Below Average
#1085 of 1,280 schools in IA
Valley High School
High School · West Des Moines Comm School District
3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Enrollment
2,111
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
4.5
Grades
10th – 12th
Enrollment
2,111
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
4.5
Grades
10th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Iowa schools
#1,085 of 1,280
In West Des Moines
#11 of 13
public schools
In district
#10 of 13
West Des Moines Comm School District
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Valley High School
High School in West Des Moines · grades 10th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Shepherds Flock Early Learning Center
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Montessori Children's House
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Valley High School
Valley High School is a public high school in West Des Moines, IA, part of West Des Moines Comm School District. Valley High School serves approximately 2,111 students, and covers grades 10th-12th, and has a 17.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Valley High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,085 of 1,280 schools in IA.
Structured state assessment records for Valley High School show 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 4.1
- IA avg 6.0
What Parents Should Know
Valley High School is a large school: 2,111 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
39% of students at Valley High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Valley High School — Students at Valley High School score 65% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
26.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores IA ISASP (2024-25)
Based on 33 test records from IA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.
How Valley High School Compares
See how Valley High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Valley High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (rated 5.2/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Walnut Creek Campus (rated 3.7/10, 2.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in West Des Moines, see our West Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SHEPHERDS FLOCK EARLY LEARNING CENTER Wdm | 0.3 mi | — |
| MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE West Des Moines | 0.5 mi | — |
| Western Hills Elementary School West Des Moines | 0.7 mi | 3.7 |
| Indian Hills Junior High School Clive | 1.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Crossroads Park Elementary School West Des Moines | 0.9 mi | 7.5 |
| Fairmeadows Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Learning Resource Center West Des Moines | 1.5 mi | — |
| Valley Southwoods West Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Jordan Creek Elementary School West Des Moines | 1.9 mi | 6.2 |
| SACRED HEART SCHOOL West Des Moines | 1.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Stilwell Junior High School West Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| DOWLING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL West Des Moines | 1.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Westridge Elementary West Des Moines | 1.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Crestview School of Inquiry Clive | 2.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Walnut Creek Campus West Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Clive Learning Academy Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 6.1 |
| Hillside Elementary School West Des Moines | 2.3 mi | 4.9 |
| AIRAZI ACADEMY West Des Moines | 2.4 mi | — |
| ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL West Des Moines | 2.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Karen Acres Elementary School Urbandale | 3.2 mi | 7.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 50266 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$85,282
Median Home Value
$325,100
Median Rent
$1,285/mo
Population
36,770
College Educated
60%
Homeownership
50.1%
Avg Commute
17.5 min
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Median Age
35
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Prairie High School Cedar Rapids, IA | 4.5 |
| Waukee High School Waukee, IA | 4.6 |
| Iowa City High School Iowa City, IA | 4.8 |
| John F Kennedy High School Cedar Rapids, IA | 4.8 |
| Muscatine High School Muscatine, IA | 4.8 |
| Roosevelt High School Des Moines, IA | 4.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Valley High School
What grades does Valley High School serve?
Valley High School serves students in grades 10th through 12th.
How many students attend Valley High School?
Valley High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,111 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Valley High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Valley High School is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Valley High School rank in IA?
Valley High School ranks #1,085 of 1,280 schools in IA.
What is Valley High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Valley High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Valley High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Valley High School has 81% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 81% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Valley High School a charter school?
No, Valley High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Valley High School a Title I school?
No, Valley High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Valley High School?
26.7% of students at Valley High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 10th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,111
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 123
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 26.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Polk County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 38.6%
- Phone
- (515) 633-4000
- 4-Year Graduation
- 97.0%
Resources & Links
District
West Des Moines Comm School District- District Enrollment
- 9,170
- Schools in District
- 14
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,074
- District Rank
- #10 of 13
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