Valley View School

Our son has been at Valley View for about six months and we are very pleased with the school. The staff and his advisor understood him and his issues quickly and have been working hard to help him behave responsibly and develop better relationships with peers. At first being in such a structured environment was tough and he wanted to come home. His arguments progressed from "They're mean to me" to "I'll do anything you want if I can come home" to "You're wasting your money" to "I'll get hurt." When he learned that the negotiating and arguing that worked in the past wasn't going to work, his attitude improved and he admitted to his brother he likes it there. It's clear that he feels safer there than in our large public school. There are staff members present 24/7 and we have seen good interactions when we have visited. I haven't hesitated to call any time I've had a question or concern and the staff has been responsive and straightforward. The small class sizes and strong academics are an unexpected benefit. Our son is able to progress much faster in areas of strength and is motivated to work hard. No school is perfect for all students, but VVS has been great for us.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View has totally changed the life of everyone in our family. My son was travelling down the wrong path. He was experimenting with drugs, failing some subjects, and was constatly disrespectful at home. He had been going to a "regular" private school and was kicked out. Sending him to Valley View saved us all. He is now always on the honor - sometimes high honors. He has learned to treat us (parents) with respect and accept without arguing (too much) decisions that he doesn't always like. I won't say the school is perfect for all boys but I can say that it has made a tremendous positive difference in my son's life. The academic program is strong and he is able to work above grade level to keep him engaged. There are a lot of activities that he has enjoyed - skiing, hockey, fishing, skateboarding, camping, and more. Participation in some activities is dependent on him "earning" some money, a point system, behavior ratings by teachers and ratings from staff for completing expected chores (neat room, etc). My son never minds returning from vacations so I'm sure they are not overly harsh. All of my dealings with staff have been great. I really can't say enough!
—Submitted by a parent

Valley View School has been a gift for our son. The caring, supportive staff, have provided him with so much guidance. The academics, wide variety of sports and activities (including music, theater, multiple clubs, international travel, and more) have provided our son with an incredible school experience. He has developed better study habits, raised his grades significantly, and feels good about himself and what he has accomplished there. We cannot say enough about this wonderful school and the devoted, compassionate people who work there.
—Submitted by a parent

Valley view has been a tremendously positive school with significant impact on our sons and our own life. It is a family type of educative environment that really walks-the-walk of tailoring to the specific needs of each student. The staff, whale seemingly youthful has been there on average for decades and operates as a cohesive and thoughtful team in working with the boys. Valley View is a unique institution that compassionately and professionally provides hope for families and skill in delivering results at what is often the key inflective stage in a young boys development.
—Submitted by a parent

Here is another parent who made the tragic mistake of sending my son to Valley View. It is unthinkable that one of the reviewers claimed that a bad parent review is because of a bad parent - that response leads me to believe the post is from the school itself, as their concern is about the negative post rather than simply stating their facts. I sent my son there for the reasons the school markets on their website and because of the smooth words of their lead salespeople. Unfortunately once enrolled, things got bad quickly. In fact, very very bad. They encourage abusive behavior among their staff and enabel the worst of the kids harm the newer and smaller boys. Please do NOT even think of sending your child to this horrible place.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a good school and has done great work for years. I am always looking at schools and the staff and anytime there is only one bad parent review - It is usually a bad parent who has written it.