Valley Preparatory School

Our family realized that with budget cuts to public schools, we probably couldn't get the kind of education we want unless we went to a private school. We've been really pleased with Valley Prep. Class size is small so students really get individual attention. We want our kids to have full-time music, art and ESPECIALLY foreign language, which they do here, and we love the tech program. Valley Prep is the only school around where 2nd grade and up students have laptops and while the first year of the program was definitely on a learning curve, now two years later, our kids are doing amazing things with tech - they're getting much deeper into their subjects and teaching us (the parents) too! The teachers get additional training too so they can be current in their fields. Wish we'd known that tuition doesn't cover everything and that we're expected to donate to the school, but when we checked out other private schools, it's the same story - ALL of them ask parents to donate to the best of their ability. Even with the laptops, the tuition is a lot less than similar schools in Claremont and Upland. To our family, the education our kids are getting is TOTALLY worth the cost.
--Submitted by a parent

I couldn't ask for a better education for my children. We've been a part of the Valley Preparatory Family for 8 years now and couldn't be happier. The teachers are truly amazing and care about their students! With the class size being around 15 students per class the kids get more attention which results in better learning! The Laptop program is absolutely amazing, especially to see your little ones navigate through websites and turn in their homework through drop boxes. They are learning the way kids should be learning in the 21st century! Also, my kids each have music, art, foreign language, and PE year round. Public schools are only able to give children a 6 week taste of each of these extremely valuable classes. I know my children are getting a well rounded education and I HIGHLY recommend this school! If you are looking for a private school, seriously consider VPS! You will be happy you did! Don't let your kids get lost in the public school system!!
--Submitted by a parent

Not Worth the $10,000 plus tuition... Here's what you really get... A school that charges you for everything... $1500 for a computer (that they barely use), daycare is extra, you go buy the teachers their supplies, lunch, any after school activity... REALLY this is a $15,000 school... On top of that they try to shame you into donating $$$ to the school... Judson Brown & Mariposa public schools (two top scoring schools) are right down the road, the teachers are better and don't use technology as a crutch/excuse for real teaching... They do offer small classes, but for classes of 10-17, the teachers have become very lazy in their class room management skills... Overall, ask yourself, what is a $15,000 school and then realize this isn't it...
--Submitted by a parent

Valley Prep is a cutting edge, state-of-the-art school. The school has made a major stride forward in technology and is now the only program in the whole area with a 1:1 laptop learning program beginning with 2d and 5th grade. Teachers are awesome and know each child well; they take care to individualize the curriculum. This is, by far, the most "total" curriculum of any school in the area with English, Math, Science, Art, Music, Technolgoy, Spanish, French and extracurriculars for everyone. The leadership of the school truly cares about students. The Headmaster has been there for about three years now and has really gotten the school energized and moving forward.
--Submitted by a parent

Sadly, the school has not been able to keep up with current trends in technology. We were very disappointed this year with the decline in curriculum after an increase in tuition. Our older children had a much more positive experience many years ago. It used to be a fun environment for students and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Valley Prep School is an amazing learning environment. We have two children who have the privilege of attending this fine school--the headmaster is a superb, caring educator and leader, the teachers love the children, and the recent addition of 2 technology/science labs and publishing center are wonderful!! By far, the finest school in the local area. Also, the headmaster 'gets it' and does what is best for the school. (In the past, self-serving parents ran the show. Not anymore!)
--Submitted by a parent

We had sent two of our children through Redlands public schools, Mariposa, Cope RHS, but decided that we wanted smaller classes and more rigorous curriculum. We preferred a secular education but we visited and evaluated all the area private schools. After fours years at Valley Prep, we could not be more please with the results. Our child, and all his classmates, could read by they time they left kindergarten. Two years later our tests two grades higher on standardized tests. The learning environment is rich with foreign language courses, Chinese, French and Spanish, art, music and technology courses. The school has recently installed a computer media lab and science lab. All this and and class of 15 students! I only wish I had sent my other two students through Valley Prep.
--Submitted by a parent

Some of the elementary classes are fine and we have had a good year here and there, but the middle school has deteriorated so much that I think public school might be a better option. Unfortunately, the area doesn't have any other private, non religious options (other than Montessori). The math and English have been shockingly poor. Although, after several bad years,English might finally be on more solid ground now. Because of the small size, the school does not have any of the advantages of a larger school (like a true music or art program, although they claim to), but has many disadvantages. The elimination of computer technology was the biggest disappointment this year. Our children know how to use instant message and do the basics at home, we would like them to learn new technology at school.
--Submitted by a parent

While there are many wonderful teachers at Valley Preparatory School, it continues to suffer from poor leadership. Sadly, it is unlikely, in this poor economy, to attract a qualified candidate that they can afford. Instead, they lurch from one substandard headmaster to another. This is causing a huge toll on an otherwise good school and I fear for its future.
--Submitted by a parent

Valley Prep is an excellent school with caring and experienced teachers that challenge each and every student. There is a family-type atmosphere and individialized attention on the needs of each student. Despite the poor economy and state mandates to make drastic cut-baks in public schools throughout California, VPS continues to strive beyond excellence with specialist classes at all grade levels, technological advances, and initiatives that create a dynamic learning environment for students. Instead of cutting back like other schools, private and public, Valley Prep is stepping up and creating an educational experience like no other! Money is not wasted at VPS... money is invested in quality education where the outcome never depreciates. There have been many changes over the years in terms of administration, but with the current Headmaster and a solid and dedicated Board, Valley Prep is committed to 50 more years that are better and bolder! Come and see!
--Submitted by a teacher