Serving 2,178 students in grades 10-12, Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 68% (which is equal to the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 10-12
- Enrollment: 2,178 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 20% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 68% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 65% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Valley High School's attendance zone covers the entire West Des Moines school district, encompassing approximately 36.6 square miles. The typical drive to the school from any point within the zone is about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge located around 6.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Valley High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Valley High School's student population of 2,178 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 119 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 10-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,178 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
119 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1901
School Calendar
Campus Size
38 acres
School Rankings
Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Valley High School is 0.64, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#626 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
68%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
70%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
20%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
55%
70%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
95%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)37.4%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
56%
35%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Tigers
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valley High School's ranking?
Valley High School is ranked #626 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Valley High School often compared to?
Valley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Urbandale High School, Roosevelt High School, Waukee High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
68% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Valley High School is 95%, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Valley High School?
2,178 students attend Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Valley High School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Valley High School?
Valley High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Valley High School offer ?
Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 10-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Valley High School part of?
Valley High School is part of West Des Moines Comm School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
this is the school I want to go to when I go to high school.
Review Valley High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
