Palo Verde High School

Palo Verde is indeed a wonderful school and provides resources for students. However, they do make it seem like athletic and sport reputation is more important than the academic aspect. Although, this is probably not true many students would definitely agree that this is the case. This school does contain disrespectful students just like any other school. However, schools in areas such at SW region have more respect amongst peers and teachers. Therefore, students in Summerlin tend to be uptight and snobby but this doesn't apply to everyone. Palo Verde has excellent teachers and challenging academic programs.

We are a military family and my daughter attended Palo for a year while we were stationed there. I found that with anything, even high school, it is mostly what you make it. The resources are all there.. academics, athletics, extracurricular clubs, music, fine teachers and administrators, etc.. Yes.. there are some financially privileged kids that go to this school, (as well as a number of private schools within 5-10 miles of Palo)..that's because the Summerlin area does attract some very successful professional people that settle there. Some may be 'snotty', and some are wonderful welcoming people. Don't expect the school and teachers to do everything for you. Take some personal responsibility for making your own way, honestly and with a positive attitude. My daughter is in college now after attending four different high schools. She gained lasting knowledge, learned valuable life lessons, and made wonderful friends at all four schools. Palo is one of the best schools that Las Vegas has to offer. There are others as well, but they ALL will have great things, and some not so great things. Palo definitely has more of the great things. Make your own way people.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is terrible.They care more about their athletics/sport reputation than students education. I started school here in February 2012. Today is February 2013. I'm a junior at this school now and would do absolutely anything to go back to my school in California. My first day here I was treated badly by my counselor being told that my transcripts were horrible which made me feel disrespected. Also whenever I would walk to class I would have classmates giving me dirty looks. The school contains many snotty rich kids who believe they are better than everyone. The staff is also very rude and bias about many situations. It's extremely hard to make friend here. I'm very easy to get along with and had many friends at my old school but here, I've only made 1 friend and I've been here for a year.There is also a lot of bullying. This school is so bad I can honestly care less about graduating. It's hard to do well in school when you are surround by students who think they are better than everyone and wont take a chance to meet other people. I wouldn't recommend parents to send they kids at this school. It's been the worst experience I've had in my 17 years of living.

I had an issue at the school my sons freshman year, but we met with a dean who listened and communicated with my husband and I. The issue was resolved and I was very pleased with the professionalism. My son is now a Junior and I have to say that this school's teachers, coaches and administration have helped to grow him (and grow my daughter) into responsible students. The JR ROTC program has been an AMAZING program for my son and my daughter. My only daughter is a new freshman. I had no fear to but her into this school. I trust this school with my children and I am very pleased with Palo! I love watching my children grow, learn and change because of this "great" school.
—Submitted by a parent

A big majority of this school contains rich,rude,nasty snobs who are disrespectful to their peers and the teachers! I have seen bullying countless times at this school and nothing is ever done about it! If you are not rich and beautiful then expect to be bullied it is so sad that this happens. Not to mention the Deans who yell at you for everything, they stand outside of your bus and watch as you get off to see if your dress coded and if you are they will literally run after you to get you they also dress code you even when you aren't! (No joke this happened to me 2 days ago). This school is horrible and you if you are thinking about sending your child here I suggest you rethink your plans and send them somewhere else

after reading these reviews all i can say is i have o 1 child currently attending and a second starting this august, both my children came from private schools and i was very apprehensive about sending them to public especially since vegas has 1 of the worst public school systems in the country, but i did my research spoke with many people and in my opinion , Palo is 1 of the few quality high schools in vegas !!! My child did well both years and enjoys the teachers, grades were NOT an issue my child finished both years with straight As.... remember kids gotta put in the work to get the benefits, so if your child is not doing HW not applying themselves then of course they will NOT do well and this applys to any school anywhere !!! Kids even flunk out of the best schools in the country...it is ultimately up to them either they sink or swim!!!!
—Submitted by a parent

The jury is still out on this one, we will see how the year finishes!
—Submitted by a parent

Honestly after reading through these past few reviews there is a common theme. Yet, I see no inclination from these parents on what they did. Any school with 3000+ students can't give your child any special attention unless they ask. I've sent 3 kids through this school as well from 2000-2012 and it has been the best for not only them but myself as well. Palo Verde has had and still has an amazing staff and administration. They do not care only about the sports but they care about the academics, and arts as well. Why do you think they consistently score in the top 3 comprehensive schools year in and year out on AP Exams, Proficiency tests, and the ACT and SAT in terms of passing rates. They also have one of the highest earned scholarship monies every single year. Their matriculation of their graduating classes has more students going to college than every school in CCSD. They have the highest percentage of students involved in activities, clubs, and sports. Honestly, there are some 'bad mouthers' looking to rant when they didn't do much. This school has been wonderful, all 3 of my children are in college (USC, UCSB, and one going to BYU. I highly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Palo's ok. It's a good school, but I wouldn't say its FABULOUS. The performing arts programs (or-the orchestra one, at least) lack, but Palo has a lot of good people there.

