DCP El Primero High School is a public charter high school in San Jose, California. Its mission is to prepare first-generation students, particularly low-income Latinos, for college success.
Serving 520 students in grades 9-12, Downtown College Preparatory ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 520 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 90-94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Downtown College Preparatory's student population of 520 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has grown by 26% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
520 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
White, Purple, Orange
School Calendar
School Rankings
Downtown College Preparatory ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downtown College Preparatory is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6119 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
12%
Hispanic
95%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90-94%
87%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)35.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lobos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown College Preparatory's ranking?
Downtown College Preparatory is ranked #6119 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Downtown College Preparatory often compared to?
Downtown College Preparatoryis often viewed alongside schools like Downtown College Prep - Alum Rock, Ace Charter High School, Fremont High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Downtown College Preparatory?
The graduation rate of Downtown College Preparatory is 90-94%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Downtown College Preparatory?
520 students attend Downtown College Preparatory.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Downtown College Preparatory students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Downtown College Preparatory?
Downtown College Preparatory has a student ration of 18:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Downtown College Preparatory offer ?
Downtown College Preparatory offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Downtown College Preparatory part of?
Downtown College Preparatory is part of Downtown College Preparatory School District.
In what neighborhood is Downtown College Preparatory located?
Downtown College Preparatory is located in the Spartan Keyes and Wool Creek neighborhood of San Jose, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Spartan Keyes and Wool Creek.
School Reviews
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