Marywood-Palm Valley School

Our family has been a part of the Marywood Palm Valley School community for the last 7 years. Having grown up around the best independent schools in Los Angeles, we were so happy to find such an incredible school here in the Valley. MWPV is academically challenging with an emphasis on personal responsibility. Every teacher, administrator and the students all know each other's names whether they are in that grade or not. It is wonderful for my kids to walk around campus with that family feel where everyone knows your name. With the smal class size, my boys get the individual attention to help them if needed or more importantly to challenge them further where they are advanced. They are fortunate to have PE, Art, Music, Computers, French, Spanish and additional enrichment classes. Most importantly the environment is such that the kids support each other. Whatever one student excels at, their friends cheer them on in their successes. There is no doubt that MWPV is the educational leader in the Desert. The administration, faculty, trustees, parents and students all work hard together to achieve our common vision to continuly strive for excellence.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter have excelled at Marywood Palm Valley School. They have attended this school for 9 years and look forward to graduating from this school. They feel safe on the well designed campus. They enjoy having the opportunity to be able to play sports and be in the play at the same time. The academics is challenging and moving forward with the times. It's the best of the best!! Check it out!!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has gone to MWPV school since Pre-K. He has now finished the fourth grade. I couldn't be more pleased with his growth - acedemically and socially. I received an excellent education from private Catholic schools from 1st grade through the university level. I can honestly say MWPV is providing a much better place to learn, grow and flourish as a successful member of society than I ever had. My wife, an educator in the public school system here in the valley agrees that there is no other school better suited to for our son than MWPV.
—Submitted by a parent

Two years after we left Marywood, our son is finally almost caught up in math to his peers at his public school. It has not been an easy road to make up for Marywood's academic deficiencies and poor management. If you must live in the desert, Marywood may be a reasonable choice, but only if comparing it to the weak schools in the area. If we moved back, I would consider Washington Charter, St. Margaret's or Xavier instead.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the best private school in the desert! The teachers are truly outstanding teaching challenging academic curriculum and keeping the discipline in check. The school's enrichment programs are far above anywhere else with PE each day, art, music, Spanish, French and computers 1 to 2 times per week. They have access to every sport and the drama program is outstanding. The school is like a college campus with the collegial feel to it. Outstanding!! We were at another private school and this outperforms any other school here!!
—Submitted by a parent

As a 7-year former student of PVS/MPVS, I feel in a position to correctly articulate the school's strengths and weaknesses. It is utterly impossible to get lost among the students at the school considering the small class sizes. This, in turn, encourages the students to engage in the lecture/lab experiment/math homework/etc... Although MWPV has small class sizes, through my experience at the school, i have not seen anyone graduate without exceptional social skills. The extracurricular activities help the student find something that interests them and use as a base to jump into the something career-oriented later in life. Yet the extracurricular activities are quite limited in scope, just like the curriculum. Both are based heavily in the humanities. If you have a child that has interest in math or the sciences (including social sciences, MWPV doesnt have classes in economics, psychology, etc..), this probably isnt the best place for him/her.

I came to Marywood Palm Valley School in Sept 2008, moving to Palm Springs from Los Angeles after my wife died. I placed my 10-year old girl at Marywood Palm Valley after extensive research of available schools. I had already raised two boys. One was educated at Brentwood School, one of the best in the L. A. area. Primary criteria for me were: non-sectarian (but not secular), small classes, quality personnel, small scale school (100's rather than thousands), demanding curriculum but supportive, a sense of decency, decorum and friendliness. I made my judgment and enrolled her. This past year's experience has surpassed my hopes. My child has made great (and good) friends, adjusted socially, and excelled academically. I'm happy she will be able to go to attend through high school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have found this school to be poorly managed, especially at the lower school. Although it is better than most of the public schools in the area, other privates in the Valley are far superior in actual attention to the child's learning experience. We are leaving in June and will not be coming back.
—Submitted by a parent

