Thomas Downey High School is a High School in Modesto, California. It is one of the seven high schools in Modesto. Thomas Downey High is the second oldest high school in the city of Modesto and its doors opened to students in the Fall of 1951.
Serving 2,192 students in grades 9-12, Thomas Downey High School 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 12% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,192 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 12% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 9% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Thomas Downey High serves the south part of Modesto, CA, covering an area of approximately 13 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with an average distance of 3 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, extending up to 8 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Thomas Downey High School's student population of 2,192 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 92 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,192 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1951
School Calendar
School Rankings
Thomas Downey High School 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 Thomas Downey High School is 0.49, 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
#7801 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
12%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
47%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
9%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
69%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
18%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
89%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)32.8%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Knight
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Downey High School's ranking?
Thomas Downey High School is ranked #7801 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Thomas Downey High School often compared to?
Thomas Downey High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fred C. Beyer High School, Joseph A. Gregori High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
12% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Thomas Downey High School?
The graduation rate of Thomas Downey High School is 89%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Thomas Downey High School?
2,192 students attend Thomas Downey High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Thomas Downey High School students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Thomas Downey High School?
Thomas Downey High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Thomas Downey High School offer ?
Thomas Downey High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Thomas Downey High School part of?
Thomas Downey High School is part of Modesto City High School District.
School Reviews
Review Thomas Downey High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.
