Squaw Valley Academy

PO BOX 2667

Olympic Valley, CA 96146

9 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by other on February 21, 2019

Awful. Kids get bullied and the teachers do not respond properly. They force so much work on the kids and make them feel like they are worthless. Such an embarassment to have a school like this.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2018

SVA has a beautiful campus in close proximity to many outdoor recreational opportunities for the students. The skiing is fabulous The academics are rigorous and prepare the students well for college. As parents, we are very impressed with the administration and the support they offer students and families.
Submitted by teacher on September 22, 2017

There is a high rate of teacher/staff turnover, and teachers are seen as disposable rather than as valued community members. The school has an authoritarian rather than academically curious/intellectually ambitious mentality. Basically, students with learning differences and behavioral problems are warehoused here, and they don't change much by the time they graduate.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2016

Living in New England we are fortunate to have many boarding opportunities, none of them captured the spirit and soul of our son as Squaw Valley Academy has.After receiving several requests to travel across the country to visit the campus, I reluctantly agreed. As open minded parents, we were looking for an experience that would hold our sons attention and motivate him to meet his potential and I can say with enthusiasm, Squaw Valley Academy has exceeded our expectations.The administration and faculty work tirelessly to accomplish the goals they promise in their mission statement for all students. What speaks to us most about the school is the willingness to reach out to the students to find out what their interests are and make it happen, whether a horseback riding excursion, establishing a ice hockey team, or creating a band, just to name a few.Students are held accountable for meeting grade, faculty are always willing to offer guidance and additional tutoring support if needed. As a result, our son has consistently made honor roll which is a great source of pride for him. He is gaining confidence and learning to challenge himself as a direct result of the dedicated faculty and administration. I am happy to say that my son has gone from not wanting to unpack his bags last fall, to staying packed during a visit home because he can't wait to return! My husband and I are very happy we found Squaw Valley Academy and would highly recommend the school to anyone looking for a safe, positive and motivating experience for their child(ren).
Submitted by teacher on January 07, 2016

This school is a joke from a teaching standpoint. If you are a potential parent, ask the administration why the teacher turnover rate is so high? Even the teachers that are still there after a year hate it. The administration cares about one thing: MONEY!! Teachers have no say and no control. The students run the school and do whatever they want including, swearing, smoking, and drinking. But money talks and teachers walk!!
Submitted by other on December 02, 2015

I am currently a student at sva but planning to leave at the end of the semester. Squaw valley academy is a joke of an establishment that can sumed up in one statement- a boarding with no regard to the student wellbeing,happiness,or even health. Just a well advertised bussiness that rakes in profit regardless of the emotion cost to students and staff. At sva there is an abundence of "structure" giving students very little and sometimes no freetime. This not only removes all independence and room to learn personal responsibility but it creates an environment for the students that feels like they have nothing to look forward to throught the day. Sva is a disfunctional mess that made my life miserable for the several months i was there. Absolutely do NOT consider this school for yourself or your student
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2015

My husband and I were very disappointed with the schools lack of supervision and safety. The kids had easy access to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. They would easily sneak out to 'party' in the evenings. We were told that the kids were closely monitored in every way. When going out on field trips, shopping trips, skiing and the like. And that there backpacks and rooms were checked for inappropriate items. This clearly wasn't the case. My son was threatened and felt very unsafe. Not a great environment for adolescents.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2013

SVA has provided an environment where my son has become more confident, better disciplined, happier, and more mature. SVA provides an outstanding physical environment but also teachers and other faculty members who are engaged in his development and have set standards for his behavior that facilitate growth. School Leadership: Excellent communication with parents and teachers. Teaching Staff: SVA provides great combination short and long tenure teachers with common element of energy, competency, and high levels of personal interaction with students. Curriculum: Emphasis placed on fundamentals that are the building blocks to continuous learning beyond college. Surprisingly diverse elective subjects as well. School Facilities: The SVA Dorms are excellent as they provide a safe and secure residence in a beautiful and secure location. The dorms and classrooms are thoughtfully arranged to promote a high degree of community amongst the students and staff. Nutrition is a high priority demonstrated by the amazing school cafeteria that provides high quality nutritional meals. The location in Squaw Valley is perfect.
Submitted by parent on March 20, 2013

We learned about Squaw Valley Academy when my Freshman started at a very competitive public High School. The large class size and tremendous academic demands became overwhelming by the second month of school. An obsession with grades and tests scores replaced sports and many social activities. Another ski family had children attending SugarBowl, which sparked by childs interest in both schools. While my child loves the outdoors and skiing, Sugarbowl ski team was not a first choice. This lead us to Squaw Valley Academy. We have found it to be a good balance between sports, academics, and activities. The small class size and structured study halls lead to excellent academic performance without the stress experienced previously. The structure and individualized attention has been a great fit for our child.