West Valley City School in Spokane | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	8/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2025 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Student Growth	6/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Posted: April 15, 2023

I have found school staff more than available when issues arise. There is mention of bullying and that was an issue with our child. After talking with the principal it was taken seriously and addressed in multiple direct, creative and seemingly helpful ways. I felt I was listened to and taken seriously.

The school environment has been a little rough at times post covid but I am hearing this is very common in many schools from educators and parents with children elsewhere. It seems City is working to address this and help the kids grow, thrive and move forward in healthy ways (one example out of many being that children recently had to choose a book for their 8 week reading cycle that has an emphasis on mental health).

The learning model at City is very different from other schools. Most kids enjoy the city feel and jobs they can get. The deep project based learning is nice to see and I know our child enjoys a lot of how that looks. Teachers, principal and support staff ALL work incredibly hard here and believe in the model - it is very evident.

They all go above and beyond for the students and do hard work while asking the same of the kids. Not just hard work as in high quality work but hard work in multiple ways like showing up well for others in team settings, doing their best work on projects, seeking out help when needed, not giving up when something is difficult, doing their jobs with diligence, etc.

Staff sincerely care about all of the kids and I know our child is in good hands. There have been ups and downs just like any school, but I continue to feel thankful that our child has the opportunity to attend City.

There is not really special Ed services but if additional support is needed, this is possible. There is however a lot of independent thinking required of students as well as group collaboration in order to be successful. This can be difficult for some kids, including ours at times, but also a great learning and growth opportunity. It's also a difficult transition I feel for 5th graders coming into a middle school and a lot of adjustment happens at a complex age. I am glad our child came in at 5th so they could get a spot, but I do believe the setting and learning model is probably more ideal for 6th - 8th grade vs 5th - 8th.

Also, there can be some difficulty with older kids managing younger ones in jobs. It requires a certain level of maturity they don't always have. Usually it isn't a problem unless a teacher is gone.

Posted: February 20, 2023

Recently I left this school and let me explain why. The first year of this school was great and i loved it so i decided to go this year, that was a mistake. I am trans and I knew that people would have their opinions on it although city school is known as a strict "non bullying zone" but obviously that's not true for some, I have contacted the principal by being called slurs, getting physically hurt, emotionally, and getting harassed in school bathrooms, he ignored all of them. The principal picks sides and that is clear. Last year he loved me but identified as a girl so when i was trans next year he stopped caring. i do not recommend this school and sure it has cool experiences but no person can handle the amount of bullying in this school. West Valley isnt the school it used to be.

Posted: August 4, 2022

My son loves this school, he was previously bullied for his weight at his last school but he has not had any trouble with bullying and has made many friends. he loves the teachers and overall me and him love the school!

Posted: April 18, 2022

I am a student at this school currently. I have amazing things to say about how this school teaches. But the princible needs to be fired. he makes all the kids fell uncomferatble. and told me that i was worthless, would not recomened

Posted: February 25, 2021

WV City School is a fantastic school where the teachers are engaging and truly care about their students. They create a welcoming environment where the students learning responsibilities and have a strong sense of community. They thoroughly encourage growth, independence, and leadership.

Posted: February 24, 2021

This has been a wonderful school for my daughter. She has exceled in all aspects of school academically and with the real-world aspects (job components, independent skills). The school encourages creativity and acceptance. We have had great experience here! it effectively helps students with different learning styles and helps students find their confidence.

Posted: February 24, 2021

Posted: April 13, 2019

Provides a creative experience for middle school students in a real-world & project based environment. Students learn to work together in a City and have real world experiences.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Principle has excuses when you go in to complain about an issue everytime.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Aweful. Teachers are not always in the classrooms and student just do whareverse they please.

Posted: July 23, 2018

Tried to talk to teacher about late work through schoology. They never contacted me. Due dates are sketchy when you actually find the due dates.

Posted: June 1, 2017

Terrible!!! The worst school ever. The principal needs fired. They do nothing about bullying and all of the staff play favorites like nothing i have ever seen before. This school is the worst!!! I would highly recommend keeping your kids far far away from this school!!! And they will get the worst of an education.

Posted: June 1, 2017

Posted: February 8, 2017

Every teacher I've never had there has worked closely with students because they care so much!

