Thomas Downey High School

I will always remember my years at Downey High with fondness and appreciation. I graduated in the top 5% of my senior class and Downey prepared me extremely well for the rigors of college. In fact, college work actually was easier than some of the Advanced Placement class I took at Downey! I now am a successful Clinical Pharmacist and graduated in the top 5 in my class of 120 students at UC San Francisco School Of Pharmacy thanks to the strong eductional framework Downey provided me.

I am a former student of TDHS class of 08. I would say that we have the best choir in the valley. The teacher's are really there to teach, and they really love it. You can tell that they are not just there for the pay check. Downey has a lot of school spirit from teacher to staff to alumni. Something you will learn from Downey is unity, we try not to put people in groups but hey it's high school. Once A Knight Always A Knight.
--Submitted by a student

Our daughter chose to go to Downey through an intra district transfer. Initially we were preplexed by her decision, however, it was the best decision she could have made. She is now completing her senior year and it is her best yet. The teachers are devoted and hard working. consistanly going beyond the call of duty. The school has a strong sence of tradition and history. She takes pride in her school and we are contiunally impressed with the closeness of the student body. I would strongly reccomend Downey to any parent or student.
--Submitted by a parent

Downey is an excellent school. The staff works extra hard to create the best learning environment possible - usually with little or no support from the Modesto City Schools governing board and district administration. My child has had a great four years at Downey.
--Submitted by a parent

Downey is an incredible school with diverse cultures and highly intellectual teachers.I have only attented one year and already love the atmosphere presented there. Although our grade average is not the highest, our students are the happiest and friendliest around. Out of all the Modesto high schools, I have experienced Downey to be the best because it is welcoming and supportive of all their students.
--Submitted by a student

My son has attended Downey for 2+ years. I would have to rate this school as a complete failure academically, culturally and socially. The adults in charge are for the most part disrespectful of the students, and do not take any resopnsibility for the negative climate that they allow on the campus. They discipline the students frequently, but never for anything that makes sense or for a good cause. I can't say how disappointed I am in the adult leadership there, and how sorry I am for the students who must endure that emotionally and academically destructive environment.
--Submitted by disappointed parent, a parent

As a parent I am very disappointed about Downey. I feel that a lot of the staff are more concerned with what the feel is the loss of power. In my personal opinion they do not see children as people.
--Submitted by a parent

Downey is great for choir! and the performing arts...that's what its all about!
--Submitted by Chelsea, a student

Don't be fooled by all these fluffy comments. The truth is that Downey does not prepare students for college. The only good teachers have lef. I graduated top 10% of my class at Downey and was use to receiving only good grades. However, when I attended a prestigious university, it seemed as though I was the only student who had not been prepared for college. Thus, I had to learn how to write all over again. In addition, social life at Downey is horrible, too. Honestly, I would never let my children attend this school if I were a parent.
--Submitted by a former student

I love Downey! I'm going on my third year at this school. (junioryear) I love every min of it! The teachers are great and friendly. Not to mention the pricipals and other staff members. This school is awesome, and I would recomend it to anyone!
--Submitted by Michelle, a student