West Valley Middle School

This school is AMAZING!!! Everybody is soooo nice!! (this includes the staff and the students) I will definitly miss it when I move! I never want to miss a day of school!

My daughter is a 7th grader at Bearden but she always talks about how she would love to go to WVMS. Although, we are not zoned for this particular school, therefore she may not transfer. She often tells me how great of a school this is and how far she can go just by going here. I just wish I could transfer her here!
—Submitted by a parent

Fantastic school!!! I'm a parent of a 7th grader and we couldn't be more pleased. The new principal is refreshing. He and the teachers excel in their desire to educate the students and their overall success.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are incredible!!
—Submitted by a parent

Great new principal...Jack Neely.
—Submitted by a parent

If you think having a conference with the teacher would help get your child into a better start, well think again!!! The teachers here in WV not only would not admit their fault but will make your child suffer with humiliation in class and a terrible year!
—Submitted by a parent

It's been a great school for our daughter and her friends
—Submitted by a parent

This school is full of caring and concerned teachers. The parent participation is abundant. I felt my children received a private school education at this wonderful public school.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently an eight grader at West Valley and so far I have had some really bad and some pretty good teachers. They honestly do not give us any freedom to be kids; we have about three minutes to run around and grab our books before being shuffled into our classrooms. Teachers are very unaccepting of any late work, and they tend to blame every mistake on you. I understand that these teachers are trying to perpare us for high school, but my older brother is in high school, and he seems to be enjoying it a lot more than middle school. We may only be thirteen or fourteen, but I believe we can control ourselves to walk to lunch, go to the bathroom with out having to get a signature, etc. Other students in my grade are mainly holding onto their little cliques. West Valley can definitely improve though.
—Submitted by a student

EVERY teacher is amazing! They give 150%. The administration cares about their children. We can access books online to save our kids' backs from heavy books. The school is CLEAN! And the parents are very involved in addressing needs and problems. PTA money goes toward great technology, etc. I LOVE West Valley Middle!
—Submitted by a parent

I have a daughter with special needs and the staff has been very supportive. All of her teachers and the staff have been understanding and have taught my daughter so much. The Assistant Principal has helped not only with academic issues but also social skills. I only hope when my daughter moves on to high school she will receive this type of support.
—Submitted by a parent

Curriculum in 8th grade needs to change to mirror high school. Too many classes in one day. If you miss more than three days due to sickness its almost impossible to make up work School population is too large for teachers to remind students of past assignments. Students going on to Bearden will do well. Teachers have more time for students due to block scheduling. I'll be glad when my second child is finally out of this school. WVMS prides its self on organizational skills and homework. High and college are more geared to your test grades not how well you organize your class folders.
—Submitted by a parent

I think West Valley is a Great school! I have found the principals to be receptive to my input and have appreciated my participation at school. I have 2 kids there and have experienced over 15 teachers. Most of them are outstanding. They have too much paperwork and responsibilities from the county that have nothing to do with teaching kids....I think they do a great job considering. In response to the PTA Mom's have the kids that make the sports teams----- I haven't seen a team tryout that wasn't decided by an outside, impartial source with the kids usually just wearing a number so no one even knows names. I think these kids get on the teams because they are good at the sport. There is always room for improvement and the staff is human so mistakes happen but I think it's the best middle school in Knoxville!
—Submitted by a parent

West Valley is a bad school they are only a couple teachers who will listen to you and care.The only thing I like about this school is the band program.The teachers are so nice will help you if you have a question.Mr.Wells from 6-1 is an awsome teacher. Is the only on I like.
—Submitted by a student

they have alot of homework to hand out and the gym needs a good cleaning
—Submitted by a student

west valley doesn't prepare it's middle schoolers very well for high school. the teachers there dont pay attention to the positive things the students do, they just bash them for what negitive things they do. my child hates the school, and i can see why, her teachers give the students little independece.
—Submitted by a parent

It has very few extra-carricular activities for excelling students. It spends way too much time on failing students that need help.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent teachers, wonderful environment, good homeowrk load, everything is awesome
—Submitted by a student

Our daughter has done beautifully in 7th grade due to an exceptional team of teachers. We moved into the zone and she was 1 of 4 from her elementary school. Her 6th grade was okay, but not exceptional. It takes a while to be accepted...at first not as welcoming as should have been. She now loves it and is so happy. Academically challanging, but she has thrived! They offer so many activities, and I believe she will have a jumpstart in high school because of her outstanding academic preparation. Teachers always responded immediately to any questions from parents or students. We just wish we could continue and have her attend West Valley High School!! Finally, the music program has to be the finest in the area....my musician father could not get over the quality of music at the band concerts. Let us build an auditorium to showcase all of these talents!!
—Submitted by a parent

There was a change in principals a couple of years ago. We would have to say the change did not disrupt the good attitudes among the faculty from our perspective. Out daughter's team of teachers has a good web link for daily lesson plans and open communication. They will stay after school if there is a need. We have no complaints. The coaches are all quality people and great role models for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent