Valley High School is a public high school located in West Des Moines, Iowa. VHS is a three-year comprehensive high school with approximately 2,000 students. The school hosts grades 10–12. It is run by the West Des Moines Community Schools. Freshmen attend a separate school, Valley Southwoods.
Serving 2,111 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 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 29% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 10-12
- Enrollment: 2,111 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- 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%)
- 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
Diversity
School Overview
Valley High School's student population of 2,111 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 10-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,111 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Year Founded
1901
School Calendar
Campus Size
38
School Mascot
Tigers
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 0.61, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#626 out of 1223 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
3%
Hispanic
19%
13%
Black
12%
7%
White
58%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
25%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tigers
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 Roosevelt High School, Urbandale 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 90%.
How many students attend Valley High School?
2,111 students attend Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Valley High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Valley High School?
Valley High School has a student ration of 17:1, 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 3/3/2023
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