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GreatSchools Rating

South Valley Junior High School

Public | 7-8 | 1230 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

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19 reviews of this school


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Posted December 23, 2011

This being my second year at SVJH, I can assure anybody that it is a great school! The honors program (which I am in) is challenging, yet very fun. Our teachers, in every class, try to make it fun while we learn new topics and ideas. There is a lot of emphasis on sports, which we are very good at, but there are other things to do to get involved. You could be a manager for a sports team, join one of the many clubs, or participate in the fine arts department(my favorite!). The band is really good, and the orchestra is amazing( woop woop!), the choir is also really good! You could also be in drama, or the play! All in all, South Valley is an amazing school that I will miss next year when I move on to Campo Verde!


Posted July 7, 2011

GREAT SCHOOL!! They care for each and every student. They gave my kids a great education and made them feel welcomed. Their PRIDE program is excelent!! If you are looking for a school that will make you and your kids feel welcom...SOUTH VALLEY IS THE ONE!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 29, 2010

Having just moved here from Scottsdale this summer, I will admit I was a little nervous about placing my son into a school I really knew nothing about. Well, I'm here to tell you, after attending the Open House, New Student Orientation, and Back to School Days, this school really put my mind and heart at ease. I was so comfortable with the entire staff, coaching staff, and the teachers especially. It is obvious the goal at South Valley Jr. High is to give these kids an exceptional education. What more could a parent ask for? I have yet to be disappointed in anyone or anything at SVJH. If you are looking into this school for your children, do not hesitate. You will not be disappointed. GO SABERCATS!!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 20, 2009

South Valley Junior High is not that great of a school. To me, it is just like other schools. There's is nothing about it that stands out from the other schools. The only thing that stands out is the education and sports, but it is not that much. The teachers have no connection with the students; only some do have a relationship with their students, but most don't. The shy non-talkitive students are go unnoticed by the teachers; while other loud students get the attention. It is not fair, but most teachers don't see that. Overall, the school is only average.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 19, 2009

South Valley was a nuturing school. The faculty and other staff members helped create a smooth transition from elementary to highschool for myself. If there were only one aspect of SVJH that I've ever frowned upon, it would be its /ridiculous/ emphasis on sports. It's impossible to be involved with the school without being an athlete. As a freshman now, I'm grateful for have attending South Valley.
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 18, 2009

I think this school is very educational and teaches us students responsibibily.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 14, 2008

I love this school..... The teachers are great. Thanks for all you guys do.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 13, 2008

South Valley does not really appeal to me and I will not be attending there next year instead I will be going to a much more qualified school for my eighth grade year and I will refrain from saying the name. I am a straight A+ student and I am really not challenged by it. If you really had to choose I would go somewhere else.


Posted October 28, 2008

i went to this school when it was brand new, i was in the first class to go through both years. overall id say it was a pretty good school, and i enjoyed my time there for the most part, even though it wasnt fully built until after i left.
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 9, 2008

love this school rock sabercats
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 1, 2008

As a concerned parent with issue 1 being quality of education we left Chandler's Willis Jr High School and enrolled as a boundry exception. My son was an A+ Honors student at Willis. I kept having second thoughts based on the material they covered. I guess I was right to change given the material that is being covered at South Valley. Night and Day difference in the honors program. Yes he is still an A Student but at least he's earned the grade rather then being given crazy easy materal. We commute everyday but well worth the change.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 10, 2008

i love south valley!!! it is such an awesome school.i am soo lucky to be able to go there!everything is great..from the classes to the activities like dances pep rallys lots of sports and clubs..its just awesome!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Go Sabercats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 27, 2008

I love South Valley! I moved around 5 times here in Arizona and South Valley is the BEST school I have been to. All of the teachers are great. I thought one of my teachers didn't teach well, but when I got my AIMS results back I was close to a 100%
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 28, 2008

Of the many public schools my 3 children have attended...this is my favorite! The administration and staff do a wonderful job of transitioning the kids from elementary to high at this beautiful new school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 23, 2007

