Welcome to Warren
Join us on a Virtual Tour with our Assistant Principal Mr. Heicke, and see our campus, including our media center, aquatics facility, Justice Stadium, and more!
Warren High offers several exciting Career Technical Education (CTE) programs including film and television, construction technology, engineering, computer science, and many others. Students at Warren are sure to find a place to share their passions with others and grow their talents.
Our Vision
Warren High School students embody academic and moral character, are educationally empowered, and prepared to contribute to the global community.
Our Mission
Warren High School prepares students to be college and career ready by promoting critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, character, and physical well-being.
Schoolwide Learner Outcomes
B – Be a Critical Thinker
E – Effective Communicator
A – Academically Empowered
R – Ready for College and Career
S – Students of Character
The CAVE Code at WHS stands for Charitable, Accountable, Virtuous, and Empowered. Charitable students show kindness and generosity. Accountable individuals take responsibility for their actions and commitments. Virtuous behavior reflects honesty, respect, and integrity. Empowered students believe in themselves and strive to make a positive impact. By following these values, WHS fosters a culture of respect, leadership, and excellence.
About Our Name
Earl Warren Senior High School opened its doors in 1956. Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States, at that time, was invited to attend the school’s dedication ceremony. Since he was one of the most popular governors of California it was decided that the school colors would match those of California, blue and gold. The California state animal, the bear, was adopted as the school mascot and the sports teams at Warren have since been affectionately referred to as “the Bears.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Earl Warren High School, named in honor of one of America’s most respected statesmen, opened its doors in 1956 with a vision rooted in excellence, community, and progress. Located in the heart of Downey, California, the school quickly established itself as a symbol of opportunity and tradition.
The school was officially dedicated by Chief Justice Earl Warren himself, the former Governor of California and then Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In a landmark moment in the city’s history, Justice Warren addressed students, families, and dignitaries, humbly reminding the audience, “I can’t think of it as my school—it is the people’s school. Let it be known as that.” His visit marked the beginning of a proud legacy that continues to inspire generations of Bears.
From the very start, Warren High School made history. When the doors opened, the student body was made up entirely of sophomores who were tasked with creating many of the traditions that still endure today. With the leadership of Principal Del Ward and Vice Principal R. Arno Peet, the school community selected Blue and Gold as the official school colors and proudly adopted the Bear as its mascot—symbols of strength, resilience, and unity.
Designed by architect Harry T. MacDonald, the campus reflected the modern optimism of the 1950s.
Designed by architect Harry T. MacDonald, the campus reflected the modern optimism of the 1950s, blending functionality with a forward-thinking design. Its opening marked not only the expansion of educational opportunities in the Downey Unified School District but also a commitment to civic values and student achievement.
Over the years, Warren High has flourished, both academically and athletically. In 1957, just a year after its opening, the Warren Bears football team captured the Crescent League Championship, a feat that drew the personal praise of Justice Warren. In a congratulatory letter to the team, he noted it was “the best football news I have heard from California this year,” and commended the players, students, and faculty for fostering a winning spirit built on teamwork and pride.
Warren football team in 1975.
What truly sets Warren apart is how decisions are made. Like a well-run city, we rely on a shared decision-making model that includes the voices of students, staff, and families. Through our PTA, School Site Advisory Committee, and Leadership Coalition meetings, every member of our community helps shape the policies and practices that guide our school. These systems ensure that Warren remains responsive, inclusive, and rooted in the values of those it serves. For these reasons and more, we proudly call our school Warren, California—a model of what a 21st-century educational community can and should be.
Warren High School continues to stand as a beacon of excellence in Southern California. With its deep roots in history and its unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusion, and student success, Warren remains a place where tradition meets ambition—and where every Bear is part of a legacy worth celebrating.
WASC Accreditation
Warren High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In March 2024, we validated our progress toward meeting our goals outlined in 2021 and will continue to work toward school Improvement through our updated school wide action plan. We are preparing for our next visit from the Accrediting Commission for Schools in Spring 2027.