As stated before, rich little snotty brats everywhere. Why are they still in school? Because the school is financially supported by them. Bribery, blackmail, you name it. Send your kids to one of the several magnet schools instead, where they may find great career opportunities and find out what they truly love. But, if you have a lot of money, and your kids just going to be a brat and inherit it, then be my guest and send to to this poor, pathetic excuse of a school.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree! Palo is very over rated. I had 3 students atending there. First time my oil and water kids all agreed. Didn't realize how bad it was till I transferred them to Centennial where they not only spoke "with" me but also my teens. They all walked away feeling like people. Now they are even liking their teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Palo Verde Is in my opinion an over rated, over indulgent school.. They care little for the students that aren't the top 1%, If your child's parent isn't on the board or associate with their friends stay away. Your child no matter how smart, gifted or talented his education and attention from teacher with lack. I f your child needs extra help to succeed they wont help unless you flag him as an IEP, student which lowers your chances of getting into any college... Palo Verde is full of rich kids gangs (not your typical high school clicks) that torment and abuse there privileges as they know they will not be held accountable for there actions! Drugs and kids doping out as they aren't the 1% who Palo Verde feels matters!!! No wonder there able to say the have a high success rate they get rid of any child who doesn't fit their ideal.... It is truly a sad situation...
—Submitted by a parent

This school cares more about athletics than the student body. If you aren't a football player or a cheerleader, you are treated like dirt. If you are, than you are given special attention and privileges. I have been dress coded for wearing my brothers baseball jersey with the number 13 on it. I had to change and missed two periods because they would not supply me with an extra shirt, so my mom who had a doctors appointment that day had to bring me one. Our quarterback Chassion Presscott is allowed to have the number 13 on his football jersey but I can't? Also I have seen my friends get dress coded before they could even get out of their cars. The worst campus monitors in the world dress code people for the stupidest and most ridiculous things. My friends have gotten dress coded for having skirts that are too short, but when you look at the cheerleaders, their butts are hanging out. Do they ever get dress coded? No. The favoritism at this school is ridiculous. If your child is not athletically inclined, do not send them here.

I went to palo verde when the school was still in barracks on bonanza high school...I really miss this school and it's teachers. They were amazing when i went there and still speak to most of my friends and some of the staff from there. If I moved back to Vegas I wouldn't hesitate to send my own children there.

This school was absolutely horrible. The teachers hardly care and the students don't put any effort into their work. The student body? Over-privileged rich snots who are above everyone else. The academics also lack. You get crossword puzzles and you get to color things in a math class. Fantastic. I'm glad I only had to go through one year at Palo Verde. God help those who go to this school.

Palo is an excellent high school that produces outstanding citizens.
—Submitted by a teacher

I am currently a Senior (early graduate) at Palo. As a member of a clique prone to hating an environment such as Palo, I have no complaints whatsoever. I think parents reviewing badly on here are just looking for someone to blame, when it is their child's fault, I mean, just look at the spelling on some of these. My education has been wonderful, my teachers very helpful and appreciative of their jobs, and the counselors and programs have helped me so very much in advancing to college. Overcrowding may look like a problem to parents, but honestly, it makes no difference. If it wasn't a good school, it wouldn't have so many students enrolled each year, and wouldn't be overcrowded. Stay classy, Palo.
—Submitted by a student

Its a good school if you want to attend. I'm a sophomore right now and everything is going well. Since last year that I've been attending to this school, the teachers and counselors that I've talked to are nice and helpful on what ever you need. So if you want to attend this school I'll say go for it, it is a good school that has people that will support you.
—Submitted by a student

Palo Verde is a wonderful school. My child graduated from there in 2009. It was a wonderful experience for him. My wife and I never had any problems contacting teachers or administration about a concern we had. Our son is doing well in college and Palo Verde had a hand in that. I would recommed Palo Verde.
—Submitted by a parent

I hate this school. My childs Test scores are horrible, there are more inccedents at this school then ive ever seen out of all the schools ive sent my child to. Her grades are low and the teachers dont pay attention to her. The disopline is very unorganized, she is not doing well at this school. The population is huge yes.. And it doesnt matter right? as long as your child is getting good grades? no.. I dissaprove of this school and do not recommend it for any one.
—Submitted by a parent