Quality of academic programs: Best I've seen. My son was a 'C' student (on a good day) and did not enjoy his elementary school. Since day 1 at SVJH, my son has blossomed and loves to go to school. He is very involved academically (now a A-B student) and loves all of his classes and teachers. He also is involved with a sports team at the school year round. This is so important for socialization and teamwork. The level of parent involvement is great too! My advice: Put academics first but don't forget about the extras and how important they are. Find a niche and get involved. It makes school much more fun...thank you SVJH teachers and staff!
—Submitted by Julie F, a parent


Posted October 13, 2006

My daughter, who is now a freshman, attended SVJHS for its inaugural two years. I was very pleased with the professionalism and dedication of the staff, especially the music department. Although it was painful at first, with fundraisers, etc., the school was a fantastic experience for her, in both educational and maturation aspects. I would recommend it to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 20, 2006

The quality of this schools district is very special. This school is only going to be 3 years old. The fine arts program is a very good program. The teachers of the fine arts program are very special. They help the students understand what they are supposed to be. As a parent I try to get involved as much as possible. It is a lot better to get involved because then you are helping the school.
—Submitted by Susan G., a parent


Posted August 6, 2006

I have many opinions regarding SVJHS. The majority of the teachers were quality teachers, but a few lacked the ability to polite to many students. Many students would be singled out in class (negatively), and would be struggling due to lack of teacher student time.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted June 29, 2006

After being in a charter school setting for years, I was not sure what to expect from a public school and was very nervous. I am ecstatic to have my daughter attend SVJHS. This past year has been the best year we have ever had. I did not have to be concerned about a lack of professionalism and dedication from teachers or admin; no worries about safety and discipline; no worries about a haphazard curriculum and chaotic classrooms. My charter school experience was TERRIBLE, but I felt that I was sheltering and protecting my daughter. I was afraid of the 'public' schools. Advice to any caring parent....GO PUBLIC EDUCATION!!! The professionalism, discipline, and quality of education is very high. My daughter loved the school and can't wait for 8th grade. She is an honor student and was very adequately challenged academically. So much more is available here.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

610 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
90%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 84% in 2012.

610 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
88%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2012.

609 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
69%

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
91%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 57% in 2012.

611 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
78%

2010

 
 
82%

2009

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 72% in 2012.

611 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
85%

2011

 
 
84%

2010

 
 
89%

2009

 
 
89%
Science

The state average for Science was 68% in 2012.

612 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
81%

2010

 
 
79%

2009

 
 
86%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 86% in 2009.

552 students were tested at this school in 2009.

2009

 
 
98%
Scale: % meets or exceeds

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Arizona used the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) to test students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 10, writing in grades 5, 6, 7, and 10, and in science in grades 4, 8 and 10. AIMS is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students have mastered Arizona learning standards. Students must pass the grade 10 AIMS in order to graduate. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed state standards on the test.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

  • In 2010-2011, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2009-2010, this school was designated "Excelling".
  • In 2008-2009, this school was designated "Excelling".

About the tests


Arizona uses AZ LEARNS Achievement Profiles to indicate schools' overall performance each year. For elementary and middle schools, the profiles are based on current and historical aggregated AIMS results, MAP results and whether or not the school made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). For high schools, AIMS results, AYP status and graduation/dropout rates are used. Schools are identified as Excelling, Highly Performing, Performing Plus, Performing, Underperforming, Failing to Meet Academic Standards or Pending.

See Arizona's state standards

Source: Arizona Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 77% 42%
Hispanic 12% 42%
Asian 5% 3%
Black 5% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 6%
Two or more races 1% 1%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 122%N/A46%
English language learners 21%N/A14%
Source: 1 NCES, 2010-2011
Source: 2 AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Spanish 50% 81%
Russian 33% 0%
German 17% 0%
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per certified teacher 20N/AN/A
Source: AZ Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

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2034 South Lindsay Road
Gilbert, AZ 85296
Website: Click here
Phone: (480) 855-0015

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