Valley High School

Valley High School

Public High School | Grade 10-12
3650 Woodland Ave,  West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines Community School District
3.9
3.8
2,048 Students
A
Niche Grade

School Details

Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Average SAT Score
1350
Average ACT Score
26
Math Proficiency
66%
Reading Proficiency
75%
Average GPA
3.52
Graduation Rate
95%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
A
Teachers
A-
College Prep
B+
Administration
B-
Resources/Facilities
A
Clubs and Activities
A
Sports
B
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.52
Reading Proficiency
75%
Math Proficiency
66%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers
124
Full Time Teachers
122
Part Time Teachers
2
Teachers in First or Second Year
18%
College Prep
Average SAT
1350
Math
680
Verbal
670
Average ACT
26
Math
26
English
26
Reading
27
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
24
AP Pass Rate
52.1%
AP Math Enrollment
High
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Average
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
67.5%
Science
56.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
341:1

Student Diversity

Male
50.8%
Female
49.1%
White
60.7%
Hispanic
18.2%
Black
10.5%
Asian or Pacific Islander
5.2%
Two or more races
5.1%
Native American
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%

School Rankings

#2 Best HS For Athletes in Iowa
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of Iowa 725 Students
Iowa State University 639 Students
Drake University 251 Students
University of Northern Iowa 222 Students
Des Moines Area Community College 215 Students
Grand View University 105 Students
University of Chicago 92 Students
Simpson College 79 Students
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor 69 Students
Creighton University 67 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 152 Students
Psychology 122 Students
Biology 115 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 115 Students
Nursing 98 Students
Computer Science 96 Students
Finance 64 Students
Political Science and Government 58 Students
Chemistry 58 Students
Pre-Law Studies 52 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.9 426 Reviews
5.0 Senior
2/26/2025
Overall , my experience with Valley High School throughout my three years being there has been very positive and also uplifting. Before I transferred to Valley High School , I had no motivation to do any school work and also had no intention of continuing my education after High school. After meeting various teachers and also administrators , They have motivated me and really pushed me to do better and continue my education after high school. As for clubs and activities , they are all super welcoming to new students and for people trying new things. For example , when I first came to Valley High School , I decided to try and join the step team and have been there ever since. The community and friends I have made and met in the Valley district are amazing stepping stones and have really made an impact on my high school career.
4.0 Sophomore
10/27/2024
Valley high school is one the most famous schools in Iowa. We are recognized a lot and valley has a lot of resources available. They offer a wide variety of different classes, extracurriculars, and clubs.
5.0 Senior
8/27/2024
Excellent academics, great teachers, lots of opportunities, lots of diversity. Some faculty are amazing and go the extra mile, some... not so much. School threats are often but that's to be expected from a school this large in America. Great school overall.
GreatSchools Reviews
3.8 5 Reviews
4.0 parent
7/1/2023
Great school had 4 kids go there
5.0 student
12/13/2021
Safe, good teachers, very diverse courses available, many extracurriculars.
4.0 parent
8/1/2018
Good. We have two sons who have graduated from Valley. The biggest issue is over crowding. There are just too many kids in one building. Sports overshadow academics and arts. The curriculum is stellar, so many options. If a child has a solid foundation and strong character going in, they’ll succeed....
2.0 student
3/24/2018
I am a current student at Valley High School and, honestly, ever since my sister (now graduated) and I arrived in the district our problems with staff and students have been wholly ignored by the principal. I would not recommend sending your child to a school that does nothing if a student is being...

Agents Specializing in Attendance Zone

See All Agents

Map

Attendance Zone

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Additional Schools in the Area

Parks in this Area

Additional Neighborhoods in this Area

Valley High School is a public school for students in grades 10-12 in West Des Moines, IA, in the West Des Moines neighborhood, and is served by the West Des Moines Community School District in Iowa. The school has a total enrollment of 2,048 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 17:1. Academic records show that 66% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 75% are proficient in reading. Valley High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of A and a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.52, the graduation rate is 95%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1350 and an ACT score of 26. The average home value in this area is $360,139. Discover additional schools in the area, like Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, Roosevelt High School, Dowling Catholic High School, and more. Learn more about what West Des Moines has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Valley High School.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.