Oley Valley Senior High School

At this school there are far too many rednecks who think they rule the school. Also, there is little diversity. I would say 98% Caucasian. The teachers are not very outstanding except for a select few. The school itself is small and a tad boring, but the majority of the student body knows each and every student of the school. Field Hockey and Baseball are the schools most standout sports, and Basketball just behind in popularity. Oley has a bad reputation compared to most of the schools surrounding it. This school seems to be pretty well rounded academically, but the teachers seem to pick favorites as in every other school, so if your child is not a teachers pet then they will actually have to study and not ease his or her way through.
--Submitted by a student

Poor modeling of intelligence and little critical thinking. Low respect for individualism and even less for diversity.
--Submitted by a parent

The teachers are great at oley and the princple at the high school always takes care of legitimate problems, but the counsellors are harable
--Submitted by a student

I don't understand why one reviewer stated that the theater department could use 'help'. Music, theater, and sports are the big things in Oley, and if your child is not into that, then you might want to look at programs offered in other places, because you sure won't find them here. Test scores are high and it is a good learning environment. There's not much to do in the area, however, and bored teenagers = trouble. Students are, as another reviewer stated, very clique-ish. And, as many of the other reviewers stated, the town is very closed minded. There is almost NO diversity amoungst the students, and I've seen many students harassed for being 'different'.
--Submitted by a parent

Oley Valley High School often gets a bad rap because of the size and the rural location. Compare academics with surrounding schools, even the larger ones, to see that it measures up fine. Actually OVHS math students do much better on average with the AP Math tests then most other schools in Berks County. Also the grading system is much more strict, with a 92 being a B and not an A minus like other schools. I wish there would be more bells and whistles for the kids to enjoy. Berks County is not an area that likes change, and Oley is in rural Berks. I know my kids will be prepared for college. The extras will have to come from there.
--Submitted by a parent

the availability of music and art is pretty decent, although the theater department could use some help. sports and extracurricular activities are good. the people of the town tend to be closed minded and the kids quite clique-ish.
--Submitted by a parent

Oley Valley High School provdes a country environment. The academic programs are not quite up to par with those of larger schools. Opportunities for expression through the arts occur less than average. Sports are below par with the exception of field hockey. All and all, it is a nice environment. Just don't expect the extras you would find in a larger school.
--Submitted by a parent