Shenandoah High School

This school has terrific advisor support. Is this a school for everyone? No! This is a school for students that want to grow up and be ready for the real world and college. Math and science are offered online, as classes, or if a student really wants to get a jump on college, they can take ANY course at the community college, and graduate from high school with college AND high school credits. This school takes time for students to unlearn their current learning style, and learn a style that will take them through their entire life. It requires more time and support from parents and advisors, because students aren t sitting in a desk getting told what to do. Instead, they're learning through real life experiences, which sometimes seems like they re not learning at all. However, nothing could be further from the truth. This education is what you make of it.
--Submitted by a parent

Students here have poor teacher support in core learning areas. Math and science (if taught at all) are offered via distance learning. Some students have success integrating various subjects to form a valuable knowledge base through their exhibitions (project presentations). But sadly, many others seem to procrastinate and end up wasting everyone's time with shallow, hurriedly-done projects. Unless you are very self-motivated, this will be a disaster for you.
--Submitted by a student

My son is a freshman at Shenandoah and for the first time since elementary school has enjoyed school. I never thought I would hear the words 'I love school come' from his mouth I can only hope it remains the same for the next four years.
--Submitted by a parent

I cannot express the gratitude I have for Shenandoah. I know I would have been a high school drop-out had it not been for this unique and positive program. My advisor encouraged me to chase after my passions and the independent project-based learning allowed me to grow and learn life lessons on my own. It s been amazing! I know what I want to do with my future and have made solid plans for college. I highly recommend this school for any student who is tired of sitting in a classroom and not taking action. Who want to learn what it s like to learn and work in real life. Who want to prepare for college and not take PE! (of course you ll have to make your own exercise plan, but at least you won t have to swim in front of everyone else). Thanks for reading my review. I hope it helped!
--Submitted by a student

The 6 out of 10 rating above is based on traditional test score comparisons to California schools. Shenandoah is not 'traditional', so that scoring doesn t work. Our traditional success is shown through independent state reviews. Western Assoc. of Schools & Colleges reviewed Shenandoah for college accreditation, and Shenandoah got a glowing report. WASC was impressed with Shenandoah s success, and with what our students have learned, and how they re going to be successful life long learners, prepared for college. Shenandoah is one of the first California Certified Charter School s; and has had 100% of its students in 2007 pass the CAHSEE exam! Guided, independent learning; professional internships, so they know what they want to do as adults; and expectations for college; that s Shenandoah. I ve watched the students turn into amazing adults and have seen them blossom into remarkable human beings. One student at a time? Shenandoah High School really means it!
--Submitted by a parent

Shenandoah is simply the most amazing school. My sons AP/G.A.T.E. knowledge has not been bound by a 'traditional box school' mentality. He's going to college (yes while in high school!), finding a professional interest through internships, and yet he's having an exceptionally positive high school experience. If you son or daughter has been bored with school, Shenandoah is the place for them, because it's their education, tailored to their interests. Oh, by the way, it's fully accredited, and colleges are already trying to recruit him!
--Submitted by a parent

My grandkids go here, and their growth while going to this school has been amazing. I have watched their presentations at school and only wish I had a school like this when I was a teen. The classmates are supportive and respectful, and the small atmosphere makes for a pleasant learning experience. I'm a great supporter of this school, because it's been a great supporter of my grandkids!

I have been at Shenandoah for four years and with my graduation approaching I m proud to say I have gotten my education here at SHS. I have been here through some rough times and have felt that our school community has held strong for the most part. Two of the best parts of SHS are the internships we are allowed to have and the second is how close the school is/was, all of us students know each other and we can to talk each about anything are schools helps us take down those walls with social classes. If you are a parent and reading this SHS will help your child explore who they really are and you will see a big change in their educational goals. Thank you
--Submitted by a student

I get to learn things I want to learn about.
--Submitted by a student

Shenandoah (SHS) has changed my life! SHS is full of opportunities and open doors and any committed student can make it. Our school s atmosphere is friendly and open. We try to nurture teens to be independent and take on leadership roles, we encourage students to go to college and get ahead at their own pace, and we support individuality and freedom of speech. SHS may be a wonderful opportunity for students, but you also must take into consideration that our school is not for everybody. You need to be dedicated and self-motivated. For any lost students we offer supports like mentoring, tutoring, and project focus. Our teachers give 150% (and more!) and are extremely dedicated to students and improvement of the school. Our principal, Valerie Lott, is also an amazing woman who s given her all and continues to do so. Thanks for reading my review, have a fantastic day!
--Submitted by a student