Whittier Union Schools Receive High Marks in Latest U.S News & World Report Rankings Whittier Union High School District’s five comprehensive high schools continue to shine, according to the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report High School Rankings, which again place Whittier Union schools in the top 20% in the nation and top 25% in California, emphasizing the District’s motto to do Whatever It Takes to prepare its students for success in college and career. Driving the success is a Districtwide commitment to student achievement, including increased participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, record-high graduation rates, a dual enrollment partnership with Río Hondo College, career technical education (CTE) pathways, and strong California A-G subject completion rates, which are mandatory for students to be eligible to attend UC or Cal State universities. "Our goal at Whittier Union is to guide students toward the futures they envision for themselves and give them the tools they need to make informed decisions about what comes after graduation," said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Lilia Bozigian. "Success like this doesn't happen alone; it comes from counselors, teachers, parents, and students working together toward a shared goal for each student's future, and these results speak to that collective commitment." Whittier Union is home to two California Distinguished Schools, one Model Continuation High School, one top science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high school, three Title 1 Academic Achievement schools, two AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award schools, and two Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Demonstration High Schools. Additionally, the California Department of Education (CDE) cited Whittier Union as one of the top four school districts in the state in 2025, according to the CDE’s California Dashboard, which measures graduation rates, suspension rates, attendance rates, and more. The College Board also recognized La Serna, Pioneer, and Santa Fe high schools by placing them on its 2026 AP Honor Roll for increasing participation in their AP programs. The latest data shows that AP participation continues to grow at all three campuses. Whittier Union offers more than two dozen CTE programs throughout the District, including pathways in engineering, healthcare, business, film, sports medicine, technology, and automotive. La Serna, Santa Fe, Whittier and California high schools also offer three- and four-year California Partnership Academies, with pathways available in technology, culinary arts, film and media, and mechanical drafting, while Pioneer High partners with Tri-Cities ROP for its school-site patient care pathway. Whittier Union’s dual enrollment offerings allow students to earn college credits while still in high school at no cost. Students can take one dual enrollment class per semester, plus one during the summer. “We are incredibly proud of the success of each of our five comprehensive high schools and the dedication of the students and staff who make these achievements possible,” Superintendent Dr. Monica Oviedo said. “This recognition reflects our shared commitment to doing Whatever It Takes to support every student and help them reach their goals.” PHOTO CAPTIONS WUHSD_RANKINGS1: Whittier Union’s five comprehensive high schools are ranked among the top 20% of high schools nationwide and the top 25% in California in the 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report High School Rankings. WUHSD_RANKINGS2: Whittier Union’s commitment to student achievement includes expanded opportunities in Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, career technical education, and college-preparatory coursework to help students prepare for college and career success.
