Walt Whitman HS Ranked A Top-3 Public High School In Suffolk

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Walt Whitman High School was named the third best public high school in Suffolk County by Niche.com in its 2024 rankings, the South Huntington School District announced.

The school moved up two spots from last year’s No. 5 placement to rank No. 3 out of 59 public high schools in Suffolk, while maintaining its A+ grade.

As a whole, the South Huntington School District moved up two spots to place No. 6 among Suffolk’s 69 school districts with a grade of A.

Islandwide, Walt Whitman also moves up to the rank of No. 18 of the more than 125 high schools across Long Island. And the school is now one of the top-50 public high schools in New York state, jumping two dozen spots to rank this year at No. 47 out of nearly 1,300 schools statewide.

"We are extremely pleased to move up into the top three high schools in Suffolk County, and move up two more spots for our school district," Superintendent Vito D’Elia said in a news release. "We’re happy that the community feels good about its schools. And our consistent improvement in all categories shows a commitment from all of our employees to give all young people in this community a great experience through the South Huntington School District."

The high school and district were also ranked among the county's most diverse. John Murphy, deputy superintendent and Walt Whitman interim principal, said the district has always seen diversity as its strength.

"Words cannot express how proud I am of the faculty and students here in the South Huntington School District," Murphy said. "Being noted as one of the top three high schools in Suffolk County and top six districts in Suffolk County is a testament to the hard work and diligence of so many within our great community. To achieve such academic heights is nothing short of amazing. When we think of a high achieving district, our minds always move towards districts that do not face the same hardships and difficulties as we do. This ranking shows everyone that all students can achieve such heights if properly supported and guided. Again I thank the tireless efforts of our teachers and parents for their support of the students who continue to show that South Huntington is the one of the best places to live and work."

Niche.com compiles profiles annually on every school and college in America using U.S. Department of Education and other public data, plus millions of reviews and ratings from students, parents and teachers to come up with its rankings. In addition to academics, Niche grades schools in the areas of administration, teachers, diversity, college prep, sports, clubs and activities, facilities, and food.

Walt Whitman High School offers students a wide variety of study through 30 AP (Advanced Placement) courses; 29 college credit courses; honors; music, arts and dance; life skills for students with special needs; BOCES; future teachers; and college and career readiness programs partnering with community businesses in all aspects of industry, medicine, technology, and arts.

The South Huntington School District has been nationally recognized for increasing diversity in the population of students who take AP courses and advanced college credit courses. This September, the high school re-introduced a nine-period school day to give students more chances to explore their interests by taking more elective courses.

Walt Whitman High School offers students more than 75 student clubs and organizations, and more than 30 sports teams to join.

School Board President Nicholas Ciappetta said the district continues to work to offer students even more.

"The Niche.com rankings demonstrate that South Huntington is one of the finest school districts on Long Island," Ciappetta said. "This is a testament to the exceptional dedication and talent of our faculty and staff. In South Huntington, however, we don’t rest on our laurels and look forward to continuing to improve, and proving that the South Huntington School District is a wonderful place to live and work."