Valley Academy Of Arts And Sciences

Posted: February 26, 2026

As a parent, I’ve had three children attend VAAS. Two have already graduated and one is currently a senior. Each of their experiences has been different, but one thing has stayed consistent: their confidence has grown and they’ve learned how to advocate for themselves.

I remember when my oldest started as a freshman. He was nervous and trying to figure out where he fit in. He’s part of the LGBTQ community, and as a mom you hope your child will be accepted for who they are. At VAAS, he was. The diversity here is real, and you can feel it every day. He joined the dance team, got involved in theater, and eventually became president of several clubs. Watching him grow into a confident leader showed me how much this school was helping him develop as a person, not just as a student.

My other two children were excited to attend after seeing his experience, and I’ve watched the same kind of growth happen with them. They all have different personalities and interests, but they’ve each learned to speak up for themselves and take ownership of their future. As a parent, that means everything.

What makes VAAS special is the smaller environment and the relationships with teachers and staff. Students are known by name, and the teachers genuinely care. I’ve had teachers reach out not just about concerns, but to share progress and ideas for growth. It shows they’re truly invested.

Both of my children who graduated from VAAS have now graduated from college, one from UC Irvine and the other from the University of Hawaii, and my youngest has already been accepted into college. That tells me VAAS really prepared them for what came next.

One of my favorite experiences as a parent has been Digital Portfolio Night, where students present their own work and reflect on their growth. Seeing that confidence firsthand is something special.

VAAS is more than just a school. It’s a supportive community that prepares students for life after high school, and I would absolutely recommend it to other families.

Posted: February 26, 2026

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Posted: February 6, 2026

We can't say enough about this school! My daughter is a senior and has been here all four years. The teachers, staff and administrators all go above and beyond for the students. No one falls through the cracks. The school is big enough to have varied experiences and small enough to form a true community. She has been able to take enough AP and college classes to complete her first 2 years of college credit before graduation! VAAS is a public school woth a private school feel. You will not regret it! The students are as inclusive of all as they can get!

Posted: February 6, 2026

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Posted: February 6, 2026

Valley Academy of Arts & Sciences has been an amazing experience for our family. They have exceeded our expectations in every way. My daughter is a senior and has been at VAAS all 4 years. She feels heard by her teachers and is thriving in her academics greatly because of the endless dedication of the teachers, staff and administration. She's active in extracurricular activities and clubs. As a parent I feel that the extra activities and the friends that you make during those times is what they really take away from high school. The caring and compassionate environment gives the students a strong sense of belonging and feeling confident to be themselves. My daughter will be graduation high school with high very grades, achievements & awards, which makes me very proud but the things that brings me the most joy is her confidence, the amazing friends that she's made and her sense of accomplishment. Her high school experience has been a wonderful experience, and I can't thank VAAS enough.

Posted: February 6, 2026

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Posted: January 30, 2026

Our family has had an incredibly positive experience at Valley Academy of Arts and Science (VAAS). When choosing a high school, my son was looking for a place that felt safe, calm, clean, and intimate—an environment where students are truly known, valued, and supported regardless of their academic strengths or challenges. VAAS has exceeded those hopes in every way.

What stands out most is the culture of encouragement. Students are invited to participate in any sport, art, club, or enrichment opportunity—whether or not they are the “top” athlete or performer. The focus is on growth, inclusion, and discovering potential, not competition or pressure. My son has felt consistently encouraged to succeed academically and to pursue college with confidence.

As a student with an IEP, the level of support he receives has been thoughtful, respectful, and proactive. The teachers, coaches, and staff genuinely care and work together to ensure students feel capable and supported—not singled out.

In comparison, my son's friends report having a high school experience that is exposing them to campus fights, competitive academics that leave them feeling stressed and disconnected instead of supported to thrive and feeling like their presence in the school isn't even noticed or valued.

Now a junior, my son absolutely loves and treasures his experience at VAAS. He is growing, learning, and maturing in ways that feel both academic and deeply personal. He is trying new sports, clubs and setting goals for college. He feels 100% supported by the entire school community, and as a parent, that peace of mind is invaluable. We are so grateful to be part of the VAAS community and highly recommend it to families looking for a nurturing, inclusive, and student-centered high school.

Posted: January 30, 2026

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Posted: December 8, 2025

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As a district employee and parent of a student at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences it is truly a special place. The small learning community creates a close-knit environment where students feel supported, seen, and valued. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure every student has the opportunity to grow academically and creatively.

Posted: June 2, 2019

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Posted: June 2, 2019

I really like this school because it is diverse and I felt very welcome at this school

Posted: February 1, 2018

Love this school. It's clean small and was a great fit for our child. They offer great classes in Dance and teachers are understanding with homework if it needs to be made up. They are all very caring and supportive of the children. I highly recommend!

Posted: February 1, 2018

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Posted: November 26, 2017

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Posted: November 26, 2017

Great sports and academics at this school.

