DOWNTOWN HIGH SCHOOL

Downtown High is a Title I public high school that is part of the San Francisco Unified school district, located in San Francisco, CA with about 169 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 8 teachers, Downtown High has a student/teacher ratio of about 21:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Downtown High School, located at 693 Vermont St. in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood, is a specialized alternative high school within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Unlike a traditional comprehensive high school, Downtown High is designed to provide a smaller, more personalized learning environment for students who may have struggled in larger school settings. Its mission focuses on academic recovery, credit restoration, and personal growth, aiming to re-engage students who are at risk of dropping out or who need a non-traditional path to graduation.

The school is well-regarded for its supportive culture, emphasizing strong relationships between staff and students. Because of its smaller population, the faculty can offer more individualized attention and flexible scheduling, which helps students meet state graduation requirements while exploring elective interests. By prioritizing a close-knit community and a restorative approach to education, Downtown High serves as a vital resource for students looking to overcome obstacles and successfully transition toward their post-secondary goals.

For more information, contact Downtown High at (415) 695-5860 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.