98%. This is the percentage of graduates from St. John Bosco High School near Downey who go on to college. There is a reason I present this number first. A family I recently consulted was overwhelmed by the paperwork involved in applying to this school. They were encountering the fact that the admission process for private schools is entirely different from that of public schools for the first time.

St. John Bosco is a Catholic college preparatory school for boys located in Bellflower, near Downey. Over the past four years, students have been accepted to 30 of the top 50 national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. This includes Yale, Stanford, MIT, Georgetown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Notre Dame. There are 43 Advanced Placement and honors courses available. The annual tuition is approximately $16,900. This information is sourced from the school's official website, as of 2026.

The admission process generally involves submitting an application, standardized testing, providing transcripts from the current school, and an interview. The application period usually begins in the fall of the previous year, and early closure can occur once the enrollment cap is reached. Since the exact schedule and required documents can change each year, it is necessary to check the latest requirements directly with the school's admissions office.

Many families ask if they can apply with only their Korean school transcripts. Most private schools accept academic records from overseas, but due to differences in grading systems, they may require separate evaluations or notarized translations. Having the transcripts and proof of enrollment from the school your child attended prepared in English in advance can make the application process much smoother.

The figure of $16,900 for tuition is not a fixed amount each year. According to school materials, when including additional costs related to registration, the total burden may increase beyond this amount. There are also financial aid programs available, allowing some families to receive assistance with tuition based on their income level.

In Downey, schools like St. Pius X - St. Matthias Academy, which offers K-8 programs, are also mentioned. Some families plan to complete their elementary and middle school education in Downey and then transfer to a high school in a nearby city with a strong track record of college admissions. This approach can reduce commuting burdens in the early years and only require longer distances during high school when college admissions become more intense.

Looking at housing prices in Downey, the median value of homes in Downey is $800,138 as of 2026, which has decreased by 0.5% over the past year. The median sale price of homes sold in June of the same year was $861,000. Considering the commuting zone for St. John Bosco located in Bellflower, it can be helpful to start looking for properties in neighborhoods close to Bellflower within Downey to reduce commuting time.

Downey has long been regarded as a stable residential area in the southeastern part of Los Angeles. It tends to show a gradual trend rather than large fluctuations in prices, making it a suitable area for families prioritizing residential stability over rapid price appreciation. The accessibility to the well-regarded Bellflower school district and relatively lower entry prices continue to attract families considering Downey.

For families relocating from other states, it is advisable to take into account that California's property tax assessment method differs from that of their previous residence. Taxes are assessed based on the purchase price, and there is a cap on the increase, so it is realistic to budget not only for the property price but also for the expected property taxes.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that behind the 98% enrollment rate lies a defined application schedule and paperwork process. If you are planning to apply, it is advisable to start keeping track of school information sessions at least six months in advance for a more relaxed preparation. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to verify with both the school's admissions office and real estate professionals before proceeding with any applications or contracts.