WHITTIER – Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools have been listed among the top performing public schools in the state and nation – ranking in the top 25% – according to the 2021 Best High Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report.

California, La Serna, Pioneer, Santa Fe and Whittier high schools have earned high rankings among approximately 1,675 high schools in California. Additionally, Santa Fe placed among the top 12% in 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 in order to evaluate more than 17,000 public schools across the country.

Whittier Union’s strong college and career readiness programs were amplified on the list, as each school boasted a graduation rate of 95% or higher – keeping Whittier Union on-target for its graduation rate of more than 90%.

The District is committed to its mission to achieve and maintain excellence by providing a comprehensive education for all students, and promoting a culture of success with the belief that ‘demographics do not determine destiny.’

“Congratulations to our students, teachers, staff and administrators from our five comprehensive high schools, for achieving the honor of being a top school in the state and nation,” Superintendent Martin Plourde said. “Each one of our schools does an excellent job providing our students with the tools and resources they need to be successful in their academics and personal pursuits.