Whittier Elementary

Whittier Elementary is a K-5 public school serving 526 students in the Long Beach Unified district, located in a high-need area where a large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academically, the school faces significant challenges, with test scores in English, Math, and Science well below both district and state averages, resulting in a low statewide ranking. A major concern is chronic absenteeism, with nearly one in three students missing too much school, though this rate has improved from even higher levels in recent years. Interestingly, Whittier receives more funding per student than many nearby schools and has a relatively favorable student-to-teacher ratio, suggesting its struggles are not simply due to a lack of resources or overly large classes.

When compared to its neighbors, Whittier's performance stands out. Schools like Alvarado Elementary and Signal Hill Elementary achieve much higher rankings and proficiency rates, even while serving similar student populations. However, there are recent signs of positive change at Whittier; test scores have risen across all subjects over the last year and its statewide rank has improved. The school also shows relative strength in supporting some student groups, indicating that targeted approaches can be effective.