Downtown Business High School (DMHS)
| 👥 Student Enrollment | ≈ 857 |
| 👨🏫 Teachers | ≈ 46 |
| 🎓 CEEB Code | 051576 |
| 📍 Address | 1200 Colton St, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA |
| 📈 Avg SAT / ACT | SAT ~1160, ACT ~26 |
Overview
Full Name: Downtown Magnets High School — formerly Downtown Business Magnet (often called “Downtown Business High”). The school opened in 1981 and is a public, magnet high school in the Los Angeles Unified School District. It serves Grades 9–12. The campus is now at the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center near Downtown Los Angeles.
Location: 1200 Colton Street, Los Angeles, California 90026. Main line: (213) 481‑0371.
Academics
DMHS offers a college‑prep program with both AP and IB options. IB authorization is active, and students can pursue IB Diploma coursework alongside AP classes.
Proficiency: About 57% of students are proficient in math and 87% in reading. The average graduation rate is ~96%. Self‑reported averages are around SAT 1160 and ACT 26.
Admissions
As a LAUSD magnet, admission is through the district’s school choice application (eChoices). The Downtown Business Magnet pathway enrolls students district‑wide with a focus on business, finance, and fashion merchandising; other DMHS pathways include engineering, computer science/multimedia, and an IB program.
Tuition: None. DMHS is a public school. Families should review the school and LAUSD sites for deadlines and required documents.
Facilities & Student Life
- Modern urban campus at the Roybal Learning Center with academic wings and shared athletics spaces.
- Pathways: Business (Finance & Fashion), Engineering, Computer Science/Multimedia, plus IB.
- College guidance via the well‑known Grings College Center.
- Clubs, student media (e.g., The Helios), service groups, and competitions.
Rankings & Achievements
- Strong Niche standings (2026): top tier in California and Los Angeles area; highly rated for teaching quality.
- Recognized by U.S. News in prior years for college readiness (as noted by the school).
- Consistently high graduation rate and above‑state proficiency.
Contact
📍 Address: 1200 Colton Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026, USA.
📞 Phone: (213) 481‑0371.
🌐 Website: downtownmagnets.org.
🎓 CEEB Code: 051576.
🆘 LAUSD Student & Family Wellness Hotline: (213) 241‑3840 (M–F, daytime).
About the “Suns” (DMHS)
Downtown Business High School is widely known by its current name, Downtown Magnets High School, and by its mascot, the Suns. The school sits just west of Downtown Los Angeles, close to the city’s business and arts centers. This location shapes student life. Students can visit firms, museums, courts, and colleges for real‑world learning. Many classes use the city as a lab, from economics and entrepreneurship to engineering design.
The Business pathway is the oldest program on campus. It builds skills in accounting, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. Fashion design and merchandising courses add a creative edge that fits Los Angeles. The Engineering and Computer Science/Multimedia tracks bring hands‑on projects, coding, and digital media. In upper grades, motivated students can take AP and IB courses to boost college credit and academic depth.
DMHS stresses college and career readiness. The Grings College Center guides students through testing, applications, and financial aid. Teachers promote purposeful study habits and writing across subjects. Clubs and teams let students apply skills: business competitions, debate, coding, robotics, yearbook, and service groups. Student media like The Helios build voice and leadership.
The school community is warm and diverse. Students come from many LA neighborhoods. The culture values effort, respect, and wellness. DMHS partners with LAUSD services to support health and safety. Families connect through meetings, showcases, and college nights. The result is a practical, high‑expectation environment where students learn to plan, to present, and to lead.
For families seeking a public magnet with clear pathways and strong results, DMHS offers a balanced mix: rigorous courses, a supportive advising system, and a campus set in a global city. The Suns name reflects that spirit—bright, forward, and ready for the future.
