Welcome
Welcome![]()
Welcome
Washington Unified welcomes you to join a rich family history dating back to 1917 when the earliest residents of modern-day West Sacramento made education a priority for their children and built the original Washington Grammar School. Today, we take that spirit to the next level as the premier provider of high-quality education in West Sacramento, serving nearly 7,500 students across eight TK-8 and three high schools. We offer cutting-edge opportunities featuring Free College Savings Accounts for kindergarteners, Spanish Dual Language Immersion, Visual and Performing Arts, Career Technical Education, AVID, MESA, before- and After-School Care, and more.
Our History
Our History![]()
Our History
In 1846, a man named James McDowell bought 600 acres west of Sacramento. Together with his wife, Margaret, and their three daughters, they became some of the first settlers in the area we know today as Broderick. Following her husband's death, Margaret soon became the sole supporter of the property, looking for a way to provide for her family.
In 1849, Margaret hired a land surveyor to map 160 acres, which were then divided into 41 blocks. She sold individual lots within this platted area, which she named the "Town of Washington." During its first ten years, the rural Town of Washington experienced a significant increase in business development and shipping activity, becoming a resting point for travelers passing through on their way to Sacramento.
In 1917, the early residents of the Town of Washington needed a place to educate their children, so they eventually built the Washington Grammar School. The regional expansion would lead to the development of new communities such as Broderick, Bryte, and Riverbank and later into the area known as Southport. As time continued to pass, the area west of Sacramento was continually referred to as West Sacramento.
In 1987, voters chose the path of incorporation, and the City of West Sacramento was officially formed, representing all the smaller communities of Washington, Broderick, Bryte, Riverbank, and Southport. Our West Sacramento community was built on the foundations of a rich history and identity that resonates even today throughout the Washington Unified School District.
In 1849, Margaret hired a land surveyor to map 160 acres, which were then divided into 41 blocks. She sold individual lots within this platted area, which she named the "Town of Washington." During its first ten years, the rural Town of Washington experienced a significant increase in business development and shipping activity, becoming a resting point for travelers passing through on their way to Sacramento.
In 1917, the early residents of the Town of Washington needed a place to educate their children, so they eventually built the Washington Grammar School. The regional expansion would lead to the development of new communities such as Broderick, Bryte, and Riverbank and later into the area known as Southport. As time continued to pass, the area west of Sacramento was continually referred to as West Sacramento.
In 1987, voters chose the path of incorporation, and the City of West Sacramento was officially formed, representing all the smaller communities of Washington, Broderick, Bryte, Riverbank, and Southport. Our West Sacramento community was built on the foundations of a rich history and identity that resonates even today throughout the Washington Unified School District.
Find out more about the history of the City of West Sacramento and the Washington Unified School District by visiting:
