Dear Whittier Union community,
The 2019-20 school year was unlike any other in Whittier Union history as we swapped our traditional face-to-face interaction for a digital learning environment as the COVID-19 health crisis shuttered our schools and we shifted our instruction and support services to an online model.
It was a challenging endeavor, but one that truly demonstrated our resilience as a District and our commitment to doing Whatever It Takes to ensure the academic achievement, social-emotional stability and safety of all students, even in this new digital dynamic in which we find ourselves.
In our 2020 Report to the Community, we showcase our strong culture of academic excellence – from our consistent gains in student achievement, lauded by local, state and national organizations, to our award-winning academic and curricular programs, led by a team of educators who innovated this shift in instruction while simultaneously providing support to students and families.
Every August, we welcome close to 3,000 freshmen who spend 720 days of their high school experience with our talented educators. Over time, they learn students' stories, motivate them to reach their greatest potential and prepare them for the next step in their journeys.
Although the 2020-21 school year will look different, our commitment to student success will continue to endure across our five award-winning comprehensive high schools, model continuation school, independent study school and transition program, as well as our Adult School.
Under the exemplary leadership of our Board of Trustees, our District has built a network of supports and services designed to meet each student’s individual needs. Our focused instructional program and robust learning environment – both online and in-person – has raised the bar for college- and career-readiness.
Over 97% of 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.
Despite the challenges our students faced with online learning in spring 2020, they continued to experience similar levels of success as in previous years.
As we launch the 2020-21 school year – and do our best to prepare for an unpredictable future – we are prepared with flexible and adaptable plans for every learning scenario, whether that’s 100% online instruction, blended learning with in-classroom opportunities or traditional schedules.
No matter what, we are committed to providing our students – particularly our English learners, foster children and economically disadvantaged students – a first-class education. I want to thank our certificated and classified staff, administrative leaders and Board of Trustees for their support, dedication and visionary leadership in the face of adversity.
We are grateful to our Whittier Union community for entrusting their children to us and supporting our efforts to build our students into the leaders of tomorrow.