Griffiths (Gordon) Middle

Griffiths Middle School sits in Downey, a solid suburban city in southeast Los Angeles County that feels refreshingly grounded compared to the bustle of LA proper — tree-lined streets, a strong sense of civic pride, and a community that genuinely invests in its schools. Ranking in the 74th percentile statewide, Griffiths holds its own in a competitive region, with particularly strong math scores that stand out for a mid-sized district school. Families who value a stable, community-rooted environment with above-average academics — without the pressure-cooker atmosphere of some higher-profile districts — tend to find Downey Unified, and Griffiths in particular, a really comfortable fit.