There are myriad ways Downtown College Prep differs from traditional public schools. From our approach, curriculum, philosophy, and culture, the staff at DCP focuses on ensuring its students will be ready, willing, and able for acceptance into four-year universities.

Each school and campus has its own distinguishing characteristics.

Downtown College Prep (Grades 9-12)

• Intensive Remediation in 9th grade for students with math and reading skills below grade level
• Close-knit community of teachers, students, parents and staff
• Highly skilled College Guidance and Financial Aid staff
• All students are enrolled in a college-prep program and all students take the A-G required courses for the UC/CSU system
• Homework center runs from 4:00 – 5:00 twice weekly
• One-on-one tutoring is available through community volunteers and local college students
• Students with low reading and math skills take extra courses to ensure they are prepared for college-prep classes
• Each student's academic progress is monitored by his/her advisor
• Assembly every Friday to highlight:
  • Student work
  • Guest speakers
  • Artists-in-residence
  • Community service programs
  • Community accomplishments
  • Performances

• Multiple Sports Opportunities
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Ultimate Frisbee
• Annual trip for Seniors to visit California Colleges and Universities
• Annual trip for Juniors to visit California Colleges and Universities

DCP Alum Rock (Grades 6-9 for 2013-14 school year)

• Skill Building and Team Building program for all in-coming 6th grade students
• 90 minutes daily of computer-based learning building and accelerating math adn reading skills.
• Intensive Reading Workshop Literacy program in all grades. Students know their own Reading Level and independently read a book a week at that level
• All students read 45 minutes nightly at their own reading level
• Close knit community of teachers, students, parents and staff
• Assembly every Wednesday to highlight:
  • Student work
  • Guest Speakers
  • Skits
  • Multiplication Competition
  • Artists in residents
  • Social Activism
  • Community Accomplishments
  • Performances