Posted: May 4, 2017

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Posted: May 4, 2017

This is the best school in the Valley. Smaller than most but influential in academic culture and fostering awareness and compassion for current events. Students at this school are encouraged to have a voice and discover their inner leader. My daughter is thriving here and my son will soon be there as well. Thankful!

Posted: February 9, 2017

There's not much homework compared to a well-known charter high school, but the philosophy of the school is different. Personally, I think homework is often "busy" work for no effect. VAAS does emphasize project work which is more effective in engaging students in creative ways. If you have kid who effectively studies at home for two hours a day, send them to Granada Charter High School. If you have a kid who hates homework but likes interesting and creative project work, send them here.

Posted: February 9, 2017

This is a small school by LAUSD standards, so there are fewer teachers and results vary widely with the small sample pool. I've been disappointed in some teachers and feel very fortunate with others. Mathematics is obviously one area of instruction that needs change/improvement. My son's experience is consistent with some of the standard measurements of success for this school in math. In terms of science offerings, there are unique opportunities at VAAS, like a class in forensics and some interesting classes geared towards the entertainment industry.

Posted: February 9, 2017

The school expects good behavior and works to promote it at sporting events. I've been impressed with the behavior of students when compared to others from another similar school in their athletic conference. The assistant principal and others from the office supervise events and stress character and appropriate behavior.

Posted: February 9, 2017

I have no opinion about the principal - seems rather benign. The assistant principal I've met multiple times at my son's sporting events. He, along with people in the office, have been instrumental in helping my son and stressing good behavior and character at sporting events.

Posted: February 9, 2017

The success of the student at this school depends largely on the student's learning behaviors. This school does not emphasize homework, but does provide for outside learning through creative projects. This philosophy was a good fit for me and my son, but might not be effective with a lot of kids. Personally, I think kids spend close to 40 hours a week in school - they shouldn't have to put in an additional 10 hours a week of overtime doing homework to learn, but some teens thrive in a different environment.

Posted: February 9, 2017

I'm aware that there have been fights and that some videos have been posted to Facebook. Unfortunately, bad behavior happens at every school and I think the administration does a good job of keeping a lid on bullying and violence. I was impressed that while many schools had kids walk out of class for political protests recently, VAAS administration had a plan in place called "Unity Day" that allowed time for students to have a shared experience while diminishing the focus on extreme political views.

Posted: February 9, 2017

This school is not for everyone. It is a school that focuses on arts and, to a lesser degree, sciences. If you feel lots of homework is important, send your child some place else (GHCHS). If you feel nearly 40 hours of instruction is sufficient to educate your child and you don't think overtime on homework is necessary, this might be a good choice. VAAS provides for learning outside of the classroom through interesting projects, but the time demands are less than at other LAUSD options. My son had a pleasurable learning experience and this school was a good fit for him. Because of the smaller school size, he had a chance to participate in athletics and performing arts that he wouldn't have had at a larger facility. Some course offerings were unique, like "forensics." English courses and teachers had a slightly different emphasis that deviated from emphasizing strict grammar and syntax. Critical thinking is often stressed over rote memory in course offerings with both positive and negative results. Mathematics may be an area that needs improvement - my son's experience is consistent with the low standardized test scores associated with VAAS, so potential engineers might benefit from GHCHS. The campus is well-organized and maintained. The office staff is very helpful and pleasant. It's a good school overall and depending on your child, it might be the best option or something just "OK."

Posted: December 28, 2016

I graduated from this school just this year (2016), and let me tell you, I absolutely hated it. There were teachers who were extremely ineffective with their approach to teaching, not many students were capable of passing AP exams, largely due to the amount of nonsense courses a student had to take. The "signature project" was one of the most hectic and most draining things I have ever done. If you want to go to this school, beware that you will not be in for what you would see at a traditional high school. You will have eight classes; four a day, and have to use those horrendous LAUSD iPads, which are more of a distraction than are an educational tool. You won't have much support when it comes to SAT, AP, or ACT exams, and good luck if you choose this school over a better school like GHCHS.

Posted: December 28, 2016

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Posted: August 28, 2016

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Posted: August 28, 2016

I recently graduated from VAAS and lets just say i never loved a school so much. This school like all schools is what you make of it. Luckily that wasn't very hard. Everyone is so quick to judge our school based on the fact that is unconventional. However this is what makes it special. I went from being a troubled, bullied, and unnoticed student from my old middle school (which is also a high school) to being active in almost all school functions, having close bonds to teachers and staff, and never having to worry about drama. Yes this school is different but the fact is doing homework every night can only do so much. We absolutely learn life skills here, they do the best they can. I was a club president, principle cabinet member, and a leadership student. So lets just say I was active in school and well aware of things. This school is the place where anyone can be themselves and bullying is 100% not tolerated. Its a safe place, the bond students will have with their teachers are amazing, the things you learn and do are amazing as well. The principle is one of the best I've ever seen, she is professional and she actually helped write the plan that created the school so she works hard to achieve those goals. So I highly recommend this school to all students looking for more than just a basic high school experience. People who are looking for a family and who want to sing Bohemian Rhapsody.
PS the signature projects are used in place of community service requirements in high school. So yes it does make sense that its mandatory in order to graduate. The goal of the project varies by year, each year in you learn more in depth about the topic your choosing. This project teaches us about connecting with our community, using resources, spreading awareness and fighting problems. If you actually work hard and NOT PROCRASTINATE AND COMPLAIN you will succeed!. ex; Make a notion save the ocean, California drought, Healthy eating, Animals in shelters, ect.

