Happy Valley School

Two years ago and even one year ago when my son was in kindergarten and first grade I may have given 4 or 5 stars, based on what he was learning already...but this year I wouldn't. More like 2 stars. The reason is this: There is a serious lack of communication between teachers and parents-you aren't allowed to volunteer in the classroom hardly at all, and it really seems like the less parents know, the better. The way I've seen and heard of some of the teachers talking down to the kids is unacceptable as well. Some of the rules are way too harsh, and I'm a strict parent myself! So what if they're 2 years ahead academically? Are they really grasping the concepts being taught? They are so strictly monitored that they are barely allowed to have fun except at recess. No wonder after 2nd grade numbers drop off.
—Submitted by a parent

Happy Valley School is amazing. You are basically getting a private school education for free. I have 2 kids at this school. They are challenged academically every day and they love it. Kids who are not engaged in learning will have trouble at this school - it is quite strict but we love that about it. Kids are taught good moral character and responsibility. The principal and teachers are all sincere, hard-working and push each child to be their best. Before we moved her to HVS, my oldest was in Kindergarten at our local public school and was still going over colors and individual letters at this point in the year. In contrast, my youngest just started Kindergarten at Happy Valley and is already reading and adding double digits. The curriculum for each grade is very advanced but the kids enjoy being challenged. I wholeheartedly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter went to kindergarten at Happy Valley this year and loved it! The educational program at the school far excels other schools. I am proud that she has learned so much. Even though at the beginning I was worried she would struggle with some of the concepts, she quickly got in the groove and enjoys learning and reading.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school. Expectations are high, goals are set. Even public speaking is taught. Discipline and respect are expected from all.
—Submitted by a parent

3 of my children have all attended Happy Valley. My daughter is now a senior carrying a 4.0 GPA at SDOHS and I feel HVS set the foundation for her success. My oldest son is now a Sophomore at SDOHS and is also keeping with the high standards he learned their as well. My youngest son has attended HVS for the past 4 years and he came from a public school where he was less than challenged. Work schoolwork was too easy and not stimulating. He has improved his learning ability with leaps and bounds and enjoys going to school each and every day. I believe he is well on his way to academically achieving all the goals set before him.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best school my kids have ever attended. Finally a school that challenges them in every academic way. I love Happy Valley!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends HVS and we have been so impressed with the level of education as well the faculty and facility. The students are all very well-mannered and the office staff always goes out of their way to be helpful. The Principal and Assistant Principal have also impressed us and really care about the students. At my son's last school, he used outdated textbooks, and we love how up to date and current the curriculum and text books are at HVS. Every week, there is an assembly that parents are invited to attend and its great to see a whole school, K-6th grade, with students perfectly behaved and teachers with smiling faces who clearly enjoy what they are doing and the students they teach.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has attended HVS since kindergarten. This year he entered 2nd grade and I realized that the problems we had been having for the past year, would only get worse. I feel that the school is now force-feeding information onto the kids and not actually ensuring that the kids are learning the work, only memorizing it. I finally decided to put him into our home public school. I cannot tell you how happy I have been. I feel welcome on campus, I get to walk him to his class and see his teacher every day. The communication between teacher and parent has been frequent. He is at the top of his class and I'm so grateful we switched....I knew it wasn't right for a 7 year old to already hate school. Now he's happy when he gets home and the homework is actually do-able and fun!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is starting 1st grade at HVS after attending the Kindergarten program. I couldn't be happier with the education that she is receiving. She got a great basis in Kindergarten and with the 2-3 weeks review that the teachers do the first weeks of school has gotten her going that much faster for this year. I love the optional uniform that was implemented this year. The afterschool programs are enough to keep her busy with the variety that is offered. She is also able to do her homework after school (which takes about 20 minutes) under the supervision of the afterschool staff. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is not for those who think that the teacher will take care of education in classroom and homework is a hindrance rather than a necessity. The children are constantly challenged to do more and achieve higher. That doesn't make it easy for us parents who have to keep up at home as well. Fortunately I do subscribe to the philosophy and feel putting the effort in early will put my son in a the better position when he enters a traditional school in later grades. The school is not known for it extracurricular activities. They do have after school art, music, sports that parents can sign up for for a fee. I think by far the annual 'Big Assembly' is really first class (you can ask any parent who has attended). The kids, parents, teachers and staff work very hard throughout the year to put on a professional presentation.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children and all 3 has attended Happy Valley School. My oldest started going to Happy Valley when it first opened, and went all the way to 6th grade. I was concerned about him going to public school after Happy Valley, but he is excelling in public school with straight A's. I cannot express my thanks to all the teachers and staff at the school. All the staff there are very plesant and helpful. My other 2 children that are still at Happy Valley love going to school. They make sure I make their doctor/dentist appointments after school because they hate to miss school.
—Submitted by a parent

