Valparaiso High School

I moved to Valpo about a year ago and VHS is a good school but it seems like the only way you will do good there is if you are very well educated, I'm surprised that I'm able to get good grades in my honors classes. I moved from a small school of 500 that didn't have a ton of money like Valpo does so most of the stuff that is standard education up here I've never even been introduced to, so if you're from somewhere other than Northwestern Indiana you or your child may struggle. And, strangely enough,there is a very large amount of people associated with drugs that attend it, which makes me uneasy as a student. I still haven't found where I fit into this school because everyone has their own group. I can't deny that Valp is a good school though, there are multiple AMAZING oppurtunities (such as MarineLab for those interested in Marine bio), and the teachers are incredible and try to help students reach their highest potential.
--Submitted by a parent

I have two children in Valpo's schools district - and one currently at VHS. Consistant parental involvement from K-12 is one of the keys to a highly performing school - and Valpo has always excelled because of involved parents and the complete support of the community. The school is large enough where it's not overtly clique'y - there are enough activites in sports, academics & clubs where EVERY child should find a perfect fit. This is a school where excelling in academic & arts competitions is held in as high regard as the sports programs.
--Submitted by a parent

I would like to comment on the size of he student body. It is huge, too many kids go here. Valparaiso needs another sigh school, unless your child is Valedicyorian or the next Cubs pitcher, your child is just a number. They also have safety issues. Parents say they like it because they have nothing to compare it to. I have lived alot of places and this is by far just a middle of the road school. Also, the office staff is incredably rude! They think that they are working for the FBI!
--Submitted by a parent

I'm excited to come to school every day. It's lots of fun. Valpo has supreme teachers.
--Submitted by a student

The school is a good one. It has many dedicated teachers and good facilities. The student body comes from parents who scored well on standardized tests, so test scores alone do not indicate effectiveness. It is the improvement in test scores that indicates where progress has been made. The process for selecting sports teams and parent volunteers is somewhat political. Excellent music programs, good sports, good theatre, high academics, good principals, mediocre and political school board.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a daughter in Valparaiso High School and she has been in this school system since Kindergarten. I would rate our satisfaction at 95%. There might be a person in the office who could be friendlier, but it's a tough job keeping parents and students accountable for attendance. Attendance is important if you want to succeed in the work environment. We have not had an experience dealing with anyone rude at the high school. The guidance counselors are helpful and caring. Teachers have been enthusiastic and flexible. Our daughter's Freshman year experience prompted me to write letters of commendation to the principal regarding two of her teachers. Those teachers were clearly outstanding. I feel lucky that our daughter is being educated in this fine school.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is currently a student at VHS. I have to say, despite all the recent positive reviews, my experience as a parent of a student has been negative. Starting w/the office staff - very short & rude and not very helpful when asking for assistance. Next the teachers', you better not have a student that needs a little extra help--they will not stick around after school to meet individually one on one. Very poor overall communication w/students and parents.
--Submitted by a parent

I attended VHS and it is an outstanding school probably one of the best in the entire state of Indiana. The school prepares you so well for college and provides an outstanding education. The facilities are top of the line in every department.
--Submitted by Jeff Moore, a former student

Over all, I think the quality of a eduaction at Valpo is average. There are some excellent teachers at Valpo, there are plenty of average teachers that are using very outdated ideas that do not seem to be far reaching...teachers whom should have gotten out of the classroom years ago but are just collecting pay checks and waiting for retirement. Perhaps the administration should weed out the weak teachers. Perhaps the administration is the one that needs to be weeded.
--Submitted by a student