Blue Valley West High School

Worst school. Would not recommend . Tons of bullying, tons of cliques and the teachers do not do anything about it. I have never hated a school and staff so much in my life.
—Submitted by a parent

My child had negative experiences with the athletic department. Students would be told one thing, and then when the students would rely on what they were told, the requirements would be changed without notice.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently go to West and I personally dislike the school but will be fair in my rating. One of my first problems is that students at West in-particular are very much into 'cliques' the kids there a spoiled and are very bubbled from problems in the outside world. I feel the teachers are fair although there are of course some that are great and some that arent so great. Some issues I have had is a couple teachers are very bias with there lessons. As for safety and discipline the school is strict and has high standards but they arent carried out well. I would not recommend West out of the other schools in the district.
—Submitted by a student

Both of my sons attended Blue Valley West High School. The oldest graduated in 2004, while the youngest graduated in 2006. I highly recommend this high school for parents seeking excellent preparation for college. Both of my sons received an education that allowed them to flourish in college and resulted in both being offered well paying jobs with high profile Kansas City companies. The oldest scored 33 on the ACT. This does not happen in a sub-par school district! Also, the youngest son participated in marching band all four years and had a tremendous experience. This is a superior band. You will not be sorry sending your kids to this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Four of my children attended Blue Vally West High School and I can tell you that none of them got the education they deserved. We have recently moved out of the district and can only now fully appreciate the lack of attention they recieved personally. As a parent I was treated like chopped liver every time I had to visit the office. The amount of money the district charges just for enrollment is outrageous! Just very happy to have my children in a different school dist all together. Do not and will not miss this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Blue Valley West is filled entirely with cliques and focuses all too much on sports. There are other great activities, but they don't get the attention that they deserve. Football, jocks, and cliques are all that West focuses on.

Could there be a better school? That parent who wrote about lower teacher quality must have had a bone to pick, because there is very few schools in the nation which could compete with the training and background of West's teachers. Also, the comment about 'filling up time in block' is another comment with out basis. Apparently, little do they know about actual fact. My student experienced many unique lesson plans which could not have been accomplished in a regular school period. Hats off to a truly exceptional school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a student at BVWHS and she is having an excellent social and educational experience. The teachers are personable, well qualified and truly care about their students. BVWHS was also rated as a top school nationally by U.S. News and World reports. I would recommend this school to anyone who is serious about their child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I recently moved to a different high school out of state and I am constantly bragging about BVW! When I was in the Blue Valley district I thought I was vary hard for me to fit in, after coming to a different school I have realized that I fit in more at West then I ever will at any other high school. All of the students are easy to get along with, the teachers are challenging but personable, and I can't even remember all of the extracurricular activities to choose from. I am proud to be a Blue Valley West Jaguar!

West was an amazing school for my three children. I had three go through, one of whom was in all honors classes, another who was in a couple of honors classes and a third with severe learning disabilities. All three were encouraged to perform at their highest capabilities and did. The list of teachers reads like a Harvard Who's Who. Most were hand picked by one of the most student centered principals ever to exist. West's block scheduling allowed for individualized instruction and a variety of teaching approaches. It truly was an amazing school and my children's lives were changed and enhanced.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm a student at West this year (2006-07) and I have to admit that I love it! Some people say it's 'hard to fit in,' but I really believe this is a false statement. There are SO many activities to choose from, including the amazing band, theatre, and arts programs, that I think it's more difficult NOT to fit in...no matter what your style or interests are, there's bound to be someone else like you! The sports are also very good here, but be ready to face a lot of competition and to give your sport a lot of time. Also, I enjoy the academic rigor found at West. Majority of our teachers are very personable and experienced, and I have limited complaints, and I feel challenged academically. I wouldn't want to go to any other Blue Valley school!
—Submitted by a student

I have had two children graduate from Blue Valley -- one from BVHS and one from BVWHS. My opinion is that the Block Schedule that West uses is detrimental to students. My West student always had less homework than the other. The reason --we did it in class. It is hard for teachers to fill 90 minutes each time the class meets, so homework is done as filler. Most of the teachers do not have as many years experience as some of the other high schools. For the excelling student, West is a good fit. For a fair to middling student, there is not much individual attention.
—Submitted by a parent

The Blue Valley district as a whole is well above average. However, West routinely performs in last place of 4 high schools in the district. Clearly the school is doing something differently than the other 3 schools. My opinion is lower teacher quality. Leadership at this school is weak. Parent involvement is encouraged for social/athletic activities but input on academics is discouraged. There are many extracurricular activities available. Sports are highly emphasized at West. Participation costs are pretty high. Lots of art and music programs (marching band is BIG). West is a very affluent school and most students drive and carry cell phones. Discipline and safety issues aren't shared with the school community.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student of West, I would have to say the faculty is great and the schools number of students seems just right. A lot of cliques go on though since most people are very wealthy. It's hard fitting it, if your a bit different, but the teachers are really one of a kind.
—Submitted by a student

My children were both well prepared for universities out of state. Staff is excellent, and there is a great number of extra-curricular activites. One should know that the fees for these activities are high. I would recommend this school to friends and family.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school district, and Blue Valley West, being only three years old (opened 2001), is off to a fast start. Students here score well on both the ACT and SAT exams, and parent involvement is quite evident. The state financial crisis has pinched many school districts, but Blue Valley so far has kept the cuts from hurting too much. Any parent looking for a supportive environment as well as a challenging one should check out this high school.
—Submitted by a parent