Posted: February 8, 2017

The city job build leadership skill which students simply cannot learn anywhere else!

Posted: February 8, 2017

Never have a single issue! They've always been amazing!

Posted: February 8, 2017

Amazing! I am a former student at city school and I plan to send my kids there too!!!

Posted: January 9, 2016

My daughter HATED school before City School. She was in a traditional environment where the teacher insisted on students being quiet and obedient. My daughter was so frustrated because she couldn't express herself or interact with other children.. The City School curriculum provides for group work, subject integration, responsibility, and respect. It wasn't long before my daughter loved school so much that she hated to see the weekends come. City School really turned her around. She is now loves learning and wants to do well. Thank you, City School, for thinking outside the box.

Posted: December 14, 2014

When I first moved to the area, I was told that City School was a school for kids that got in trouble a lot. Please people do your own research. This is far from the truth. In fact if your child is a trouble maker and is not self paced, they will get weeded out of the program. This school is too great to deal with unruly children. We are impressed with the school and staff. Our child feels valued and is now truely able to be creative. We dealt with a lot of hypocrisy at the last school our child attended. Glad we made this leap for the 5th grade year. Our child has already grown tremendously and loves school now! We look forward to our child's growth at City School for the remainder of middle school. Sign your kid up in April of 4th grade for City School if you don't want them to miss out on this great opportunity. Your child will go through a process of filling out an application, getting references as well as your getting an interview. Our child leaped for joy when the acceptance letter came in the mail (priceless moment).

Posted: April 27, 2014

We are very impressed with this school. This schools focus is on building long lasting relationships, teaching responsibilities, and setting up kids with tools and knowledge for their everyday future.

Posted: August 20, 2013

West Valley City School encourages new students to get out of there comfort zone. That's something not a lot of other middle schools focus on. Each student has the chance to make a difference in the community while building relationships with other fellow classmates. City School teachers are easier to talk to than most teachers because they have more bonding time, it's a smaller school, and each student usually gradually gets better and more focused throughout their years. I highly recommend City School for students who want to make a difference and strive to do there best. City School has taught my children how to give perfect presentations and allowed them to be more comfortable in front of a group of people. One of my main concerns was that the students had a little to much freedom. Every teacher learns to trust students depending on their actions in class, and then once the student gets in trouble they aren't punished. Students need to know what's right and what's wrong and the teachers don't want to punish the students, so nothing happens.

Posted: July 27, 2013

Why would I write this school with 3 stars? The teachers are very nice, but are kind of out of it. The kids are NOT being watched. Not really anyways. Half the time the teachers are out of the classroom, (most of the time) CHILDREN are teaching CHILDREN during the class of what they call "flex" because their excuse is "we don't have enough volunteers or teachers" , the children are running the school. And yes the "children running the school" may build responsibility in the children, but if they are not willing to take the responsibility, then who will? The principal picks on CERTAIN children, he will follow them and watch their every move until they do something wrong. I have read the other reviews and nobody has mention the incidents with the police involved, the biting and stabbings! I gave it more than one star because the concept is great! I love the hands-on projects they do and the field trips they take. The younger children are learning higher concepts because they are in a classroom with older children. If you are considering this school, be concerned of your children's safety. It is a nice school.

Posted: December 5, 2012

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Posted: October 22, 2012

Best school in the world!! I love all the teachers. I love the classes and ow they are challenging and fun. I hope your child gets the chance to go here.

Posted: August 19, 2012

The teachers are great; most communicate very well. I've had 2 children graduate from WVCS and in high school they were years above their classmates. Although the kids worked hard, I think City School is part of the reason they were able to maintain grades high enough to keep them on the honor roll. With that said, due to the fact that you don't get "grades" on a regular basis, this school is not for parents who aren't involved. You do need to look at the list of assignments and communicate with your child(ren) about outstanding items. Finally, I will say my one frustration has been with the principal. He did not take immediate actions to address issues such as bullying and racism. The school is founded on the principle that children will do the right thing if they act respectfully therefore the only rule is that students show respect. However, the disrespectful actions were not addressed. I m not sure how much experience the current principal has (there was a different one when we first came to the school) but he either needs to take a firmer stand on inappropriate actions or the district needs to take a stand and replace him.

West Valley City School

Spokane, WA 99212

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West Valley City School

Spokane, WA 99212

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