CUSD Celebrates Centennial, Compton, Compton Early College and Dominguez Graduations

1230+ Seniors Graduate in Day-Long Commencement Ceremonies

Story and Photos courtesy of CUSD

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 and milestones of its graduating class—while collectively showcasing the continued excellence of Compton Unified schools.

Compton Early College High School celebrated 120 graduates who leave behind a remarkable academic legacy. The Class of 2026 earned 254 Associate of Arts degrees and completed more than 5,200 college units.

The class included 32 honor students, with seven scholars achieving perfect 4.0 GPAs. Notably, the school had a 100% graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, 100% met the College & Career Indicator, 92% earned the Golden State Seal, and 85% were recognized with the Civic Engagement Seal. Graduates were accepted to top universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, USC, CSU Long Beach, and CSU Fullerton, with many earning full-ride and full-tuition scholarships.

Compton High School’s 362 graduates made history as the first class to graduate from the school’s new, state-of-the-art campus—marking a major milestone for the school and community. Ninety percent of graduates were accepted to two- and four-year colleges, and 93% completed financial aid applications. The class included 34 students with GPAs above 4.0 and 56 students between 3.5 and 3.99, while nine graduates committed to military service.

Centennial High School’s 256 graduates marked a meaningful milestone as the final class to graduate from the school’s original campus. The Class of 2026 achieved a 94% college acceptance rate and an impressive 99% financial aid completion rate, with 80% meeting A-G eligibility requirements. Eight scholars earned GPAs above 4.0, and students were accepted to universities including UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, UC Davis, CSU Long Beach, and Howard University.

Dominguez High School, the largest high school in Compton Unified, celebrated 496 graduates. The Class of 2026 achieved 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 between 3.5 and 3.99. Students also earned major scholarships, including two Gates Scholarships, the Earl Woods Scholarship, and a $50,000 Southern California Edison Scholarship, with acceptances to universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, Howard University, and Tuskegee University.

Together, these ceremonies reflect Compton Unified’s strong commitment to academic excellence, equity, and opportunity. From historic milestones to record-breaking achievements, the Class of 2026 has set a new standard of success across the district.

As these graduates take their next steps into college, careers, and service, they carry with them the pride of their schools, the support of their community, and the promise of a bright future.

Congratulations to the Compton Unified Class of 2026.