Whatever It Takes: WUHSD Builds on High Academic Achievement

Whittier Union High School District students continue to improve their academic performance, with more scholars than ever graduating on time and entering college with skills and preparation necessary to succeed, according to the latest data from the District and the state. Whittier Union is one of the few high school districts in the state to show substantial and sustained academic progress over several years.

Graduation Rates at Highest Levels

Over 97% of Whittier Union's 11,000 students are graduating from our comprehensive high schools in four years, with 94% of seniors on track to graduate and over 90% of graduates enrolling in two- or four-year colleges.

Whittier Union graduates attend such prestigious institutions as Dartmouth, Harvard, Caltech, Yale, New York University and Johns Hopkins University, as well as campuses within the UC and CSU systems.

Noteworthy Numbers: 4-year Cohort Graduation, On-Target & Comprehensive High School Graduation Rates

Narrowing the Achievement Gap

 

For two decades, Whittier Union's Whatever It Takes initiative has propelled increases in student achievement in a high school district with over 11,000 students who are 88.8% Latino and 73% socioeconomically disadvantaged.

 

As part of the initiative, the District has intentionally created systems and structures to meet the needs of students, carefully analyzing data to refine practices to support student success and expand college and career readiness opportunities. Educational teams meet regularly to find best practices to support students and develop common grading systems. Each school has its own bell schedule, embedded tutorials and college-bound program. Despite the instructional differences, all schools provide students with the same expectations, curriculum, assessments and opportunities.

 

Built on a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness, Whittier Union is proving that Demographics Do Not Determine Destiny. All students can achieve at high levels, complete high school and continue on to college and careers when provided with dedicated educators who implement rigorous academic programs and targeted student support.

 

Noteworthy Numbers: A-G Completion, AP Exam Pass & Attendance Rates

 

A Culture of Success

 

Whittier Union has been lauded for advancing equity, closing opportunity and achievement gaps and strengthening the pipeline to college for traditionally underrepresented students, including students of color, low-income students, English learners and first-generation college students.

 

The District – named a Bright Spot district by Education Trust-West – was featured in a “Positive Outliers: Districts Beating the Odds” study for supporting Latino students at higher-than-expected levels on state assessments.

 

Our schools have been named 2020 Top L.A. County Public Schools for helping to close the opportunity gap for low-income students of color and have earned recognition from CORE Districts for achieving high academic growth in English language arts and math state assessments.

 

Learn more: Report to the Community 2020