Posted: August 2, 2016

Posted: August 2, 2016

It's much more of projects and tests than it is homework. They base if you graduate or not on a project that they require you to start in ninth grade called the signature project. It doesn't matter how great your grades are, you fail that project, you don't graduate. It's ridiculous.

Posted: August 2, 2016

It doesn't matter who you are, unless you are the principal's cabinet, theater, or dance, your high school career isn't significant to the staff in any way.

Posted: August 2, 2016

This school prides itself on it's arts department. It says are and sciences but they care most about the art. I recently graduated from this school and all four years at this school were terrible. Before I even started ninth grade, the day of orientation they lost my paperwork and said I never enrolled. It placed a huge burden on both me and my mom. The next three years were me spent trying to play catch up over the lies they told me. They would tell me one thing and I'd oblige and then they'd tell me a completely different thing. I was constantly going in circles. Recently, after I graduated, they were calling in seniors to have them retake courses and do summer school because if not, they would take their diploma away. Why? Because a rule they themselves had implemented was never actually in place and they never spoke a word about it never being official- putting a handful of students in a terrible situation. Just because this school is still considered new doesn't make it good. The students aren't taught properly, there is an obscene amount of favoritism, and they're never fully prepared for life after high school. If you value your child's education, send them to another school.
- a previous student

Posted: April 11, 2016

Most of the graduating students fail college entrance exams. The students have no respect for the school principal. They make fun of her leadership skills. The teacher are bullied to listen to the principal or be displaced. But the results are horrible in terms of academics.

Posted: April 11, 2016

Graduating students are not well prepared to pass college entrance exams, most senior not pass university exams. Students are not ready to pass simple English and math exams. But wait this review may be deleted by school site administrators.

Posted: May 9, 2015

I am a ninth grader here, and I can say that, personally, I absoutely hate this school so far. Keep in mind, this is my own opinion. I am only in 9th grade, but I thought I should share it with you. For advisory, we have to do a "signature project". Ok, right? No. My teacher is not helping us whatsoever; he just tells us to work on it, giving us no guidance and if we ask for help he says, 'I can't help you now, it's too late'. Once, I refused to play a game because I had just had a panic attack the period before and he yelled at me. This lead me to another panic attack and he didn't even care. How nice. Overall, this school has some bad teachers. It is also more of an arts school, now. Shouldn't it be Arts AND Sciences? We are doing projects for every class instead of finals. Some teachers don't give you a second option instead of projects. If we don't or CAN'T (like in my case) you'll get a zero. This school does have its good sides, though. So weigh you options catefully, and remember, I'm only a ninth grader. Thank you!

Posted: September 26, 2014

This school is great in terms of being clean and academically BUT the staff has trouble controlling the students. I was told that their was a student selling marijuiana brownies? And the dean did not figure out where the problem was coming from until about 4-5 months which in my point of view is way overdue. I also keep my self very informed about what my child does online and I constantly see videos of students fighting in the school bathrooms mostly boys boxing on her Facebook. It makes me wonder were the adult supervision is at this school I've also seen videos of the students smoking these electronic cigarettes that have become a trend but IN CLASS. Academically this school is great but I think the staff should is way over their heads and trust the students way too much so that the kids are starting to take advantage. Also the students ditch class constantly my soon also goes to this school has extensive truancys you would think that in such a small campus students hiding out in bathrooms would be the last if their problems these kids are basically playing hid and seek with the administrators. VAAS has the potential to be a good school but it's lack of security makes it not.

Posted: September 4, 2014

My son graduated last year (2014) after attending VAAS for the three years it's been open. They have a great staff, overall. He was involved with leadership and theater most. The teachers in those areas, he had for all three years in these areas -- they are wonderful! What I like most about the school is that they involve the students -- so many events are student-run. They treat the students as if they are emerging adults and hold them accountable also. There are some teachers to avoid, but many of them get weeded out. It's a very small school for an LAUSD high school -- and the students were well-connected to each other and the staff.

Posted: April 15, 2014

This school is really great. The campus is always clean, there's a great environment at the school ad everyone's really friendly. Also, the teachers are very dedicated to teaching their students and making them thrive in their education. Also if you're very good at dancing I recommend this school because they have a very good dance team.

Posted: January 22, 2014

My daughter's first year attending this school has been nothing but a positive experience for her and our family. She comes from a highly gifted middle school, and this school is challenging for her. She is quite happy with the teachers and has had no problems with the student body. She is friendly and outgoing, and really enjoys the diversity of the classes offered. Go on a tour and speak to the students, they are very welcoming.