WHITTIER – Whittier High School has successfully renewed its six-year accreditation status from the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ASC-WASC), demonstrating that the school has the capacity, commitment, and competence to support high-quality student learning and ongoing school improvement.

The ASC-WASC accreditation status received by Whittier High School is for six years, running through June 2032, with a mid-cycle progress report due during the 2028-29 school year. This is the highest level of ASC-WASC accreditation, and the third consecutive six-year/mid-cycle report accreditation status the high school has received.

“The accreditation Whittier High School received is known as ‘six-year clear,’ and this is the third straight time we’ve received this status level,” Whittier High assistant principal Allison Huntley said. “This is very exciting for us. It’s extremely hard to get this status once, and even harder to get it twice in a row. Now we’ve made it a ‘three-peat.’”

A WASC visiting committee of high school teachers and administrators came to the Whittier High campus in October 2025 to check on the progress of the schoolwide action plan submitted in 2019, observe and talk to teachers and administrators, report on what areas are working well, and what areas need improvement.

During the visit, the WASC committee noted the school’s greatest attributes are its comprehensive student support system, student-centered learning that provides equitable opportunities for success, a collaborative process for common assessments, and multi-tiered academic and social-emotional supports.

Whittier High science teacher Hollie DiMarco is the school’s WASC coordinator, as well as a Cardinal alumna. DiMarco prepares the campus for a WASC visit, provides all the progress reports, and makes sure all the school’s accreditation procedures are completed.

“What comes out of our WASC visits is that we are genuine, we’re honest, we care about students, and it shows,” DiMarco said. “Our school culture is also enhanced by the many alumni who have returned to the school, like myself, to teach the next generation of students. It brings a lot of spirit to the school and creates an amazing environment.”

As a WASC coordinator, DiMarco also accompanies accreditation teams on campus visits, getting an opportunity to see what is working at other schools, and receiving different perspectives when meeting with teachers and administrators.

“What is great about WASC visits is that they validate all you are doing, and provide a showcase for other educators,” DiMarco said. “During the last WASC visit, it was our students who shined the most. They welcomed our visitors with open arms and made a wonderful impression. It was an extremely positive experience.”

The third consecutive “six-year clear” assessment is so prized by the school, Cardinal students and staff will commemorate the occasion with a campus-wide celebration in April, with everyone receiving a “Whittier Makes Us Better” t-shirt.

“Congratulations to all our spirited Cardinal students and staff,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “We are so proud of Whittier High’s continued success and the inspirational way they do Whatever It Takes to maintain high levels of student achievement.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

WUHSD_WASC1: Whittier High School Associated Student Body members celebrate a successful Back-to-School Night in September 2025, welcoming families and showcasing campus pride.

WUHSD_WASC2: Whittier High School administrators gather during Back-to-School Night in September 2025, highlighting the school’s ongoing commitment to student success and academic achievement.