It was created by ABC superintendent Charles Hutchison, who envisioned Whitney to be a vocational school.

In 2012, Whitney built a multi-media arts center featuring computer labs and a theater.

The school used the funding to provide for major technology renovations and the construction of a new science-focused building.

Admissions are determined primarily through the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, with an additional criterion being the universally mandated essay examination.

In 1991, Whitney was recognized with the Department of Education's National Recognition Award as a Blue Ribbon School.

[citation needed] President George W. Bush's brother Neil, co-founder of an educational software company, has visited the campus several times, as he put it, "because of the respect the staff has for students.

[citation needed] Furthermore, CBS News's "Weekend Journal" also reported on Whitney, focusing on the public high school's academic achievements.

The passing rate for the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) for Whitney students is 100%.

[citation needed] Whitney received a six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in 2004.

Whitney High is now part of the newly formed 605 league, Division 3, CIF Southern Section.

WHS's award-winning robotics team participates in FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, an organization founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers to motivate young people in their schools and communities to reach an appreciation of science and technology.

Students also participate in outreach programs in robotics with local elementary schools, community groups, and summer RoboCamps.

Whitney High is the subject of School of Dreams, a book written by the Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Edward Humes[27] and published in September 2003.