Happy Valley School

My daughter started at this school this year in kindergarten. I feel like my daughter is being challenged here and its paying off! I am truly amazed with what all she has learned. The staff and teachers are all professional, they truly care about the kids. Would highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been waiting on writing this review since September, so that I could sit back from my experience a bit and be fair and accurate in my description of HVS. I have one child who still attends this school. He is a "good boy" who fits the mold of what they seem to like at this school. My other student did not have the same experience. He has some behavior problems. He has had them for years, and I moved him to HVS because I thought the structure would be good for him. His experience was awful. We pulled him out about a month and a half into the school year because it was clear he was headed towards being KICKED out, and I wouldn't allow him to go through that at 8 years of age. We are extremely involved parents who want our kids held accountable, but HVS was not willing to change a thing to help our child, who has ADHD. Not even a daily behavior report, the Principal said that was for Kindergartners. This school is fine if your child fits the mold, but do not choose if your child has any special needs. At school, you will see PERFECT worksheets on the bulletin boards. They once sent home a list of 23 playground rules. It is a very competitive educational environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent who wrote the review (5/8/13) about pulling my son with ADHD out of the school. I am allowing my younger son to finish up the year at HVS, since his experience was positive and I didn't want to disrupt his year, however I will not be keeping him there. This school is a one size fits all approach. It saddens me that they can kick or "push" out the kids that don't fit their mold (even with supportive, cooperative parents and kids that have real problems/disorders) and then brag about their test scores. As a former teacher, this just doesn't sit right with me, especially for a school that does, indeed, receive public funds. The principal does not really seem to know a whole lot about kids or education, and is not at all flexible. If you are considering HVS, and your child is smart with no issues, no behavior problems and your student can tolerate LARGE class sizes (36) and all day direct instruction and worksheet after worksheet, then you may be ok here. Otherwise BEWARE! This is not a flexible school. They do it there way and parents REALLY do not have any say here.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend here and I honestly can not fully recommend this school. The principal is horrible. Some teachers are truly horrible. The school goes out of its way to alienate the parents, so they have no way to make complaints that will be recognized. I believe this is intentional. The principal needs to keep his opinions to himself and trust that he and his staff are not entitled elitists, because they are in fact not. I feel very judged in this school. I feel like I am the new kid in high school every time I walk onto campus. The teachers ARE instructed to JUDGE parents on their cars, and reduced lunch participation. The teachers DO gossip openly amongst themselves like high schoolers regarding material issues with parents. I like the academics here because the kids do learn alot with little homework. But the atmosphere is unbearable. If you have even one problem or do not fit the perfect high school cheerleader mold- you will be ostracized. If you are not prefect enough anything your child does not perfect will count against YOU- NEVER the teachers. They should remove the principal for not correcting this years long feeling at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has clicks and children that act very entitled. It is almost impossible for a child to come to this school as a new student in an older grade due to the bullying. The school administration is very one sided, and if they don't like your child-they won't listen to them. Other children were allowd to make threats to harm my child physically, and the administration did nothing about it. The principal yells at children and intimidates them. The bus driver allows inappropriate music to be played on the bus, and actually pulled over the bus and told the students that they can tell the principal whatever they want, but he will believe her because she is the adult and it wont matter....they have a good academic plan, but have no control over the students.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending HVS since KG. She is finishing 4th grade this year. Overall we have loved this school and have had amazing teachers every year. This year, has been a little rough - we haven't loved her teacher (who was new to the school and new to 4th grade) - but we think it is important for our daughter to realize she isn't going to LOVE every teacher/person she will have to deal with in life. We plan to keep her here for the next 2 years and will be sad to move on for 7th-12th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been great in most areas. I am impressed with the academics and seeing my kids learn, I did however have to take 1 star off because although I feel the staff truly cares about the children there is a disconnect when it comes to parents. This school provides a fun learning atmosphere for the kids and as a result my kids love school and are learning a lot too. Parents don't get to volunteer in classrooms and that is a shame because the class size is large and it could really benefit to have some parents alongside helping where needed. Other than that Happy Valley is a wonderful school in my opinion.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school for several years and we have watched it go from bad to worse each year. Teachers have been fired or have left on their own. The one that needs to leave is the principal. He is the root of all evil at that school. I run into other parents all the time and they have nothing good to say about the school and many have transferred their kids to different schools as a result. My child will not be coming back to this scary place. Please reconsider taking your children here!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

