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Downtown High School

School code number: 742
Grade Level: 9-12
Hours: 8:45AM - 2:30PM

693 Vermont Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107
Neighborhood: Downtown/Civic Center
Phone: (415) 695-5860
Fax: (415) 695-5863
School Loop: downtown-sfusd-ca.schoolloop.com
Principal: Mark L. Alvarado

School Data

    Discover this school

    Downtown High School offers project-based learning that emphasizes critical thinking skills across curricular areas and a strong connection with the School-to-Career Program. We focus on each learner's need for alternative strategies and are rooted in the commitment to student mastery of the core curriculum. With a project-based approach to learning, students have the opportunity to select a project that matches their own interests and learning styles. Each project has integrated curriculum and the flexibility of high interest academic and hands on experiential learning, backed by high expectations and teacher support.

    In addition to a rigorous core curriculum that includes language arts/literacy, mathematics, science, history/social science, world languages, and visual/performing arts, Downtown High programs prepare students for the real world, building essential life skills. Even students who have not been successful at traditional high schools find success and self motivation within rich academic settings. Mandatory parent conferences twice a semester ensure that academic and social information is passed between parents/guardians and teachers, bridging communication with families in a supportive manner. Service learning is also an essential element of the Downtown High School Experience. Many students work and volunteer in the community as part of their selected projects. The world is immense and Downtown High is focused on bridging real world wisdom through exposure of multiple academic subjects coupled with experiential learning.

    Uniforms

    None

    Special Education Programs

    • Designated Instructional Services
    • Resource Specialist Program
    • Special Day Class/Learning Disabled
    • Special Day Class/Emotionally Disturbed

    Resource Specialist Program, Special Day Class/Learning Disabled, Special Day Class/Emotionally Disturbed, Designated Instructional Services

    Language Programs

    English Plus Pathway

    Opportunities for Parental Involvement

    We encourage parents to come to school at any time to observe and to participate with their child and the school community. Parents participate in the School Site Council (SSC), the English Language Advisory Committee (ELAC), and the School Advisory Committee (SAC) and provide advice regarding the allocation of resources and practical guidance for the instructional needs of their children. For school wide events, we offer childcare. Spanish and Chinese language support is provided to ensure full communication. All parents/guardians are expected to attend parent/student/teacher conferences every nine weeks at the end of each quarterly grading period to discuss students' progress and credits. Parents and community members are invited to school functions, assemblies, and Open House.