It is named for Charles B. Whitnall, the first Socialist City Treasurer of Milwaukee and the architect of Milwaukee County's system of public parks.

[2] According to the school's own records, the average ACT composite score for the 2007-08 school year was 23.2, which is slightly higher than the state average of 22.3.

[4] The most recent results from the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination of 10th graders at Whitnall High School indicate that 83% of students score at the proficient or advanced level in reading.

86% of student score at the proficient or advanced level in science, and 83% of students score at the proficient or advanced level in mathematics.

Schools in that conference include Brown Deer, Cudahy, Greenfield, Milwaukee Lutheran, South Milwaukee, and Shorewood.