Eyes on our Schools: A summer of growth, a new school year full of possibilities
Downey Unified marks the opening of Rio San Gabriel Elementary School’s new TK/Kinder Village with a celebratory ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
As another school year begins in Downey Unified, there is a renewed sense of excitement across our campuses. Classrooms are once again filled with eager learners, playgrounds are buzzing with activity, and our administrators, teachers, and staff are welcoming students back for a year filled with opportunity.
The start of a new school year is always a special time. It brings fresh beginnings, new goals, and new experiences. It is also an opportunity to welcome the many families joining the Downey Unified community. Whether your child is entering Transitional Kindergarten (TK), beginning middle school, starting high school, or attending one of our schools for the first time, we are honored that you have chosen Downey Unified.
While students enjoyed a well-deserved summer break, learning and growth continued throughout the district. Thousands of students participated in our elementary, middle, and high school summer programs, where they strengthened academic skills, recovered attendance and credits, explored new interests, and built positive relationships with peers and staff.
This year’s STEAMworks program served approximately 1,800 elementary students across four school sites. Students engaged in hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics experiences, including art and engineering design lessons connected to weekly themes and NASA’s Artemis missions. The program also provided meaningful opportunities for students to collaborate, think creatively, and remain connected to learning throughout the summer.
The summer was equally productive for our secondary students. Middle school students recovered 2,163 absences, while high school students recovered 10,185 days of attendance and earned more than 23,500 credits toward graduation. In addition, 933 dual enrollment students at Downey and Warren high schools collectively earned more than 5,000 college credits or units. These accomplishments gave students valuable momentum as they began the new school year.
As students returned to campus, we were equally excited to welcome back our administrators, teachers, classified professionals, and support staff whose dedication brings our schools and programs to life each day. We are especially pleased to welcome 133 new teachers to Downey Unified and extend our best wishes to our new principals as they begin leading their school communities.
Great programs begin with exceptional educators. Our teachers and staff create the experiences that help students connect with learning, discover their strengths, and prepare for their futures. Strong leadership at every level ensures that those educators have the support, resources, and opportunities needed to continue providing the high-quality programs our students deserve.
We also thank Superintendent Dr. Brossmer and his Cabinet for their continued leadership and thoughtful work to strengthen our academic and enrichment programs, welcome new families, and maintain enrollment across our schools. Together with the support of our Board of Education, administrators, teachers, staff, families, and community partners, their work helps ensure that Downey Unified continues to grow while remaining responsive to the needs of our students and community.
That preparation extended beyond our programs and classrooms. Across the district, our teams worked diligently throughout the summer to improve facilities, enhance learning environments, and ensure our schools were ready to support students from the very first day. Most recently, we celebrated the opening of new TK/Kinder Villages at Rio Hondo and Rio San Gabriel elementary schools. Each campus now features a beautiful space designed specifically to welcome and support our youngest learners as they begin their educational journeys.
As we begin the 2026-27 school year, we do so with gratitude for the people who make our schools and programs possible. Our administrators, teachers, staff and families each play an important role in creating learning environments where students feel welcomed, connected, supported, challenged, and inspired.
As the fall sports season gets underway, we invite our families and community members to join us in the stands and cheer on our Downey and Warren high school student-athletes. Attending a game or sporting event is a wonderful way to celebrate their hard work, reconnect with our school community, and show our students that Downey is cheering them on.
On behalf of everyone at Downey Unified, welcome back! We look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, meaningful connections, and new possibilities.
Jose J. Rodriguez
President, Downey Unified Board of Education