Downey, Warren high schools earn state honors for FAFSA success

Downey Unified School District students at a college fair at Warren High School on Nov. 2, 2017. (Downey Unified photo)

DOWNEY — Downey Unified School District’s two comprehensive high schools have been recognized by the California Student Aid Commission for achieving some of the highest financial aid application completion rates in the state.

Downey High School and Warren High School were honored for their performance in the 2025 Race to Submit campaign, a statewide initiative encouraging seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The program is sponsored by the Student Aid Commission in partnership with Ed Trust West.

According to certified data from the California Department of Education, Warren High reached an 87.19% FAFSA/CADAA completion rate, while Downey High reported 84.78%. Both schools rank among the top-performing campuses statewide.

“Your schools exemplify the incredible results we can achieve when we work together to support California’s high school seniors,” the commission said in its award notification.

The achievement earns each school an invitation to the virtual Race to Submit Award Ceremony, scheduled for Nov. 13 during the California College Affordability Summit. Downey High and Warren High will also receive commemorative banners to display on campus.

The Race to Submit Dashboard tracks financial aid submissions, completion rates and Cal Grant award offers, giving schools real-time data to help guide students through the financial aid process.

District officials said the recognition highlights Downey Unified’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for college and career pathways by ensuring families have access to the resources needed to pursue higher education.