Whittier Union High School District

Whittier Union High School District is a public school district serving students in Whittier, California, Santa Fe Springs, California, South Whittier, California, and parts of Pico Rivera, California and La Habra Heights, California. The district operates under the guidance of the California Department of Education and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Whittier Union High School District is part of the Los Angeles County Office of Education and works in conjunction with neighboring districts, including Lowell Joint School District and East Whittier City School District. The district's students often go on to attend local colleges, such as Rio Hondo College and Whittier College, or universities like University of California, Los Angeles and California State University, Fullerton.

● Overview

The Whittier Union High School District is a comprehensive school district providing educational services to approximately 13,000 students in grades 9-12. The district's mission is to provide a rigorous and relevant education, preparing students for success in colleges and universities, such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley. The district is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and innovation, as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act and the California Education Code. Whittier Union High School District is a member of the California School Boards Association and the National School Boards Association, and its students participate in regional and national competitions, including the National Science Olympiad and the National History Day.

● History

The Whittier Union High School District was established in 1900, with the opening of Whittier High School. Over the years, the district has grown and expanded to include additional high schools, such as California High School and La Serna High School. The district has a rich history of academic excellence, with notable alumni including Richard Nixon, Pat Nixon, and Gregory Peck. Whittier Union High School District has also been recognized for its innovative programs, such as the International Baccalaureate program at Whittier High School and the Career Technical Education programs at California High School. The district has received awards and accolades from organizations like the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the California Department of Education.

● Schools

The Whittier Union High School District operates five comprehensive high schools: Whittier High School, California High School, La Serna High School, Pioneer High School, and Santa Fe High School. Each school offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement courses, Honors classes, and Visual and Performing Arts programs. The district's schools are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and have been recognized by organizations like the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program and the California Distinguished Schools Program. Students from Whittier Union High School District have gone on to attend prestigious universities, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Southern California.

● Administration

The Whittier Union High School District is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, which is responsible for setting district policies and overseeing the budget. The district is led by a Superintendent, who is responsible for implementing district policies and overseeing the administration of the schools. The district's administration includes departments such as Curriculum and Instruction, Business Services, and Human Resources, which work together to support the educational programs and services. The district is also a member of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association and the California Association of School Administrators.

● Academics

The Whittier Union High School District offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and World Languages. The district also offers a range of elective courses, including Art, Music, and Physical Education. Students in the district have the opportunity to participate in Advanced Placement and Honors programs, as well as Career Technical Education programs in fields like Engineering, Health Science, and Culinary Arts. The district's academic programs are designed to prepare students for success in colleges and universities, such as University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Diego, and California State University, Long Beach.

● Demographics

The Whittier Union High School District serves a diverse student population, with students from a range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. The district's student body is approximately 70% Hispanic or Latino, 20% White, 5% Asian, and 5% African American. The district also serves students with Special Needs, including students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and English Language Learners. The district's demographics are reflective of the surrounding community, which includes cities like Whittier, California, Santa Fe Springs, California, and Pico Rivera, California. The district works to provide support services for its students, including Counseling and Mental Health services, in partnership with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Counseling Association.

Category:School districts in California