We have not been at MPV very long as we transferred in from a public new middle school after only 1 quarter. Thank goodness we did. This small but lovely school has been the best thing for my child. Every teacher cares and so does each of the administration. They know my child by name even. WHERE does that happen in a middle school in Southern California of 1500 + students? It is EASY to find out your childs grades and attendance by checking the online system. If a parent doesn't know by simply asking their child and fails to access this online system, it is no one's fault, but their own. The small class size allows the teachers to focus on each child and they are not lost in a sea of kids. Expensive? How can you put a price on your childs safety and education?
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of students who have attended both public school and Marywood-Palm Valley I can say that my children received just as much if not more in the public school system. Of course, no frills,fancy campus but solid education and life skills to carry them onto the universiy level. They are both successful,strong and kind young adults. I am proud! MWPV is VERY espensive and it lacks the basics for high schoolers-ie: a multi-media center for research-swim sports,cheer,dance, competitive football, etc.Yes,you can be #1 in a class of 15 but is that real life? MWPV has an excellent elementary school but shop around before spending big bucks. The parents are way to involved and GOSSIP alot. On the other hand, if your child is not ready for the real world or VERY shy this may be the place for him(especially a boy).
—Submitted by a parent

I loved palm valley!! i thought it was a great great school and you made so many new friends there. It is very friendly and you learn so much! the teachers were amazing and the education was so worth it! I loved it!

I used to go to a public school. When I switched to Marywood-Palm Valley, I immediately noticed a difference in the acedemic levels taught, and especially noticed the small class sizes of twenty students or less. In my opinion, Marywood-Palm Valley is an excellent choice for academic success in the short run as well as the long run. I will look forward to my remaining years as a proud student at Marywood-Palm Valley.
—Submitted by a student

This is a great school. 100% of the high school graduats qualify for a 4 year college. Kids are taught in a safe nuturing environment. I've had 4 children go here after trying several other schools in the area, this is by far the best!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I was a PVS student and later went to (public) Palm Springs High School. Thank goodness for that. I don't think it does children any good to be sheltered from the diversity and social dynamics of public schools in the desert area. Smart children will succeed wherever they are. And the social/extracurricular opportunities of public schools in the area will better prepare your children for future life. I went on to graduate from a top-ranked college, which I attribute more to my success at Palm Springs High than I do to my childhood at PVS.
—Submitted by a former student

We had three children attend The Palm Valley School. All went on to Universities and they all stated how well Palm Valley prepared them for college. Because the classes are small, no one falls through the cracks and they were able to participate in any and all activities, which gave them a well balanced education. Our children (now adults) all enjoy returning to school to visit with their past teachers, who are very enthusiastic to see them. I think having the younger children on the same campus as the older kids, benefits both. It makes the older students softer and kinder and the younger children feel special because the older kids say hello and are happy to see them. It is an expensive school but I can't think of a better gift to give our children that keeps on giving.
—Submitted by a parent

Beautiful campus. Small classes allow opportunities for every student to contribute. Chorus and Drama are popular activities. JSA, CSF, and HOSA all have chapters founded at the school. AP classes are highly encouraged. It is inevitable that students will earn the credits necessary for acceptance by 4-year colleges. Parental involvement is a key aspect to the school. Although expensive, the education and values earned by students are priceless. Most importantly, teachers are concerned both for the academic success and personal welfare of their students.
—Submitted by a student

MWPV is an excellent school, but very expensive. If you can afford it, there is no better place for a child to attend school. Teachers are caring, classroom size is small, and a sense of community is real.
—Submitted by a parent

Marywood was a great school and now two totally different schools have made it into a private school with some horibble teachers and some amazing teachers now the dress code has slacked and the high schollers create a bad infuence for the younger kids.
—Submitted by a student

As a pre-merger Marywood and Palm Valley student, I had to be pulled kicking and screaming to LQHS's IB Program. Today, as a student at one of the top 20 US News Universities, I recognize that Marywood-PVS offers only a very mediocre preparation for college. Public schools offer a wider variety of programs, more leadership opportunities, more prestige for athletic participation, and it's easier to be at the 'top 10% of your class,' an important metric to rankings-obsessed universities. Aside from gems like Mr. Campbell and Sarkis, PVS's education is frankly terrible.
—Submitted by a former student

The teachers are amazing, includding an amazing drama and english teacher Mr. Sarkis.
—Submitted by a former student