Welcome to the Downey Elementary School! Our school is an inclusive K-5 building that provides an excellent education for all students. The elementary schools in Westwood have fully implemented the Common Core State Standards into our every day teaching. The Downey staff is passionate about teaching and learning, and is trained in knowing how to differentiate instruction to meet the learning needs of each and every child. 

At Downey School we believe that learning is a partnership between the child, parent/guardian, and Downey School professionals. As a staff we strongly believe in open and honest communication with parents and we value parent/guardian input. We encourage and expect that all parents/guardians will ask their questions, even the most difficult ones. You know your child the best, and we want to work with you to provide the best education possible.

Throughout their years at Downey School we hope that children will have a love of learning and strong social skills to meet the academic and social demands when entering middle school. Starting in kindergarten, students will participate in social competency lessons from the Open Circle curriculum that are led by the classroom teacher. In addition to this, our school psychologist leads monthly grade level meetings to discuss and problem solve relative social challenges that come up during the school day. Lastly, the Downey School community comes together monthly during Community Share time to celebrate student success and to highlight upcoming whole school community service projects such as collecting pajamas and books for a shelter, jumping rope for the American Heart Association, or participating in “Pennies for Patients”, just to name a few of the projects students have participated in.

Lastly, we at Downey School believe in and live by our 6 Core Values:

• Courage
• Pride
• Excellence
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Inclusion

Students and staff can earn a “Helping Hand” when they are observed using a Core Value. 

Thank you for visiting the Downey School webpage. Updates on this page are posted regularly.

Warmly,

Debra L. Gallagher

Principal