Whittier High School is a high school located in Whittier, California. It was the original school of the Whittier Union High School District. It is the alma mater of President Richard Nixon and John Lasseter, founder of Pixar.
Serving 1,652 students in grades 9-12, Whittier High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 34% (which is equal to the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is equal to the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,652 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 10% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 22% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Whittier High School's student population of 1,652 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,652 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1900
Colors
Red and White
School Motto
To Achieve and maintain excellence.
School Rankings
Whittier High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier High School is 0.15, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3492 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
22%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
21:1
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
92%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
5%
20%
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
96%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cardinals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier High School's ranking?
Whittier High School is ranked #3492 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Whittier High School often compared to?
Whittier High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like California High School, La Serna High School, Pioneer High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Whittier High School?
The graduation rate of Whittier High School is 96%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Whittier High School?
1,652 students attend Whittier High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Whittier High School students are Hispanic, 5% of students are White, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier High School?
Whittier High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is equal to the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Whittier High School offer ?
Whittier High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Whittier High School part of?
Whittier High School is part of Whittier Union High School District.
School Calendar
View the Whittier High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Freshman First Day
August 11, 2026 (Tuesday)
First Day of School
August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
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