Welcome:

 

At Downingtown, we believe that students learn best when they are engaged. To foster true understanding and mastery of new concepts and subjects, our talented faculty help students connect with lessons in inspiring, imaginative, and differentiated ways. Known as one of the best districts in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, we continue to seek innovative solutions to 21st century problems.

An example of this would be the second year of our third high school option for students - the Downingtown High School STEM Academy program. The STEM Academy is a magnet school of choice in DASD and is an accredited International Baccalaureate Programme World School. Every student is in an IB pathway. This very innovative venture in secondary STEM education has already received the prestigious Apple Computer School of Distinction Award in 2012 as well as over $250,000 in grants and private, corporate and in-kind donations. (Click here to visit the STEM Academy website)

The DASD Board of Education recently began the bid process to construct a 6th grade center behind the Shamona Creek Elementary School. This new school will serve all District 6th graders. This innovative center is not new to Downingtown, as DASD had a 6th grade center in the 1980's and early 1990's. The demographic significance of creating a new 6th grade center, opening hopefully in 2014, will mitigate student overcrowding at Lionville Middle School and give the educational team the opportunity to create a very innovative 6th grade program for all District 6th graders. (Click here to visit the 6th Grade Center website)

 

Both DASD flagship high schools, East and West High Schools, were recognized as two of the top 1000 high schools in America by Newsweek magazine in June of 2012. The District itself is ranked 21st out of 500 Districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (based on student performance on the state PSSA exam in the fall of 2011). Downingtown is proud of the fact that 93% of all graduates go on to college. The Downingtown Area School District is known for its excellent schools, hard-working students, dedicated teachers, involved and caring parents, and a supportive community. However, rather than me telling you about our schools, the best way to get to know us is to visit. I encourage you to meet our warm, supportive school community for yourself.

Please call us to schedule a visit or simply ask a question. Please e-mail our Public Information Director, pmcglone@dasd.org, or call us at (610)269-8460. On behalf of the Board of Education and everyone at DASD, thank you for visiting our Web site and we look forward to meeting you.