West Ranch High School

26255 W. Valencia Blvd.

School District

William S. Hart Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

public

School Map for William S. Hart Union High School 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 student on February 11, 2025

I don't think the parents are very knowledgeable about what happens on campus. There is NO weed smell on campus AT ALL (where does that even come from?) and vaping is probably the worst thing that happens here, but it seems that they do a good job of preventing students from vaping because I cannot smell any of it. While some teachers are just terrible, we are better than the other schools in the district, and offer a lot more in terms of AP. If you have a 2.0 GPA kid that has no future, then I guess that's why you left a negative review. But if you are a good student that gets As and Bs, this school is fine. APs are kinda pushed upon you, but it is what it is at a school of this caliber.Block schedule isn't that bad and is better than having 6 periods in 1 day, because I get 2 days for homework. I'm not sure about Mr. Fisher never being on campus, I don't see him around very often. I do think someone up there in the school or district is up to something fishy... probably stealing money from the district, wouldn't be surprised.I think a parent's review addresses the negative ones pretty well, "It would be unfair to judge some of the spoiled rotten kids that drive their parents Mercedes to school then speed and cut off parents like myself on a daily basis." Those kids are a minority but cause most of the problems at this school. Leave them be. They'll be working minimum wage later on anyway.
Submitted by other on January 10, 2025

Terrible math teachers. Principle is never on campus.
Submitted by parent on January 03, 2025

This school is a waste of time. Students sit for almost 2 hours straight which is unhealthy and doctors wonder why colon cancer on the rise for young people. And there's an Algebra teacher there who is constantly mocking and harassing students. Then parents wonder why there kids don't want to go to school because of teachers like this one at West Ranch. Then the principal might be an AI because he never seems to be on campus. This school needs to be investigated.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2024

Really disappointed with West Ranch as we moved to the area to attend. The teachers are hit or miss with some of the better ones moving on to private schools. The administration is inept and afraid of law suits so let students run wild. Drug dealing in the bathrooms accompanies the constant stink of weed. Bullying, fighting, harassment are all commonplace in most schools but just not death with effectively at this one. Not a safe learning environment. Rampant drug use. Another review said that as long as your kid keeps their head down they will be fine and that is probably the case. It is discouraging to send your kids to school with criminals who just haven’t turned 18 yet. Counselors push kids into AP whether they are a good fit or not. Not offers one language which is odd considering the size of the school. West Ranch is a huge disappointment and that falls mostly on the administration.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2022

Hit or miss with the teachers - although that seems to be the same for every school. Previous comments about entitled, rude kids are accurate. Previous comments about your kid experiencing bullying at some point also accurate. No one seems to care to effectively address these issues and I expect it will not change in the future.
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2022

My child excelled in this school, but I believe it was my child who chose to hang around with like kids and goals, then they will do well. If your child does not do drugs, and alcohol, has common sense and you choose to instill morals on your children then again, they will excel and do well in life wherever they may get their education...It would be unfair to judge some of the spoiled rotten kids that drive their parents Mercedes to school then speed and cut off parents like myself on a daily basis. Nor have parents who feel they are better than another without class and feel entitled because they drive better cars than you, and cut you off without road curtesy. One of the complaints are that they should have more attendees and peace officers out in the parking lots to monitor this. I had a kid racing to cut me off while exiting the masses of cars that exit on that ant hill where the middle school also meets the high school run into the side of my car and take off. Unfortunately, he sped off but I got a video from my dashcam and submitted to the CHP (since the area sheriff said it was not their issue etc..). I also, called the school to report him and the lady knew who he was. Well, I never got a follow up. Oh well, entitlement is a privilege it seems.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2021

They really dropped the ball with the pandemic. Yearbook pics were a mess with many students not comfortable going inside, maskless for them- the only option. Specially problematic for the special needs students. No problem, it's only a picture. VP emailed that students can use last years pictures and that would go into the yearbook. That was what she chose and emailed VP.June, picked up yearbook- student is "not pictured". After 2 weeks and over a dozen emails. Found out during the pandemic they certainly viewed students differently and were not shy about showing it. Something so small as an outdoor picture option would have made all the difference. Being left out when she worked so hard to be include was heartbreaking.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2020

Remarkable world-class school. My daughter is excelling in everything and has strong, smart friends with great character
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2019

Will never send my child to this school.
Submitted by parent on January 22, 2018

It is hard to find a good-overall school. This is not one of them. Your teen will not further their knowledge in academics or real world situations at this school and will be subjected to bullying at one point. You will not get anywhere with the school unless you are one of the mothers that attends "Starbucks with the Principal" every month. The only decent school left in the area is Canyon. WRHS is not the place for a bright individual.
Submitted by student on May 25, 2015

West ranch is the worst high school in the Santa Clarita valley due to excessive bullying, racism and drug abuse. The students here are snobby and rude along with the parents and office staff. I recommend canyon or Valencia high school. Do not send your child to west ranch. Traffic and parking are the worst at west ranch considering the school is located on top of an ant hill in the middle of nowhere. If you want your children to be successful then send them to canyon.
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2013

I believe school does well on test scores because the community and parents care about the child's education and this school seems to have alot of foreign born kids who bring their hard work ethics to the school and where education is important. I also disagree with previous comments that staff are rude as I experienced polite and nice staff. I did encounter a rude principal outside of school though. He acted like he was the king because he was the principal. I don't think he realized that he doesn't pay us but we pay him his salary and shouldnt act so noble and arrogant. But then when I see him on campus he seems different. He reminds me of a man with two faces. I do know he appears to be politcially conservative and disagree with a lot of his comments he has made in private to some of us parents.
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2013

this is a great school however i must agree with the majority of the complaints and say this office staff is horrid, the principals assistant is arrogant as they come. Doesn't even care to look people in the eyes. maybe that why its best to employee people of this country. grow up and realize that you are here to work for our children and to accommodate us as parents. Many of us get the feeling this foreigner in particular thinks she does us a favor
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2013

Academically, I've been extremely pleased with the level of education my child has received at this school. Excellent school, great teachers. I agree with other reviews that the office staff's attitude could use some improvement. Overall very pleased with West Ranch and consider ourselves fortunate to attend.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2013

We have been at this school for 3 years and are thrilled! My child has been thoroughly challenged academically, the principal is a man of character who leads the school with a real emphasis on achievement in every sense of the word and the teachers are effective, available and interested. We are so fortunate to get a private school education at a public school!
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2012

Very much agree that staff is rude. Had an awful experience with registrar there. They need to replace staff. I hope they change out as this will give the school overall a better reputation as students are hardworking. Most teachers are decent too. I am wondering if I am making a good choice of letting my child go to this school with rude office personnel. I hope it doesnt' trickle down to the culture of the school as a whole.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2012

I also agree that the office staff are very rude and a bit on the lazy side. I asked an principal's assitant if she addressed an issues and her response was " i don't go to that side of the campus and that's not my job." I guess if it's not your job you don't have to do it? Go figure. and I noticed a lack of pride on the campus with the principals assistants .The campus is litter with trash.
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2012

We were also disappointed in this school. The office staff is very rude and that should have been a wake up call to us when we first registered there.
Submitted by parent on July 05, 2012

We have been very disappointed in this high school. Teacher quality has been very lacking. Teachers have not been knowledgeable in their fields or in their methods of instruction. Communication with teachers is difficult. Counseling was lacking. Office staff is generally speaking, rude.