Ralston Valley Senior High School

Our child has been attending here for 3 years. He lettered academically in his Freshman year and was elected to National Honor Society the following fall. He carries a 3.85 GPA and takes honors classes. It is a rigorous schedule and it is good for him, however, he will be attending a different high school for 12th grade due to the fact that the faculty does not return phone calls or emails that they don't deem important enough. In speaking with the principal, we were told that even though our family was going out of the country for 2 weeks, he would be unable to take his finals early (by 1 day), which jeapordizes his GPA, National Honor Society, and possibility for an academic scholarship. People are right about this school. It is very beautiful to look at, but that doesn't help the situation that all the staff wants to do is make sure their test scores are high so they can get more students and be "the best" in scholarships, etc....It is a joke!! The principal didn't care that the counselor failed to contact me back after weeks of emails and phone calls, and just shrugged it off! My son deserves better...and he will be a better person for attending a different High School!
—Submitted by a parent

If you think it important your children gain an understanding of the value of other points of view, diversity and tolerance, in addition to academics, go elsewhere. RV has close to no diversity in student backgrounds, ethnic or otherwise and does not appear to seek it out. Half our son's teachers did not bother to respond to parent inquiries, email or otherwise. The focus is solely on test scores and college admissions. If you're looking for a myopic focus on academics and sports, an appalling lack of diversity, and just want to keep your kids in an upper middle class suburban bubble, this is the place for you. But most of us think there's a lot more to education than that. You can do much better for your kids than RV. Test scores and sports trophies aren't the only yardsticks. Our son has a solid B average at RV in his first year. Academics are fine, the social environment leaves a lot to be desired. You can get the academics with a much more rounded and educational experience elsewhere. We'll not be back next year. Thanks to School Choice there are alternatives!
—Submitted by a parent

Ralston Valley High School is exceptional! The principal is amazing and has a great relationship with all the students. Challenging curriculum and students are very prepared to go on to college. Would recommend Ralston Valley to anyone looking for an excellent school for their children.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that graduated from RV and they are as different as night to day. My oldest received a full tuition academic scholarship from a prestigious private university. My second a full ride sports scholarship from D-1 University. I attribute both of their successes to the leadership from the admisitration and some of the best teachers in the state. They encouraged growth and pushed both my kids to their full potential. I have read a few negative reviews from other parents, and as an involved parent myself, I can say that most students who don't succeed there, usually have troubles due to lack of motivation and parental support, not a lack of teacher initiative.
—Submitted by a parent

Ralston Valley offers all of the opportunities for one to challenger his/herself. If a student does not receive enought homework, then the level of his/her classes should be raised. The cirriculum is very rigorous if one takes advantage of the difficult classes offered. The teachers are usually available and willing to help their students succeed.
—Submitted by a student

I disagree with some of the other reviewers, my child does not have a lot of homework and he is taking mostly AP classes. But, I will be honest my student is bright. Athletics are important at this school and as in most schools football is considered the cool sport. RVHS has a great music program-both instrument and voice. Campus is beautiful and students seem to be respectful of it. The kids who I see having problems are from some of the medicore private schools in the area. I think ther parents thought their children were gettting a better education then they really were. Kids from the local charters seem to do okay. This is not a diverse school. Most students are caucasion from middle class families.
—Submitted by a parent

This school promotes cliques and 'rich child issues.' We have had major problems with sending our child to this school. Better schools in the area are Lakewood or Arvada West.
—Submitted by a parent

We have transferred in this year from a small Colorado school district. We love this school! From parent involvement, student involvement and obvious passion for Ralston Valley, teacher excellence, and a beautiful facility - this school has it all! Homework is heavy, as it should be - our children's primary job at this age is to be a student! Extracurricular activities offer something for everyone. We are very fortunate to have such a high quality school, with National rankings, in our public school system.
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school with high standing academic ratings.
—Submitted by a student

I have had 3 children attend RV and found the experience to be acceptable. Teachers are good, but do not go the extra step to aid students. There is a complete lack of discipline at RV. No action taken for tardy attendance and cell phones are used in class. Administrative staff is quite good and puts a tremendous effort in to the success of the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is horrible! They only care about funding they don't care about your children. If you want your kid to drop out of high school and feel unwanted send them to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Wheat Ridge and Ralston Valley, and I noticed that the teachers happen to care more at Ralston Valley. Also, the students tend to be on top of things and communicate with the teachers so well that, generally, parents don't need to be as involved as they would have to be at other schools.It prepares the students better for their futures because of the responsibility they must take up.
—Submitted by a student

The teachers at RV tend to use access time as a catch-all for the students who need extra help. There are some teachers who do not want to become involved with students and parents who ask for extra assistance or guidance. There can be an attitude of 'at this level your student should be able to......' rather than an attitude of taking an extra step or two to help. Clear communication from teaching staff to students concerning assignment due dates and instruction is not always provided, and the tendency to use the internet as an assignment posting board or avenue to turn in homework can be overused.
—Submitted by a parent

Academic Programs are diverse, well taught and emphasize education over athletics. Parental involvement is good, with good interaction at events and volunteer programs.
—Submitted by a parent

Way too much homework about 3-4 hours every night, doesn't leave much time for family or activities. Teachers don't always give clear direction on assignments then become frustrated when students ask for clarification and tell them to go to access rather than take a moment to answer the questions. Some teacher's also teach at a much higher level (college)than the student's are at in ninth grade Counselors fail to work with parent's about issues wth teachers School is very nice inside and kept clean although it is already a little crowded with all the new homes being built. Overall other than being frustrated with some of the teachers and the never ending homework, I am pleased after coming from nine years in a private school.
—Submitted by a staff