The class sizes are way to large, especially for a five year old in kindergarten, 52 kids in my child's class, and not always 3 teachers in the class with them. The expectations for grades 2-6 have all a sudden become extremely high, and the focus of making education fun and exciting is gone.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was great for the first two years my daughter attended, and she did well and excelled. However, there are many new teachers, some of whom are not certified, there is not a library for the children to attend, and there are no offering for the kids in the 4-6 grades, such as band, after school organized sports team, etc. The class sizes are big and I felt that my daughter began to get lost in the shuffle after the first two years.
—Submitted by a parent

We love Happy Valley School! My daughter is an encouraged, supported, engaged, and socialized student while at HPS, as well as at home. They continue what my husband and I began here at home, all the while accepting that school and home are both learning environments. The staff and teachers both encourage a lot of parental involvement, and keep communication at an all time high. Teacher to student ratio is always spot on, never leaving my child feeling rushed or left behind. Individual care is expressed and encouraged, a trait that is very appreciated. We are looking forward to many great years to come.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children attend Happy Valley Charter (my older daughter for 6 years and my younger daughter is still there beginning her 5th year). Academically, this school is the best. My kids score at high school level on standardized tests. They do have music class and perform twice per year for family and friends to attend. Extracurricular activities are limited, I utilize the Parks and Recreation classes for my childrens individual interests. The administration at the school is very good---very supportive of their students and very serious about providing an excellent learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children attending HVS. Although there are some things I don't care for, they do not out weigh the amazing education that my children are receiving. I pulled one child from a school and placed them in HVS and the difference was amazing. The school has some quirks, but all schools do. I send my children to school to learn, if they need more extras, I will find them that too!! Over all it is an amazing program and I encourage all to give it a try and see the change for yourself.
—Submitted by Anglea Eliason, a parent

We really liked the academics, curriculum and student behavior at this school. Most of the teachers are great. The administrative staff is very unprofessional. Parents are not encouraged to help out at the school and have very little involvement school activities.
—Submitted by a parent

Our Daughter has attended Happy Valley Charter for 2 years now; Kindergarten and 1st grade. We could not be happier with the school! Great teachers & Principal is wonderful. Academically no other school in our area comes close! Parent involvement is welcomed and very much appreciated. Kindergarten classes are large amount of children but the teachers do a terrific job with the numbers and our daughters progress was superb! 1st grade she soared as well with a fabulous teacher :O) Several school activities are offered and run very smoothly. We love the after school care for emergency times when we couldn't make it in time for pick up. Music program is top notch with a wonderful program every year with the whole school involved. ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL SCHOOL :O)
—Submitted by a parent

Overall I think Happy Valley is a good school. My daughter had a wonderful teacher in 6th grade last year. I think it has helped her be so successful in 7th grade at a new school this year. My son is finishing 3rd and has gone for 3 years. I think the large classes have made it hard for him, although he has done very well. Mrs. Karls, Mrs. Eager, Ms. Campaigne and Mrs. Engstrom all get my 2 thumbs up for being wonderful teachers! Mrs Karls especially gives of herself to help the children that need extra help with homework after school on a regular basis. There are not enough teachers like her that are caring enough to go the extra mile!
—Submitted by a parent

I was very excited about my child going to this school as I have heard good reviews. However the academic aspect of the school should not be the only focus. My child would cry everyday because he had to go to school here. We eventually moved my child to another school. Loves school now.
—Submitted by a parent