When most people think of Downtown San Diego, they think of a fun night out on the town. When most people think of the people that call it home, they think of young professionals. However, many families prefer to live the city lifestyle and want their children to experience the many things that an urban setting can offer.

If you and your family are thinking of buying a Downtown San Diego condo, penthouse or loft, but are curious about the schools, here is a great guide to get you started.

Elementary Schools

Washington Elementary (Public) – Washington Elementary is one of two public schools for K-5 in the Downtown San Diego neighborhood (Sherman Elementary is the other) and is located in Little Italy of Downtown San Diego. Washington Elementary is a STEAM school, which means they provide lessons that help students further understand Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math.

Urban Discovery Academy (Charter) – Urban Discover Academy is a free public charter school through the San Diego Unified School District and is located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego.. This school focuses on project-based learning and learning through experience. Physical education, visual and performing arts are also part of the learning process here.

Museum School (Public Charter) – The Museum School is located in Banker’s Hill neighborhood, just north of Downtown San Diego and just west of Balboa Park. This school is a tuition-free, public charter school that serves students in grade Kindergarten through 8th grade. This school focuses on the core reading, writing, mathematics and science curriculum. “Learning to Learn” is their core value which is further supported by “Community Goals” of helping the students learn to become responsible citizens, productive works and healthy individuals. 

Middle Schools

KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy (Charter) – KIPP is a college preparatory school that is located just north of Cortez Hill in Downtown San Diego. KIPP is an acronym for “Knowledge is Power Program”. This program helps students work on intellectual habits, academics and character traits that will be required to succeed in a college setting.

Roosevelt International Middle School (Public) – Located just north of Balboa Park, near Morley Field and North Park. As a public school, Roosevelt International Middle School has several partnerships with education services, local businesses, social service organizations, and various other community resources. These partnerships serve as a benefit to both the staff and the students alike. It is also worth noting that this middle school is one of two International Baccalaureate schools in San Diego, which focuses on critical thinking and creative learning. This helps students rise to the challenge by themselves and being responsible for their own education.

High Schools

e3 Civic High School (Charter) – Located in the San Diego Central Public Library in East Village Downtown San Diego, this school’s main focus is to engage, educate and empower (e3) their students. Featuring a modern location with modular glass walls and rooms of varying sizes, it helps to promote a healthy collaboration between teachers and students. Students have the opportunity to graduate with a community college degree, as well as a high school diploma. 

San Diego High School (Public) – Located in East Village Downtown San Diego, just south of Balboa Park. Being the oldest high school in the San Diego Unified School District and one of the oldest public schools in all of California. This school is part of the national “School-within-a-School” movement and has three main academies – International Studies, Business, and Science and Technology. 

King-Chavez High School (Public Charter) – Located in Core/Civic Downtown San Diego, this is a small density school that focuses on a dual-outcome program. Students hat the opportunity to meet the University of California’s A-G subject-area requirements and take honor’s classes. Students also are able to complete a Career and Technical Educational pathway and internship in order to prepare for a career. They are also part of the Alumni College Assistance Program which helps to fill the voids in financial, academic and personal support that many young students face when attending college. 

This list features some of our great local schools, however, there are many other schools in the area that are not listed. It is important to remember that students can attend any school within the San Diego Unified District through the Choice Program.