Valley High School

This is just a response to everyone that complains about Valley being a stuck up school. Yes, it's a wealthy suburb. Yes, they're proud of their sports teams. But that doesnt make it any different than any other school. All schools are going to have cliques, and Valley is one of them. I graduated last year, and I was never part of a clique. I wasn't "popular," I wasn't in sports. I wasn't one of the most noticed or celebrated students, nor did I do drugs or get in trouble a lot. But I loved it there. I loved the atmosphere, and I loved the teachers. I can think of a ton of other schools in the area that have "drug problems," its high school. Thats how it is. But don't judge the school by some of the kids that go there, not everyone is stuck up, not everyone is super rich.
--Submitted by a student

I have a response to the student that thinks Valley High School students are not judged. Either you are part of a popular clique, or have blinders on. I'm a former student that was not part of any cliques, and I was made to feel so badly by the other students, (and many members of staff) that I would often cry at the thought of going to school. I did not have a lot of money, and did not do any drugs, which is why I was treated in this manner. This school has always had one of the worst drug problems in the city, because the rich kids that go there can afford it.

I am a current Valley student and absolutely love the school. WDM is a wealthy suburb yes, but no one is judged by the dollar signs by their name. I participate in sports, clubs, and AP courses. Valley stresses academic excellence much more than they do sports. Its the students themselves who put on the athletic pressure to excel since they want to uphold the tradition of dominance in the state of Iowa. In order to be an athlete though you have to meet a number of academic requirements and have a good behavior record. Valley dominants not only in sports, but academically and in the arts. The school is multi-dimensional. The administration may not be what it used too, but it still works for the students and focuses on their success. Also the majority of teachers are excellent and overly qualified.
--Submitted by a student

I'm concerned about VHS after reading all of these reviews. Check out all the mistakes in grammar and spelling! I hope my daughter graduates with better language skills than are on display in this forum!
--Submitted by a parent

Very unimpressed. Snobby and uncaring. If you don't fit into the clique, then forget it. The teachers turn a blind eye to bullying, and seem afraid of some of the 'alpha' pupils. I would not send my child to this school again. Principle is hopeless, and is a rich kid groupie. Anyone who is rich, preppy and spiteful will fit in like a dream here.
--Submitted by a parent

VHS is a great school with a wide variety of opportunities in the classroom and amazing extra-curricular choices. VHS is far superior to the private high school, Dowling Catholic, which is also located in West Des Moines. VHS offers excellent support to all students, unlike Dowling which does not accept students with special needs.
--Submitted by a parent

Former student here, and it really was a great school. Tons of extracurricular sports, clubs, scholastics, and even just-for-fun classes to take, whether it be Computer Programming, Wood Shop, Advanced Placement Calculus, or a choice of several languages (and not just the common ones). I also really connected with a couple teachers. The only bad thing was a time-waster activity they implemented when I was there called homeroom. Hope they got rid of that.
--Submitted by a student

Excellent variety of course offerings. Latin being an impressive favorite. Some unfortunate liberal agenda pushing on the behalf of some of the teachers; however, the majority are dedicated professionals.
--Submitted by a parent

i go to valley and i think that the academic oppertunities are endless. But you must be involved if you want to get anything out of the high school. Sports and extracurriculers are a must, and you better be in a club. The parking situation is horrible there are like no spots and the hallways are really full.
--Submitted by a student

My kids are recent graduates of Valley. They loved their experience there - great teachers, counselors, etc. As in any school, kids get out of it what they put into it. Nothing but positives to say about VHS.
--Submitted by a parent