Valley Springs Middle School

As a parent, I have nothing but praise for the educational system in place at VSMS. My son has transformed from being a shy boy to one who exudes confidence. His grades have gone from average to AB honor roll. He's had some of the most influential teachers of his young life. The only negative comment is the food but that can easily be overcome by a bagged lunch from home. Well done all at VS.!
—Submitted by a parent

Vally springs is OK but I would not recommend it. Their staff are mean sometimes. the food does not realy taste good eather.

The staff there are very rude sometimes but an alright school
—Submitted by a student

valley springs middle school is better than any other scool including cane creek because vsms focoues on you childs education to get good grades and a good life.no there not a goof off school like cane creek with all there laghfing and play vsms is deticated school and if your child goes here you will will be proud of there dedication,and foucus on there home-work,school,life.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently attending Valley Springs and would not recommend it for anyone considering to enroll their child. The teachers can be a little bit hostile and the principal uncautious. There are a few cliques, but not as much as you may see at other schools. I personally have had friend that was busted and expelled for having drugs. (So, yes drugs are a problem). And the food is disgusting and unhealthy. There are hardle any choices for chores and electives and only one language is taught and that is only for one semester. Students interested in band may only take band and PE as their electives for the whoel year. Test scores are unsatifactory.
—Submitted by a student

My son is attending Valley Springs for the first time in 8th grade and we have been very impressed so far. The curriculum is much more challanging than we were expecting! My son talks about his teachers and what he is learning almost daily. There are also plenty of wonderful extracurricular activities for children to be involved in. Thanks Mr. Rookey and Mr. Tenney for the positive impact you have made on our son this year! He has a renewed interest in Science and Writing!
—Submitted by a parent

Valley Springs is an excellent school. My 3 children have all experienced a loving, supportive atmosphere during their middle school years. One of them is a special needs student and the other 2 were in the gifted program. The teachers at every grade level are very professional with high expectations. They balance this with a true love for their profession and their students. I'm sure there are families that have negative experiences and no school is perfect, but you will be very lucky to have your children in this school. By the way, student diversity is a plus...not a problem!
—Submitted by a parent

This school puts on a good front for everyone. A lot of teachers that have been teaching for 20+ years that still teach with an iron fist and no modifications. The evidence of 'the haves and have nots' is a big influence in this school. There are many 'clicks' and 'gang members' that don't get spoken about. Rethink this school.
—Submitted by a teacher

Valley Springs is an excellent school from an academic and activities available standpoint. The leadership at the school is your typical education system stereotype. The socio-economics mentioned in other comments are not the fault of the school; yes most kids are from middle to very affluent backgrounds but I have not seen that being an issue. It's a great school and the testament to it is that many, many families are trying to buy residences in that school district and finding out that is one of the most expensive in North Carolina.
—Submitted by a parent

Considered the best in Buncombe, but compared to what? Not a great school at all. Disappointed. Socioeconomic differences between the children (haves and have nots) is a real problem. All children deserve love, attention, and proper care, but they are not all getting it in this area of NC. Teachers seem to care. However, they spend much of their time trying to discipline kids who act out, all day. Princ and VP are obviously not able to control the problems. Drugs are a huge problem in Asheville. Personal crime & violent crime are much higher than national average. cnnmoney.com can tell you more about that. The stats listed here are not accurate. The scores are much lower. North Carolina Report Card (web site) will give you the accurate scores. Last year (06) they would not release the math test scores for 7-8 months. Scores were terribly low. No chorus, drama club.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a good school. however this is not a perfect place, as many people think. Asheville NC is VERY diversified. Very. The diverse children are all in school together. They have officers on staff at the school at all times. The guidance counselors are great. Principal is OK. VP Is OK. Nothing to write home about. Check out provate schools as weel, prior to enrolling here.
—Submitted by a parent

The school is a decent one, however there are safety issues that are kept secret. Many of the teachers are great. The principal tends to avoid any confrontation or TRUE discussion with parents. However, he will call you and he tries to 'act' as though all is well. Guidance counselors seem to really care. Office staff is friendly and helpful. They have sports and extra C activities, dances etc. The school is under construction in parts. They are adding on a huge section. 24-30 kids per class in 2006.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience has been excellent with Valley Springs Middle School. Valley Springs offers excellent academic preparation for high-school, a safe environment, and quality extra-curricular activities for the students. Parental involvment is encouraged, and the local business community is very supportive of this school. The Principal, Mr. Keever, has always made himself available to meet with parents for any reason. Valley Springs' Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team took the #2 spot in the World Championship in 2005. Valley Springs offers a strong Academically Gifted program, with emphasis on challenging students who are advanced to explore advanced topics in Math and Language.
—Submitted by a parent