Compton Unified School District proudly celebrated more than 1,230 graduating seniors from Centennial High School, Compton High School, Compton Early College High School, and Dominguez High School during a full day of inspiring commencement ceremonies held at the USC Galen Center.
Families, friends, educators, and community members filled the arena, creating an electric and emotional atmosphere as the Class of 2026 crossed the stage and marked the culmination of their K-12 journeys. Each ceremony reflected the unique achievements, milestones, and legacy of its graduating class—while collectively showcasing the continued excellence of Compton Unified schools.
Compton Early College High School: A Legacy of Academic Excellence
Compton Early College High School celebrated 120 graduates who leave behind a remarkable academic legacy. Together, the Class of 2026 earned 254 Associate of Arts degrees and completed more than 5,200 college units—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the school’s rigorous early college model.
The class included 32 honor students, with seven scholars achieving 4.0+ GPAs. Their achievements extended beyond academics, with 100% meeting the College & Career Indicator, 92% earning the Golden State Seal, 70% receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, and 85% recognized with the Civic Engagement Seal.
Graduates were accepted to top universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, USC, CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, and more, with many receiving full-ride and full-tuition scholarships. As the Rising Phoenix, these scholars leave prepared to soar into bright futures.
Compton High School: A Historic First on a New Campus
Compton High School’s 362 graduates made history as the first class to graduate from the school’s new, state-of-the-art campus. The milestone moment was celebrated with pride and excitement, symbolizing a new era for the school and the community.
Ninety percent of graduates were accepted to two- and four-year colleges, while an impressive 93% completed financial aid applications. The class featured 34 students with GPAs above 4.0 and 56 students earning GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99. In addition, nine graduates committed to military service, demonstrating a strong spirit of leadership and service.
With acceptances to top universities across California and beyond including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, USC, CSU Long Beach, CSU Fullerton, and more, the Class of 2026 leaves Compton High ready to lead, achieve, and inspire.
Centennial High School: Honoring Tradition and Legacy
Centennial High School’s 256 graduates marked a deeply meaningful milestone as the final class to graduate from the school’s original campus. The ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a tribute to generations of students who came before them.
The Class of 2026 achieved a 94% college acceptance rate and an outstanding 99% financial aid completion rate. Eight scholars earned GPAs above 4.0, and 80% of the class met A-G eligibility requirements, positioning them for success in higher education.
Students earned acceptances to prestigious universities including UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, CSU Long Beach, Howard University, and more. Their graduation represents both an ending and a powerful new beginning as Centennial looks toward its future.
Dominguez High School: Excellence at Scale
Dominguez High School, the largest high school in Compton Unified, celebrated 496 graduates in a powerful and inspiring ceremony. The Class of 2026 demonstrated academic strength and resilience, achieving a 92% college acceptance rate, 90% A-G eligibility, and a 94% financial aid completion rate.
The class included 58 students with GPAs above 4.0 and 64 students with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.99. Students also earned prestigious scholarships, including two Gates Scholarships, the Earl Woods Scholarship, and a $50,000 Southern California Edison Scholarship.
Graduates were accepted to leading universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Howard University, Tuskegee University, and more—highlighting the depth of talent and achievement across the campus.
A Districtwide Celebration of Success
Together, these four ceremonies represented more than just graduations—they were a powerful reflection of Compton Unified’s commitment to academic excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students.
From historic firsts and final milestones to record-breaking achievements and life-changing scholarships, the Class of 2026 has set a new standard of success across the district.
Source: Compton Unified School District. Cover Art/Lead Image. A Compton High School student receives her diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Surrounding the student is Compton Unified School Board members (l-r) Ayanna Davis, Satra Zurita and Michael Hooper. Photo credit: Dennis J. Freeman/The Bulletin
