Clayton Valley High School

The students are the best here. They care about each other and take pride in their acheivements.
--Submitted by a teacher

There is a great blend of academically minded kids and kids with great minds and enough teachers who care about them to create a great atmosphere.
--Submitted by a teacher

I have two children at CVHS - one a Senior in the fall and the other will be a Sophmore. Both have been in the Arts Academy and the teacher quality there is excellent. Also the science teachers have been very impressive and dedicated. Multiple teachers have proactivily contacted us with issues or even praise for achievements. There is a shortage on space for some honor/ap classes, but overall I think my Senior will be well prepared for a UC the following year.
--Submitted by a parent

Substandard education is the best way to describe this school. I have had two of my children go to this school. Both have preformed poorly regardless of our best efforts. We have contacted the teachers and administration for assistance and resources. We are lucky if they call back and when they do, they have nothing to offer but excuses. We have a third child who will be enrolled in a private school.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a senior graduating in 2007 from CVHS. I also have a sophomore at a private high school in Walnut Creek. There is a world of difference in the level of education between the two schools. While my sophomore is constantly inspired by his teachers, my senior has endured 4 years of public school brainwashing from teachers who preach to students about what a bad rap they have in MDUSD. My senior was forced to endure 4 years of left wing ultra liberal teachings. While the new principal may be able to make some changes with a different approach, until the district is able to find new teachers that have a balanced, unpolitical way of teaching their subjects, I would look for alternatives to this school.
--Submitted by a parent

I went to Clayton Valley and graduated in 06 and I think it is a great school. That has a bad reputation in the community because of the few people that go there that make bad decisions. It has a diverse campus and great teachers that care about their students. Gary Swanson is in his 2nd year as principal there and even though don't agree with some of his policies I believe he is making a conscious effort to clean up Clayton's public image. My brother attends De La Salle High School right now and I think that the kids that go there are no better than the ones at CVHS. You just never hear about their problems no one thinks they can do wrong. If you think about sending your teen to CVHS don't hesitate do it. They also have a great sports program.
--Submitted by george santana, a former student

Clayton Valley High School is a flat tire in the educational system. The teachers are tired and uninspired. The district needs to work to attract and retain quality teachers. There is a nice group of students who deserve so much more.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended Clayton Valley for my freshman and sophomore year. I earned good grades from there but had to leave due to lack of supervision of the students. I would not recommend this school, and the entire school district. Not only are the students horrible, but the morale of the principles are really low.
--Submitted by a former student

Offers a great sports medicine class. Teachers are fun and approachable. Great place!
--Submitted by a parent

My Freshman child attends CVHS. She is also in the Public Service Academy. Maybe because of her involvement in the Academy, she seems to have a specialized eduaction. I am quite pleased with the school so far, and my experiences with the teachers have been excellent. I have attended the back to school nigh functions, and her teachers seem to know who I am, and I have all of the teacher's email addresses, and feel very comfortable with them. I feel that I can (and I am) be very involved at the school. I have been to a few sporting events, and the campus it quite diverse, but the students all appear to be very polite and well mannered, good all around kids in my opinion. May advice to anyone with kids going to this school, is to get involved, don't complain, make a difference.
--Submitted by a parent