Shadow Mountain High School

2902 East Shea Boulevard

School District

Paradise Valley Unified District
Grade

8-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Paradise Valley Unified District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 07, 2023

I've had two students attend and graduate from Shadow over a 7-year period. There are numerous teachers are passionate about their position and have a bond with students who are engaged. There is a variety of extracurriculars and clubs for the students too, depending on their interests. Unfortunately, there aren't many Dual Enrollment classes available, while those that are DE classes don't transfer to many colleges as a regular class, but end up counting as credit as an extra-curricular in college. The AP classes are beneficial with being an "honors" class, but aren't worth (the stress of the class) if the AP test isn't taken or passed for college. Next, administration is difficult to work with, especially as a parent volunteer. However, both of my students complained often how they felt uncomfortable with anyone in the admin building. Although their Counselor was dismissive of help, the career & college counselor was very helpful with resources for them to look at all options going to college after graduation and always made them feel welcome to speak with him. Although high school is meant for the students to learn independence, communication is easily 60%+ less than what was received in lower level schools. Both of the students' parents volunteered for booster clubs of multiple groups with each of them, and the assistants that booster clubs must work through was less than helpful. The procedure to complete paperwork with her changed every year. It's quite sad how we felt treated unwelcome and as an annoyance from her; and when told to her superiors felt dismissed and "yes-ed" to just be quiet. However, other volunteers are treated as royalty simply because they bring lunch to the administration or also are a teacher in the district. And those royal volunteers are also allowed to not follow outlined district and state policies as long as (it seems) staff doesn't have to do it.The campus itself is a mess. There is always bugs, dead birds, dirty common areas, broken bathrooms, chipped paint, and terrible parking lots. Every other campus in the PV district takes care of their facilities. When asked why Shadow gets nothing, parents are told district ties their hands. But, after direct communication with the district about the campus, there is no communication or submissions to have repairs done to the campus. This makes it seem as if there is a lack of care from administration and campus maintenance to simply submit paperwork.
Submitted by parent on May 12, 2023

I am the parent of 1 SMHS grad with one graduating in a few weeks. We have been so happy with this school. It is not our home school but we chose open enrollment at Shadow because of the DAAPS and NVAA programs. The principal and staff are very engaged and care about the students. As a parent, I recommend that you get involved in the PTC - it's a very active organization!
Submitted by other on March 31, 2023

im a student i just want kids to stop smoking percs in the bathroom off tin foil it gets pretty icky
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2021

My daughter began her experience as a freshman at Shadow Mountain. She is part of the DAAPS program and the North Valley Arts Drama program. The program and instructors are excellent, truly, truly. She feels challenged on many levels and is thrilled to be a part of such a phenomenal Drama program, as well as DAAPs. Shadow Mountain parents are very personable and the diverse community is very welcoming and refreshing!
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2021

Shadow is the hidden little gem in the PVUSD! Both my son (sophomore) and daughter (2021 grad) have had a positive experience at the school. The academic and extracurricular opportunities are competitive and challenging. A high percentage of the staff at SMHS graduated from the school and live in the community. It is a supportive and safe environment for students to thrive and fail. Go, Matadors!
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2021

My daughter loves Shadown Mountain. It's a smaller public high school, but still has all the educational opportunities she needs to be ready for life after graduation. There are a variety of clubs and teams for everyone, and the parents are awesome and involved.Shadow Mountain frequently gets overlooked among the larger schools in the area, but we are super happy with our decision.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2021

Shadow Mountain High School has provided our daughter with opportunities to explore and experience the subjects she finds important to prepare her for the future she wants. She has been able to dance in the NVAA Dance Program, and she takes rigorous honors and AP classes. The teachers are knowledgeable and prepared to provide purposeful and quality lessons. The administration at Shadow Mountain are attentive to the needs of teenagers and are willing to listen to the concerns of parents. The PTC (Parent Teacher Club) makes a very strong and successful effort at getting local businesses involved in school events, and has created a strong community of people who are working to provide students with the best experiences. Shadow Mountain is a very good school with educators who care about student learning and success. Shadow Mountain's student population is small enough, so that students feel like they matter and are not just a number. I would recommend Shadow Mountain High School to those who are interested in the programs that are provided. They have a lot to offer.
Submitted by parent on September 08, 2021

My son is a sophomore at Shadow Mountain and is thriving! There is a real sense of community at this school. Between the great, experienced teachers, engaged administration, and high level of parent involvement it has been a great experience. There is something for everyone here. There's also an established Parent Teacher Council in addition to many booster clubs for the various sports and other extra curricular activities. The medium-size is perfect for high school and there are resources/opportunities for both advanced and lower-level students. It is a peaceful, community centered environment that really cares about its students.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2021

Shadow Mountain High School has been an absolute treasure of an institution for both of my kids. One of whom is now in college and the other is taking advantage of the Digital Academy of Advanced Placement Scholars (DAAPS) program to graduate from high school a year early. Don't let the standardized test scores dissuade you from looking at Shadow Mountain High School (like they almost did for our family). Go meet the principal and his staff. Visit the campus. Also, Great Schools has SMHS's percentage of Special Education students all wrong. We are closer to 20%, not 8% as listed. Basically, we have ED Self-Contained, Pathways, Autism SC, and other district programs at SMHS. We love having them, but these students are sometimes so low-functioning academically that even the "B" test is too difficult for them. So even though they are learning and growing, they are unable to do well on a test that includes Algebra and Geometry. The funny thing is, Great Schools data is still from 2019. In 2021 SMHS outperformed the state average in both ELA and Math! Whatever level your student is on, whether all AP/Honors or in need of some extra help, SMHS will be there for them.
Submitted by parent on September 06, 2021