It is sad to read hate reviews written by parents, who obviously didn''t get their way & blame everyone else. I have had a wonderful experience for the past 4 years, and look forward to the upcoming school year. My children are excelling, and love their school. We have loved all of our teachers, and if you need something the staff is more than willing to help in whatever way they can (including the principle & vice principle).
—Submitted by a parent

The people that are complaining about the staff are the same ones who dislike everything and are unreasonable. This is a wonderful school with an A+ Excelling rating. My children have been there for the past 4 years. Never a problem!
—Submitted by a parent

This school has been such a blessing! My child has really blossomed year after year. I can't say enough great things about the staff, from the teachers to the aides and office staff and owner. Very happy parents and we highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at this school for the last 5 years and I am quite pleased with how she has excelled. I find the majority of parents are very pleased with what Happy Valley has to offer in its curriculum, enrichment classes, and supplemental materials. Happy Valley is dedicated to giving students the best education possible. Compare the AIMS scores of this school to other charter/public schools. The scores are an excellent indication that the teachers are doing a great job and the students respond to the efforts to help them succeed. If you are not interested in a quality education then this is not the school for you. Parent involvement is only limited because the students are there to learn, not to spend time with their parents. Parents are invited to participate in Field day, to go on field trips, to help with the class parties and to be a part of the excellent Parent Team. Family time is important to the owners; therefore homework is very minimal giving the students that time with their family. If you are interested in helping your student be prepared for the rest of their years of education, give them the best start possible and send them to Happy Valley School.
—Submitted by a parent

- Excellent Academics - Very large class sizes. Would like to see smaller classes in the younger grades - Addition of a gymnasium would be a huge boost to the school - Very little opportunity for parental involvement - Admin staff is friendly and helpful - School events are difficult because they are held in the cafeteria and cannot accomodate very many people
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been attending this school for the past 6 years and I have watched this school go down hill every year! The principle is a joke! He is full of empty promises and full of a few other unmentionable things too! Unless they find a replacement principle, DO NOT send your children to this school!!!! You will regret it!!!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at HVS and over the years have had amazing teachers. However this year one of my children had a horrible year do to a teacher. Some things I have learned this year is yelling and belittling the children are exceptible behaviors by owner and staff and that a lifetime experience degree from redding university is also exceptible...if you look it up you can see that all you need is 4 years work experience and NO education, a payment of $395 and you can receive a bachelor in art of education! AMAZING so do your homework check the credentials and resumes very important parents need to stand up for there children!

I think that HVS has been a good experience for my two children. This is our first year here, and it is much better overall than the local district's school we were last attending. I have found the staff to be very friendly, and my kids have learned a great deal. I am a bit disappointed that I cannot volunteer in the classroom, but I do my best to remain cheerful and supportive. There are no perfect schools out there, but so far I am happy with the results at HVS.
—Submitted by a parent

HVS has really dissapointed me the last few years. Although I have been happy with the teachers my children have had (by request), the majority of the teachers are lazy and not happy to be there. The school has gotten WAY to big.... and they just keep adding more. My children have had 35+ kids in their classes, with no aides. If you want to be involved with your childs education, don't send your children here. Parents are not wanted.... and if you want to know whats going on with your child, YOU have to make the effort to befriend the teacher. I am pulling my kids out of HVS and will not be sending my younger ones their either. Unless they make major changes.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 3 children go to this school and one going next year. It is an amazing school with great staff. All of my children enjoy going to school everyday. They have high academic standard which is why we attend here. They teach well above the public schools. I will challenge anyone that claims this school is not good
—Submitted by a parent

I wouldn't recommend it. They have some good teachers but they also have bad ones, unfortunately the bad ones ruine the school!
—Submitted by a parent

We attended Happy Valley for kindergarden and would not recommend this school to another family.
—Submitted by a parent