Whitney High School
| 👥 Student Enrollment | ≈ 1,018 |
| 👨🏫 Teachers | ≈ 40 |
| 🎓 CEEB Code | 050525 |
| 📍Address | 16800 Shoemaker Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA |
| 🎓 Avg SAT / ACT | SAT ~1430, ACT ~32 |
Overview
Full Name: Gretchen A. Whitney High School
Founded: 1976
Location: Cerritos, Los Angeles County, California, USA
Type: Public Magnet School, Grades 7–12
Academics
Whitney High School is nationally recognized for its rigorous academics. The school offers 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and around 30 Honors courses. Its average SAT score is about 1430 and ACT around 32, with a 98% AP pass rate. Students also have opportunities for early college enrollment through Cerritos College.
Admissions
Admission is highly selective. Students must take entrance and placement exams, and in some cases a writing test. As a public magnet school, in-district students pay no tuition. Admission is open to Grades 7–12 with limited seats each year.
Facilities & Student Life
- Modern science and computer labs
- Library with extensive digital resources
- Robotics, debate, music, theater & cultural clubs
- Strong athletics and extracurricular programs
Rankings & Achievements
- #1 Public High School in California (2025)
- Top 20 in U.S. National Rankings
- Blue Ribbon School Award Winner
- Math proficiency ~98%, Reading ~99%
Contact
📍 Address: 16800 Shoemaker Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703
📞 Phone: (562) 229-7745
📧 Email: info@whitneyhs.us
🌐 Website: whitneyhs.us
📌 School Code: CEEB 050525
☎️ Attendance Helpline: (562) 229-7745 ext. 50710
Whitney High School Overview
Whitney High School (officially Gretchen A. Whitney High School) is a nationally recognized public magnet school in Cerritos, Los Angeles County, California. Founded in 1976 and operated by the ABC Unified School District, the school is widely known for selective admissions, rigorous academics, and outstanding college readiness. With an enrollment of about 1,018 students and roughly 40 teachers, Whitney sustains a focused learning environment while offering rich opportunities across STEM, humanities, and the arts.
Academically, Whitney ranks among the top public high schools in California year after year. Students consistently post high standardized scores—averaging about SAT 1430 and ACT 32—well above state and national benchmarks. The curriculum features 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses plus more than 30 Honors classes, enabling motivated learners to build competitive transcripts and earn college credit early. A large share of graduates matriculate to highly selective universities, including UC campuses and top private colleges.
Beyond academics, Whitney promotes well-rounded growth through a vibrant student life. Learners participate in robotics and coding teams, debate and Model UN, orchestra and choir, visual arts, community service clubs, and athletics. Modern science and computer labs, an extensive library, and supportive counseling resources help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Leadership, collaboration, and service are emphasized across programs so that students develop the skills needed for college and future careers.
The campus is located at 16800 Shoemaker Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703, making it accessible to families across the region. For testing and college applications, Whitney’s CEEB code is 050525. These practical details—together with strong teaching, a challenging course sequence, and sustained results—have earned Whitney a reputation as a model of educational excellence. For families seeking a high-expectation, high-support environment that prepares students for top universities, Whitney High School remains one of California’s most sought-after options.