My daughter graduated from Shadow Mountain in 2019. she was well prepared for College both academically and socially. In our experience the English, Spanish are Fine Arts Programs are exceptional. The teachers go above and beyond, it is not uncommon to see staff supporting students at extracurricular events (at which they have no other affiliation and no attendance requirement). Many teachers open their doors to groups of students for lunch. My son is a freshman in the DAAPS programs, other signature programs include NVAA, Air Force ROTC, AVID and CTE programs. We are fortunate that Shadow is our home school but with the quality educational opportunities at Shadow, we are not surprised by those who choose this small PVUSD public school via the open enrollment option.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2021

We are new to the school and district this year and could not be more pleased! My daughter has had a wonderful transition with teachers whom all seem to care about her and her success. The touch screen chromebook provided to her is great and the DAAPS program is wonderful. I needed to call her guidance counselor about her schedule and she answered right away, had the information and provided options which was awesome. This week the nurse even called her in for a health assessment (hearing/vision and scoliosis check) since we are new to PVUSD. Overall we are thrilled with our choice to enroll at Shadow Mountain.
Submitted by parent on September 05, 2021

Shadow mountain is a great school, there are countless great teachers that actually care about the students. There are excellent programs for advanced classes like DAAPs (has great teacher), and the arts through the nvaa (north valley arts academy), which has great visual art teachers as well as a special music technology elective that very few other school have! But the best thing about shadow mountain as a whole is the faculty. They are willing to do a whole lot for the students and campus. Teachers will let you eat in their classrooms during lunch, will take time out of their day outside of class to help people individually, and the administration takes time out of weekends and after school to help the PTC make the school looks better, which is the only downside of the entire school. I would highly recommend SMHS to any parents looking for high schools for their kids!
Submitted by other on September 04, 2021

I graduated from Shadow in 2021. I was pushed to excel, feeling support from all sides. Admin was approachable and proactive and the teachers were incredibly supportive and devoted, focusing on critical thinking skills, time management, and follow through. It was easy to find clubs to join (VHP, SOWS, NHS, Key Club, and Swim) and each taught me a skill set to take to college. I built special relationships with many teachers (and staff coaches) at Shadow and I will miss them greatly. I came to Shadow from outside the district, a small Montessori school. I thought it would be a hard transition, but everyone was so welcoming, it wasn't long before I felt comfortable and had made a lot of friends. I highly recommend Shadow and am proud to be a Matador Alumni!
Submitted by parent on September 04, 2021

I've had teens/students at Shadow for 5 years now and I can't praise the teachers, students, and parents enough. Admin and teachers make it feel like a second family. I continuously watch teachers and admin go above and beyond for the students and parents. Because of what I've seen, I've donated a lot of my time to help the school "go farther." I've also seen a strong bond, cooperation, and respect between admin and the teaching staff. If I could do more, I would. They deserve it. I'm SO thankful for the direction in which this school has steered my teens. Their life will be happier for the life lessons they've learned at Shadow. I understand the campus isn't new or beautiful, but the qualities that matter most shine brightly.
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2021

As a SMHS teacher once described the school to me "it is a United Nations of high schools". I agree and my children have found friends from a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. My children have felt included and okay to stand out because of differences. Shadow has a wonderful arts and music program, ROTC program, and advance AP courses. There is something for everyone. The school has a strong alumni presence in the community and traditions including a homecoming parade. It says a lot about a school that my two shy students have flourished and blossomed with the support and influence of the staff and teachers. Thank you Shadow!
Submitted by parent on September 03, 2021

Both of my sons went there. It is a great school from top to bottom. Solid Administration, great teachers, and the student body is genuine and kind. My oldest son is in college and he said that school is a breeze because he was so well prepared by SMHS. The school has many unique and interesting programs that set it apart from the rest. Highly recommended!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2021

My daughter came to this school because of the excellent orchestra program. She has found a close knit small town high school in the middle of a major metropolitan city. From the supportive teachers and staff to the sports and clubs. You cannot go wrong with this school. She has excelled in her studies, looks forward to going to school, and found a diverse community at Shadow Mountain.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2021

All three of our children have attended Shadow Mountain, with the 3rd still enrolled there now, all doing a mix of regular and AP, honors, and regular classes. No school is perfect, but we've had nothing but good experiences here. The AP classes in particular really prepared our older kids for college life. Principal Appleman truly seems to care and is very communicative. The admin staff have always been friendly and efficient. And our kids participated in 5 different sports, all of which were positive, even thought the teams weren't great. We definitely recommend this great, neighborhood school. Our kids have made great friendships and are absolutely college-ready and on-par with peers from other Phoenix high schools.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2021

Shadow is THE BEST! It has such a strong sense of community which is warm and welcoming. The administration is second-to-none, and I have found the staff to be hard working and engaged with the students. Their Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is very dynamic, and they invite everyone to be active with various projects that help support the school. For students AND parents who want to be involved in the high school experience...SHADOW is the place to be. Go, Matadors!
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2021

The administration is accessible and present. There is a small-town high school feel where you are known and cared for. Great programming from NVAA to Jr. ROTC. There are any clubs and sports are offered to get involved with.