Palos Verdes High School

PVHS is a good school. It is not as academically challenging as PVPHS, so it is a good fit for kids who want to socialize and have a lot of fun during high school. The test scores and AP results between the two schools show that Peninsula is stronger academically. However, the teachers at PVHS allow the students to complete homework during class, due to the block scheduling, so it's easier if you are an athlete.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is amazing and challenging in every way. Those who say it is not are the same who choose to avoid the amazing array of AP and Honors classes. Most teachers are challenging and fill class periods with a learning experience. Also, they have recently been redeemed in light of academic competition with Peninsula High school by earning a 898 API score, equalling that of Pen's 898, despite PV's smaller population. Also, athletes are encouraged to better their academics while being champions in their sport. The arts at PV are also unmatched with their open opportunity and extensive programs of Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Video Production, Dance, Music, Literature, Drama, and all kind of computer and media art imaginable.
--Submitted by a student

My son started out at Peninsula High School which is also a very strong school in Palos Verdes and basically felt very out of the loop and unbalanced there. The homework load was very unreasonable. He had almost all honor classes and was getting good grades but did not have a balanced life. It was ALL about homework. He said that all of his honors teachers did very little lecturing but assigned an extraordinary amount of homework. He transferred to Palos Verdes High School after a month of attending Peninsula High School. He said that the teachers at Palos Verdes High school actually lectured and taught the students. Palos Verdes High school is on a block system and now he has time to do his homework without it completely consumming his whole life. He said he is learning a lot more and that the 2 hour classes go by much faster than the hour long ones at Peninsula because of how engaged the students become with the teachers being able to complete involved lesson material. If you want the bar to be set high and balance this is your school!
--Submitted by a parent

Our childs first year at PV was very good. After attending the other great school (Penn) in PV with another child we were very pleased to experience at PV HIGH wonderful teachers challenging academics and a new principal who will make a difference.
--Submitted by a parent

I graduated from Palos Verdes High School four years ago. I absolutely loved attending school there and could not imagine having a better high school experience. PVHS was able to provide students with the perfect balance between enjoying school and obtaining an excellent education. I grew so much intellectually and personally in my four years thanks to the wonderful staff. After high school I was accepted to a top 25 University. When I got to college I felt that PVHS had prepared me for college extremely well. I succeeded in the vigorous college level classes and I contribute my success to the preparation I received at PVHS. Although it is a public school, it is equivalent to a private school education. I HIGHLY recommend this school!

Palos Verdes High has qualified administrators, athletic directors, counselors, teachers, coaches and staff. Although some teachers are young and still need to gain some experience, they make learning fun and the kids are motivated. The block schedule is convenient especially for students who are involved in extra curricular sports and activities. Teachers are sincere, kind, understanding and take the time and effort to know their students individually. They are clear about their expectations and challenge the kids to reach advanced potential. No child is left behind at PV High. My son loves PV High and his friends / classmates are well rounded and well behaved.
--Submitted by a parent

Block schedule is amazing for some and horrible for others. If its not your gig head of to Peninsula High. This school rocks with so many extra classes that others school just don't have like a surfboard design class and an awesome photography class with a Maclab. All the core classes have excellent teachers who teach the material while not giving too much homework unless your in APs and honours then your just asking for it. :P
--Submitted by a student

This school has one critical flaw, which is advertised as a strength: the block schedule. The block schedule does not improve the in-class experience by extending time available, rather, it worsens it by diminishing the value of time. Kids often wander out of class for 15 minutes or more without a teacher even noticing, and teachers often put on movies or allow the kids to socialize, instead of teaching, to pass the time. Also, since the school was recently reopened many of the teachers are inexperienced, and a few of them got their jobs for being in-laws or friends-of-a-friend of the principal. However, the school does have some experienced teachers, but the 'laid back' atmosphere is detrimental to academics. PVHS also hasa lot of extracurricular activities available, and excellent sports teams. All around, not a bad high school, but not all it is cracked up to be.
--Submitted by a student

I am about to graduate form PV High...Here is what I have to say. Academically, this school is wonderful. My councelour and all of my teachers were outstandingly supportive throughout all of my years there. The class sizes are also nice and small and there is a lot of individualized attention to those who need it. Now, socially, this school is terrible! The kids party, a lot, it is very exclusive, and the students who are not part of it tend to feel very outcasted. Make sure your teen knows what kind of crowd they want to be in, or that they have a niche where they can belong...join clubs! I didn't and I strongly regret that...MUN and Mock Trial are also great! This school is okay..just wasn't too great for me!
--Submitted by a student

Great block schedule and emphasis of in class participation lessens homework grind and leads to better learning environment. They also have the 2-time SoCal champion Equestrian team.
--Submitted by a parent