Hidden Valley Middle School

I think this school is very relaxed in some ways, but VERY STRICT in others. There are two policemen at Hidden Valley, and one comes every now and then with a dog to sniff lockers for drugs. And the students are vile! A family member of mine has been bullied constantly when she was in 6th grade. There are uncountable fights which happen almost on a daily basis. When my eldest family member first came to Hidden Valley Middle, the school was very good. It has rapidly gone down-hill, and now since I have been here I can say that it is really not a very good school at all. Just last Friday there were two fist-punching fights in the eigth-grade hallway. I would not say that this school is unsafe, but I would say, and I am, that it is not a good school to send a kid to. The kids who go there view you exactly as how you appear to be and are very judgmental, and drama and making-fun-of-poeple is apart of everyday school life here at Hidden Valley Middle.

THis school is not for students who has disabilities. If your child is non-white, low income, low IQ, they will NOT be treated fairly. IF they are good in sports none of that applies. I am looking to move to a new school district. Going to the school board hasnt really helped.
—Submitted by a parent

Apparently our child does not fit into this school's economic criteria or their mold for strict social guidelines. We moved here with high hopes expecting a better 'class' environment for our child than in the city. Tolerance and acceptance are not high on this school's list of priorities. Our son is unable to meet their expectations of him and is frustrated. We too will have to move him,if for no other reason, to protect his sense of worth. Social standing, your name, and your address count a lot here.
—Submitted by a parent

I am moving. And I'm sure I am not going to regret it. This school is all about cliques -you are either awesome or a loser- and the teachers certainly don't help that. If you decide to go here, get ready for a roller coaster. Although I had some amazing moments in this school, other schools are better. This school is filled with judging. All you have to do, is find the right friends, and act different with certain teachers. And in 8th grade, Pre-AP classes are a lot of work. Good luck,
—Submitted by a student

My daughter is learning a lot, and not just in her classes. She really likes the band, and she seems to be having a good time and gaining some confidence.
—Submitted by a parent

Hidden Valley Middle School is a very modern and progressive school that genuinely tries help and improve children's learing process and there equal treatment of all Student's.
—Submitted by a parent

Very little cooperation between students and teachers. My daughter is leaving. Teachers do more of the bullying than students. Very prejudiced and work for the popular parents.
—Submitted by a parent

Great teacher, over all a good school. The only thing is that there are TOO MUCH bullying and peer pressure involved that I had to move my kids to another district.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school if you can afford to live up to the standards the children demand of their peers, but you will need help if your child ever gets in trouble, begins to fail or becomes the subject of any gossip. The best thing I ever did was switch my child to another school to avoid endless bullying that got overlooked, especially when the bully was one of the popular or wealthier kids. Could be a great school if communication improved and fairness prevailed. Discipline is selective and unfairly distributed.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is average or above you will not have any problems with Hidden Valley Middle, but if your child has any learning problems, they don't want anything to do with you, and that goes for all of Roanoke County Schools. I've been fighting for years to get help with very little success. They believe it they can't help your child no one else can and refuse to get outside help.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers my daughter has had at HVMS have been very good at teaching what is required by the VA SOLs. There are art, music, and technology classes available. The choices in sports are expanding yearly. Parents are always at the school and my daughter feels safe there. I appreciate the so-called 'strict discipline'.
—Submitted by a parent

We expected great things at Hidden Valley, and academically it is one of the better schools in the area. The band is superb. However, the administration is not responsive. We moved our children out of this school. It was the best thing we could have done for them.
—Submitted by a parent

Too much peer pressure to conform. Administrators who don't feel they are accountable to the parents. Way too status-conscious. My children are much happier since we pulled them out of Hidden Valley.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school!!!my kids have excelled at this school. I'm glad it's that strict. It's well run.Great teachers & staff. Very safe school. Lisa wood
—Submitted by LISA WOOD, a parent

Excellent school. Students are expected to do well in all areas, academics as well as conduct. Highly recommended!
—Submitted by a parent

Good learning facility but it is to strict. Woudnt recomend attending
—Submitted by Rhyan Harris, a student

The school has good instruction and a good staff. However, I have found that a good part of the student body seems to care little about their fellow classmates and teachers. Countless times I have heard other parents talking about how their child has been bullied or made fun of because of their religon, race, or most often, the amount of money their parents make.
—Submitted by a parent

Good teachers and students, but this place is run like a prison. I would never willingly place my children there again.
—Submitted by a parent