Whittier Elementary

Whittier Elementary sits in the heart of Costa Mesa, a city that blends laid-back Southern California beach culture with a surprisingly diverse, working-class community just a few miles from the coast. The school serves a neighborhood where many families have deep roots, and while test scores tend to run below the county average, the tight-knit community feel is a real draw for parents who value connection over competition. Families who prioritize a welcoming, neighborhood-school atmosphere — rather than the high-pressure academic environment you might find closer to Irvine or Newport Beach — will likely feel right at home here.