College Board Recognizes Whittier Union High Schools with Placement on AP Honor Roll

For the second time since 2024, the College Board has recognized three Whittier Union high schools for their continued excellence in developing a college-going culture on campus and creating paths to success in higher education by placing the schools on its 2026 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll.

La Serna, Pioneer, and Santa Fe high schools were once again recognized for increasing participation in their AP programs, giving students opportunities to earn college credit while attending high school, and maximizing college readiness. La Serna and Pioneer each received a silver-level award, while Santa Fe received a bronze award.

“The College Board data shows that not only are our top AP programs achieving at high levels, but also that interest and participation continue to rise,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “Creating and maintaining access to these programs is so important, especially for our underrepresented students. Congratulations to our schools for this achievement.”

The College Board Honor Roll measures three key criteria in assessing a successful academic program: college culture, college credit, and college optimization, using data from the most recent graduating class.

To be included on the AP Honor Roll, a school must have at least 40% or more of its graduates take at least one AP exam; 25% or more scoring a ‘3’ or higher on at least one AP exam; and 2% or more of graduates taking five or more AP exams, with at least one of those exams taken as an underclassman. The latest data shows that AP participation in all criteria continues to grow at all three campuses.

La Serna High maintained its silver-level award, with more than half of its graduates taking at least one AP exam, and more than one in five graduates taking five or more AP exams, earning a platinum level designation for college optimization.

La Serna offers 22 AP courses, including two new classes – AP Physics 2 and AP Music Theory – as well as increasing the number of AP Psychology classes to five. La Serna also offers AP and Honors tutoring, waivers for AP testing, a course fair, and a Future Lancers Night, to introduce incoming freshmen to the school’s AP and Honors programs.

“La Serna has a strong AP culture, with students eager to take as many courses as they can fit in their schedule,” La Serna principal Griselda Castro said. “We have strong, inclusive teachers and leaders who help students build their skills and allow them to explore their passion for education.”

Pioneer High School moved from bronze status to silver based on significant increases in students taking at least one exam, and students scoring a ‘3’ or higher on AP exams, earning a silver designation for each criterion. Pioneer also allows students to earn a fee waiver for AP exams by completing a community service project.

“Pioneer students continue to push themselves to achieve at higher levels,” Pioneer principal Mary Chapman said. “Titans are showing more confidence and tenacity when it comes to taking AP classes or entering our Early College Academy dual enrollment program with R?o Hondo College. Our AVID program is stellar, and that is also driving our students. We couldn’t do it without our support network of teachers, counselors, staff, and parents.”

Santa Fe High School also saw increases in all AP Honor Roll criteria, with data for college culture, credit, and optimization all trending upward. Santa Fe holds an annual Elective Fair to promote its AP and Honors programs and also encourages students to reach out to AP teachers at lunch for extra tutoring and instruction.

“Santa Fe Chieftains are extremely motivated to excel academically, they like to put in the work,” Santa Fe principal Craig Campbell said. “Our teachers are outstanding; they create high expectations and are constantly challenging their students to achieve. Our Advancement Via Individual Determination program promotes rigor, and our counselors are continually encouraging students to expand their horizons.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

WUHSD_HONOR1: La Serna High School was recognized by the College Board with silver-level distinction on its 2026 AP Honor Roll list, reflecting the school’s commitment to expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework and student achievement.

WUHSD_HONOR2: Pioneer High School earned silver-level recognition from the College Board on its 2026 AP Honor Roll list, highlighting the school’s dedication to supporting student success in Advanced Placement courses.

WUHSD_HONOR3: Santa Fe High School received a bronze award from the College Board on its 2026 AP Honor Roll list, celebrating its efforts to increase access to rigorous Advanced Placement opportunities for students.