Our School
A Message from Our Principal
Dear Vikings,
Welcome to Downey High School! It is an honor to welcome you to a school where every student is valued, challenged, and supported. Our staff is excited to partner with you during this important chapter, and we are committed to providing an environment where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
At Downey High School, we believe every student deserves access to exceptional opportunities that prepare them for college, career, and life. Whether your interests are in Math, Science, English, JROTC, the Arts, Athletics, Career Technical Education, or one of our many clubs and student organizations, you will find opportunities to discover your passions, develop your talents, and build lifelong friendships.
We are proud of our tradition of excellence while embracing innovation and preparing students for the future. Our diverse community is one of our greatest strengths, and we celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and perspectives that every student brings to campus. Together, we foster a culture of respect, belonging, and high expectations where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
I encourage you to get involved, challenge yourself, and take advantage of everything Downey High School has to offer. Actively participate in your educational experience and embrace the learning process while building meaningful relationships within the school community. Never hesitate to ask for support. The more you invest in your high school experience, the more rewarding it will become.
I am honored to serve as your principal and look forward to working alongside our students, families, staff, and community as we continue building a school where every student is empowered to learn, lead, and make a positive impact.
We can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.
Go Vikes!
Vike Vibe,
Adrian Quintero
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.
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.
In 1903, the first building at Second and Church Streets, where Walker Hall now stands, was formed. The original cornerstone of this building is now preserved in front of the Viking Tower. 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.
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Schoolwide Learner Outcomes
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