State of California Spotlights Downey Unified’s Progress in Student Achievement

Out of California’s 935 school districts, Downey Unified was selected by the State of California to be highlighted for its progress in improving student outcomes.

Downey Unified Mourns the Loss of Former Board Member Martha Sodetani

On behalf of the Downey Unified Board of Education, both past and present, and our entire Downey Unified community, we are heartbroken by the passing of former Board Member Martha Sodetani. Martha dedicated her life to serving others, and her loss...

Downey and Warren High Schools Rank Among the Nation’s Best

Downey and Warren high schools have once again been recognized among the leading public high schools in California and the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best High Schools rankings. Both campuses placed within the top 16% nationally and approximately the top quarter of ranked California high schools.

E-Bike Safety: Know Before You Ride

Aug 17, 2026

With an increasing number of students riding E-bikes, it’s important for everyone to understand how to ride safely, responsibly, and legally.

Downey Unified Welcomes New Principals for the 2026-27 School Year

Aug 5, 2026

As we prepares to welcome students back for the first day of school on August 13, Downey Unified is excited to introduce several new principals who will be leading schools across the District during the 2026-27 school year.

AVID Students Embark on Summer College Tours

Jul 9, 2026

Downey Unified AVID students spent the summer visiting local colleges, exploring campus life, and discovering pathways to college and career success through hands-on learning experiences.

Awards

Downey High School’s EPIC Jazz Choir Earns 3rd Place in the World at European Choir Games

Jul 16, 2025 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, News & Announcements

Representing Downey as one of only two teams from the entire United States, Downey High School’s EPIC Jazz Choir has made history.

Congratulations Jorge Marquez – Shared Values Award Recipient

May 23, 2025 | Awards & Recognition, News & Announcements

During the May Board of Education meeting, Jorge Marquez, a dedicated bus driver for Downey Unified was recognized with the Shared Values Award in the Area of Best Staff and High Standards. For the last 10 years, Jorge has supported both general...

Downey Unified Administrators Honored with Top ACSA Region 14 Awards

May 8, 2025 | Awards & Recognition, Employee Awards, Featured, Home Page Slideshow

Dr. Cari White and Kathy Nicassio celebrated for leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success

DUSD Celebrates 2025 Mariachi Festival Winners

Apr 29, 2025 | Awards & Recognition, News & Announcements

The sounds of vibrant strings, powerful vocals, and rich cultural heritage echoed throughout Downey as the Downey Unified Mariachi Festival brought the community together for a spirited evening of music and celebration. Held this spring, the...

Downey Unified Wins Prestigious CSBA Golden Bell Award for Transformative Unified Sports Program

Dec 6, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, Home Page Slideshow, News & Announcements, Uncategorized

This award recognizes our commitment to inclusion and excellence through Unified Sports, promoting belonging for all students.

2024 ERP Honor Roll District

Dec 3, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, News & Announcements

Downey Unified has been named an ERP Honor Roll District for 2024, and 13 of our schools received individual Honor Roll recognition. Learn more about it.

Three new schools named Apple Distinguished Schools

Aug 28, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, Home Page Slideshow, News & Announcements, Uncategorized

Now a total of 11 schools across the district honored with this national recognition.

Students crowned as SkillsUSA National Champions

Jul 17, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, Home Page Slideshow, Uncategorized

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

Jul 10, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, Home Page Slideshow, News & Announcements

Downey High School senior is one of 750 across US to be selected for full scholarship

Celebrating Success: 1st Annual Griffiths AVID Banquet!

May 20, 2024 | AVID, Awards & Recognition

Griffiths celebrates its first AVID banquet! Watch the video for banquet highlights. AVID is helping students achieve college dreams.

2023-24 Commencement/Promotion Schedule

May 15, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, News & Announcements

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!

May 15, 2024 | Awards & Recognition, Featured, Home Page Slideshow, News & Announcements, Uncategorized

Downey and Warren High robotics teams competed on the worldwide stage by both qualifying for the 2024 FIRST Championship, an international robotics competition.