Downey, CA, United States

Living in Downey, California means sending your kids to a large, ethnically diverse public high school. Earl Warren High School has over 2,000 students, with nearly 90% identifying as Latino or Hispanic. While the school has an impressive history, including winning a state award for its curriculum, the district has also faced challenges like aging infrastructure and growing class sizes.

Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the school originally designed as a junior/senior high model before transitioning to a 4-year high school. Retrofitting the heating systems and adding modular classrooms suggests a lack of forward planning. On the plus side, the campus features a swimming pool and olive tree that have become school traditions.

Overall, Downey is a working-class suburb well-suited for families seeking a diverse, public school experience, but those hoping for a tight-knit community or modern amenities may want to look elsewhere.