Students and families searching for outstanding public education in California may want to take a closer look at the city of Cerritos. Whitney High School has been ranked the No. 1 public high school in the state, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The school also placed 16th nationally, putting it among the top-performing high schools in the United States.
Located on Shoemaker Avenue in Cerritos, Whitney High School serves students in grades 7 through 12 and is part of the ABC Unified School District. Since opening in 1976, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, college preparation, and consistently high student achievement.
The national rankings evaluated more than 24,000 public high schools across the country, measuring performance based on factors such as college readiness, graduation rates, standardized test scores, and how well schools support underserved students. Out of more than 1,600 California high schools evaluated, Whitney High School earned the top spot in the state.
Whitney’s academic performance far exceeds statewide averages. Nearly 98% of students demonstrate proficiency in math, compared with a California average of roughly one-third of students. Reading and language arts performance is also exceptionally high, with about 99% of students meeting or exceeding proficiency standards. The school maintains a graduation rate of 95% or higher, another indicator of its strong academic culture.
The campus enrolls just over 1,000 students, creating a focused learning environment that emphasizes rigorous coursework and college readiness. Students have access to a variety of Advanced Placement and honors courses across subjects including science, mathematics, computer science, and world languages.
Whitney High School has also received national recognition beyond rankings. The campus has been named a National Blue Ribbon School multiple times, highlighting its sustained academic excellence and innovative educational programs.
For families considering relocation to Southern California, Cerritos continues to stand out for its strong public schools, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly amenities. Whitney High School’s top ranking reinforces the city’s reputation as one of the best places in California for students seeking a high-quality education.