Whittier High

12417 E. Philadelphia St.
Whittier, CA 90601

1,767 Students

High School 9th - 12th

School Overview

Whittier High School, located at 12417 E. Philadelphia St. in Whittier, California, is a historic public secondary school serving the Whittier Union High School District. Established in 1901, it holds a significant place in the community’s history and is perhaps most famously known as the primary filming location for the 1989 classic film *Back to the Future*, where it served as the fictional "Hill Valley High School." The campus features a blend of classic and modern architecture, reflecting its long-standing presence in the area and its evolution over the past century.

As an educational institution, Whittier High School offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes rigorous academic programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and various extracurricular activities, ranging from competitive athletics to diverse arts and career-technical education pathways. The school takes pride in its "Cardinal" spirit and emphasizes a supportive environment aimed at preparing students for college and career readiness. With its deep roots in the city, the school remains a focal point for local pride and academic development in the Whittier community.

1,767

Total Students

81.6

Full-Time Teachers

21.6

Student/Teacher Ratio

79.9%

Free/Reduced Lunch

Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Whittier High
Demographic	Student Count
White	84
Hispanic	1,648
Black	12
Asian	13
Two or More	3
American Indian	1
Pacific Islander	4

Hispanic
1,648 (93.4 %)
White
84 (4.8 %)
Asian
13 (0.7 %)
Black
12 (0.7 %)
Pacific Islander
4 (0.2 %)
Two or More
3 (0.2 %)
American Indian
1 (0.1 %)

School Location

School Details

Status:	Open
School Level:	High School
School Type:	Regular School
Charter Status:*	Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction:	No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status:	N/A
District:	Whittier Union High
Phone:	(562)698-8121
Grade Range:	9th - 12th
Total Students:	1,767
Full-Time Teachers (FTE):	81.6
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:	21.6
NSLP Participation:¹	Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch:	1,157
Qualified Reduced Lunch:	255

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

¹ National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught

Grade 9 444

Grade 10 451

Grade 11 453

Grade 12 419