ABCUSD High Schools Remain Highly Ranked
District High Schools Rank in the Top Half of all California Schools
U.S. News & World Report has published its 2026 - 2027 Best High Schools rankings, and ABC Unified School District high schools were ranked among the best in the state and nation. The publication looked at over 1,678 schools in California and over 24,000 high schools nationwide, ranking them on six factors.
The results speak volumes about the quality of education ABCUSD schools provide. Whitney High School was ranked #2 in California and #11 nationally. Cerritos High School ranked #69 in California and #464 nationally, Gahr High School came in #197 statewide and #1,236 nationally, and Artesia High School ranked at #832 in the state and #6,180 nationwide.
“We’re so proud to have our schools ranked highly both in California and nationally,” said Board of Education President Mr. Francisco Noyola. “These results are due to our unwavering commitment to providing our students with a world-class education, making sure that each and every student has the support needed to succeed at school and life.”
ABCUSD schools consistently rank high in the U.S. News “Best Public High Schools” program, outpacing most districts in the Los Angeles metro area. This year, all four ABCUSD comprehensive high schools landed in the top 48 percent of the 697 high schools ranked in the Los Angeles region and in the top 25% nationally.
“Although recognition like this can be meaningful, we remain focused on providing our students with an outstanding education, graduating from our schools in a position of choice to continue their education or move on to a great career,” said Superintendent Dr. Gina Zietlow. “School rankings may come and go, but the impact our teachers and staff have on students is what truly matters.”
U.S. News ranks schools based on six indicators, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student achievement, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates. Full details on this year’s rankings are available at usnews.com/education.