News & Announcements
DUSD Celebrates 2025 Mariachi Festival Winners
The sounds of vibrant strings, powerful vocals, and rich cultural heritage echoed throughout Downey as the Downey Unified...
2025 Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival Information
This free community mariachi event will feature performances by SoCal student mariachi groups (6th grade through college).
Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.) is Expanding to Unsworth
We are thrilled to announce that our Global Language Academies of Downey (G.L.A.D.) will expand to a new location – Unsworth Elementary School!
Awards
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.
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.
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.
Employee Award – Chris Nezzer
Chris Nezzer, Downey Unified’s Chief Technology Officer, received the Shared Values Award in the area of Best Staff and High Standards at the January Board of Education Meeting.
Sussman Middle School Earns Global Designation!
Our district is proud to announce that Sussman Middle School is now an IB Candidate School* for the Middle Years Programme!
2022 Graduation/Promotion Photos & Livestream Recordings
We are very excited to be able to celebrate our student! Please see below for a schedule of the upcoming ceremonies and the livestream information for those who are unable to attend in person.
Columbus High School Named 2022 Model Continuation High School
Columbus High School is one of 36 schools across the state of California recognized for 2022.
Downey Unified Alumnus Elected as First Latina President by Harvard Law Review
Priscila Coronado attended Rio San Gabriel Elementary, Doty Middle School and graduated in the top three percent of her class in 2015 from Downey High School.
Alumna del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Downey elegida como la primera presidenta Latina de Harvard Law Review – Priscila Coronado asistió a las escuelas Rio San Gabriel Elementary, Doty Middle School y se graduó en el tres por ciento superior de su clase en Downey High School en el 2015,
Wellness Tips

Summer Meal Distributions
Beginning on Monday, June 7th, free meals will continue to be available for families.
A partir del lunes 7 de junio, las comidas gratuitas seguirán estando disponibles para las familias.

Last Week of School Meal Info
Updated meal distribution information for the week of May 24th – May 28th.

Spring Break Meal Distribution
Find our more about our Spring break distribution.

Changes to Meal Distribution beginning on March 29th
As we prepare to open our campuses for students in a Hybrid Model on Monday, March 29th, we want to provide an update to our families in regard to breakfast and lunch meals for all of our students.
We Love Our School Lunch Heroes Contest!
Do you think we have some amazing School Lunch...

Apply today for a chance to WIN Apple AirPods!
Have you applied for our Free or Reduced-Priced...

Meal Distribution Update
Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2nd, our meal...
Meal Distribution Update
We our proud to be able to serve our students by...
Free and Reduced-Price School Meals: Apply Now!
Your child could qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Applications are now open, find out how to apply.
Food Distribution for DUSD Students
Meal Distribution for the 2020-2021 school year...