Cumberland Valley High School

I have always said that Cumberland Valley High School offers a prep school education at a public school price. Everything a student needs to prepare for the best colleges in almost any degree area is available at CVHS, including many Honors and AP classes. I found teachers that are truly caring about their students, especially if they want to learn. Both of my children were accepted and are succeeding at prestigious schools in their chosen fields of Engineering for one, Art for the other. There are no "fluffy" programs; every subject is designed around the rigorous Dept. of Ed standards. The guidance department is exceptional; my daughter received substantial support there for everything from college prep procedures to help with depression. They are 100% there for the students. There are flaws at CVHS, but academics is not one of them. It appears to be common knowledge among the students that the atheletes are mysteriously exempted from the "random" drug tests during their sport season, which I find particularly appalling, but I am most concerned with my children's academic success. I'm sure socially CVHS is no different than the average high school and good luck with that.
--Submitted by a parent

I am so frustrated with the life skills department with this school. My son who has special needs is not learning much. They go on so many field trips, which all cost money, spend too much time on certain areas instead of teaching them job skills or independent living skills. If you have a special needs student, I would really urge you to consider what is best for your child.
--Submitted by a parent

CV is a great school with many different courses to choose from. They have a lot of advanced courses and a great athletics program. I would say that the advanced courses are very rigorous and require a lot of homework. It's not uncommon for my daughter to work on homework from the time she gets home from practice until she goes to bed. I guess you get what you work for, but sometimes it seems a bit much.
--Submitted by a parent

Most of the reviews on the school seem totally biased to the students' personal experience at CV. Every school has it's problems. Cumberland Valley has the largest program of studies in the area as well as all kinds of different teachers. There is a level for every student and when it comes to academics and ranking, no students are shown favoritism. In Academics there is a level playing field. Most students believe that the grades they receive reflect the work they put in. All extracurricular parts of C.V. are outstanding including sports, music, acting, clubs, and in-school programs. Cuts are being made to everything but sports is true, and a recent attempt to cut a music teacher that was essential to the program was strongly protested by the motivated students and parents, a protest which eventually worked. It seems that students who play sports are favored by some teachers (especially gym but that was just my experience.teachers) but many higher level teachers that teach harder classes do not show this. The school is very safe. If your student doesn't want to get involved in drugs or alcohol they won't. Your student will find friends due to the diversity here.
--Submitted by a student

this school has a lot of problems. it is not family community oriented. the staff needs a reality check.
--Submitted by a parent

The facilities are nice, roomy, open, clean, very clean. Sports program is good. Staff and teachers gave little encouragement or assistance to parents and students. If you go to the district office, from the recepcionist to the superintendant, they do not care. They are never available and are never to value what a parent or student has to say. The cirriculum is comparatively backwards. Academics is not a priority. Only athletes are of value at CVHS.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a 2010 graduate of CVHS. CV worships its athletes, letting them slip by year after year with less than desirable grades and outside of school drug involvement. Athletes are catered to more than all other extracuricular clubs and high-end academic achievers combined. As far as academics go, the school offers a substantial number of courses and programs that simply aren't available at other nearby public and private schools. The technology department has become a joke, which is sad. Funding is cut every year to support sports programs. The band, choir, orchestra, and dance team are nationally renowned. Teachers are hit and miss as some take their job seriously and others don't. If you don't come from a rich family, a farming family, or if you don't do drugs; it can be hard to find your place among the student body. Social life is above average in that the student body is large; therefore, not everyone knows everything about you and what you do every day (not like a small town atmosphere). Overall, the academic programs do prepare one for college if you can get past the cliques and politics that go on every day. One more note, the attendance system is sub-par.
--Submitted by a student

Everyone thinks CV is the best school district in the area - BUT it is far from best. The facility is the only nice thing about CV... their program is mediocre & most kids get lost in the crowds. Many parents and kids care more about what kind of car they drive to school than what they're learning. Really want to move to Mechanicsburg HS or Trinity HS.
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school with great teachers and families that help their children learn. CV schools are able to achieve excellence with low taxes and a below average cost when compared to other schools in the Commonwealth.
--Submitted by a parent

CV is a wonder school district made even better by the recent addition of a new superintendant. One elementary school recently achieved blue ribbon ranking. This district prepares one well for college and beyond. Highly recommended with an excellent gifted student program.
--Submitted by a parent