Serving 457 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 27% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 457 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 457 students has declined by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
457 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6033 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
97%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
1%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #6033 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
27% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
457 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Whittier Elementary School students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, 1% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Whittier Elementary School located?
Whittier Elementary School is located in the Westside Costa Mesa neighborhood of Costa Mesa, CA. There are 4 other public schools located in Westside Costa Mesa.
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