WHITTIER – Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top-performing public high schools in the state and the nation, according to the 2020 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools ranked in the top 25% or higher of high schools in the nation, in addition to earning high rankings among approximately 2,600 high schools in the state.

“Whittier Unions schools foster a culture of excellence in which all students are prepared to excel in college and career, thanks to rigorous and engaging curricula and programs,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “We are very proud of our hardworking students, as well as our skilled and talented teachers, staff and administrators, for earning these well-deserved rankings for their innovation and dedication to all students.”

In evaluating more than 17,000 public high schools across the country, U.S. News used six ranking factors to measure academic quality, including college readiness, college curriculum, math and reading proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate.

Each high school received an overall score that correlates to its percentile position in the 2020 Best High Schools rankings. Whittier Union’s strong scores demonstrate the strength of the District’s college and career readiness programs. The District has a 97% graduation rate among its comprehensive high schools and on-target graduation rate of over 90%.