Valwood School

I've been a Valwood parent for over nine years. Currently, I have three children at Valwood. I have kids in the middle and lower schools. My husband and I chose Valwood because of its reputation for high academic standards, safe environment and small class sizes. We have been extremely pleased with the school in every area. The academic standards are very high. The work level can be challenging but our children have had absolutely no problem managing the workload. They have consistently maintained As in their classes and have scored above the 95th percentile on all nationally standardized tests. The middle school sports program is fantastic. My children have been able to participate in multiple sports; something they would have a much harder time doing in the local public systems. The teachers and administration have been knowledgeable, approachable and cooperative over the years. The new interim headmaster is fabulous and I understand he will have a lot of input on the choice for the permanent headmaster. All in all, I cannot recommend Valwood highly enough.
--Submitted by a parent

I have been a Valwood parent for over ten years and feel my children are truly receiving a great education. I also know that what my children learn is tied to their efforts both in the classroom and in extra curricular activities. Valwood offers the opportunities both in the classroom and out of the classroom but it is up to the students and parents to grab those opportunities and run.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended this school for a partial year before moving to another private school in the area. The kids (and some teachers) were so snotty. My children hated it there. I think the curriculum is a tad above average. They would like to believe they are on par with Bolles in Jax. But this is FAR from the case. Definately not worth the costs associated with this school. The kids in the elementary level grades have a boat load of homework every night! If you plan to attend here, don't associate A LOT of work with a quality school.
--Submitted by a parent

I just enrolled my son at Valwood recently. It seems to be a really caring and nurturing environment. My son does have a lot more scholwork and testing then he had at his previous school, but I definitely think that this school has a lot more to offer academically. The only thing the school is lacking is diversity among student's and staff member's. Obviously in the real world you are going to deal with all types of peple, so a little more diversity I think would help teach tolerance and understanding for all! Overall, excellent school and i'm glad we made the choice.
--Submitted by a parent

I could not be more pleased with Valwood. It is a warm and nurturing environment as well as very academically challenging. If your child is a poor student it is not a good choice.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended Valwood last year. Get your checkbook out....... you get what you pay for. It is in no way worth the money. Public school has much more to offer!
--Submitted by a parent

Great school for the kids that need to be challenged. My son really enjoys Valwood and now looks forward to attending all classes. If your considering a school where you son or daughter has the abilty to handle the class work challenges. And would like to be with a group of athelics that like the oppurtunties to be competitive against the competiton, Valwood is not the place. Tution, is higher than the schools in its class. Investigate tution cost against test scores, college placement, etc to the other schools of this caliber. Tution cost cannot be justified.
--Submitted by a parent

its a great school and is very safe and fun.If your daughter or son is not making an atheletic team or put second come to valwood where there are no tryouts and we need players
--Submitted by a student

My son attends Valwood as it is the only college preparatory school in the area. I want him to be challenged and he became bored in the public system. He attended middle school at a public school in Georgia (not Lowndes) and we did not feel that it compared to what we were used to in the north. So yes, I am pleased with Valwood though it is a little $$ for the area.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends Valwood and we just lovethe school. The teachers take an active interest in the children. Because it is a private school, there is more individualized attention. It really feels like a family. The only downside is that there is not a lot of diversity within the student body.
--Submitted by a parent