Whittier’s 5 public high schools make list of nation’s top campuses

WHITTIER – Whittier Union High School District’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the recent U.S. News & World Report 2023-24 high school rankings, with all five of its comprehensive schools ranked in the top half of high schools in California and the top third of high schools nationwide.

The rankings, which measure school success metrics such as graduation rates and college-readiness, consider multiple factors that include AP exam pass rates, proficiency in math, reading and science, enrollment and the percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students in the District.

“The achievements of our students and schools, from graduation rates to college-readiness, reflect the dedication and hard work of our entire District community,” Board Vice President Gary Mendez said. “We are proud to see all five of our comprehensive high schools in these rankings, it’s a testament to our District’s goal of providing the best possible education for every student.”

Whittier Union is home to two California Distinguished Schools, five California Gold Ribbon Schools, two AVID National Demonstration schools, two AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award-winning schools and a Model Continuation High School. The District has also received 11 CSBA Golden Bell Awards and has a nationally recognized Horizons academic support program.

Whittier Union provides high-quality career and technical instruction through its 18 award-winning career academies – 11 of which are designated as California Partnership Academies. Popular career academies such as Patient Care, Visual and Media Arts, Architecture Design and Engineering Technology offer rigorous core curriculums, with many courses serving as college-prep classes that satisfy UC and CSU A-G requirements.

Whittier Union also offers generous support for the arts, with award-winning Visual and Performing Arts programs, and opportunities for students to develop their creative talents in choir, jazz, marching band, theater arts, drill team, 3D art and photography.

Whittier Union students have been selected to perform with prestigious groups like the Pasadena City College Honor Band, the Tournament of Roses Parade, Southern California Vocal Association High School Honor Choir and the American Choral Directors Association Western Region Honor Choir.

“Every student who attends a Whittier Union high school is deserving of a high-quality education and we will stop at nothing to provide the tools necessary for them to thrive in higher education, trade school, the Armed Forces, or whatever future path they choose to pursue,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Congratulations to all of our schools for this recognition!”