.
Welcome to Downey High School- Go Vikes!
Vike Vibe,
Tom Houts
Principal, Downey High School
Our Vision
All students graduate with a 21st century education that ensures they are college and career ready, globally competitive, and citizens of strong character.
Our Mission
The Downey High School community is committed to developing empathetic citizens of strong character in a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where behavioral, social, and academic success are equally important.
Schoolwide Learner Outcomes
Our History
At the turn of the century, Downey was a small agricultural community. There were enough boys and girls of high school age that a group of citizens got together and organized what was then called Los Nietos Valley Union High School. On August 16, 1901, Los Nietos Valley High School became the eleventh high school in the Los Angeles County School System.
Before the building was ready for use, classes were held for 45 students in the auditorium of a grammar school. The faculty consisted of one principal, A.E. Farlington and one teacher, Miss Gertrude Smith. The first graduating class of 1904 had four students who received their diplomas. The course of study for the first few years was a college prerequisite curriculum, but in 1911, a commercial course was offered for students which enabled them to work immediately after graduation.
The name of the school was changed to Downey Union High School in 1919. The following year, the school got its first bus, since the only previous transportation had been supplied through Mrs. Van Matre, who used her car to bring students who lived within a mile of the school. In 1926-1927, the original building was condemned as a fire hazard and torn down. A gymnasium was built on the site. In turn, the gymnasium was demolished in 1957/1958, and Walker Hall constructed in its place. It was named in honor of William H Walker, a retired teacher and former superintendent. The first building for junior high school students was built in 1929-1930, which is the present “R” building. The senior and junior high schools were combined on a single campus in 1951-1952.
Because agricultural lands were given away to residential sub-divisions, more schools were needed. The first separate junior high school was South Junior High School, dedicated on May 1, 1952, teaching about half the students in grades seven, eight, and nine. The remaining half of the students stayed in what was then called Central Junior High School.
In 1953, these student moved away to become North Junior High School (Griffiths Middle School). In 1954, the third junior high school, East Junior High School was formed. In 1957, a second senior high school, Earl Warren High School, and a fourth junior high school, West Junior High School opened their doors. A fifth junior high school, Woodruff Junior High School, opened in September, 1959. On July 1, 1961, the Downey Union High School District was merged with the four elementary districts to form the Downey Union School District.