Surprise Valley High School is a fully Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited necessary small high school. The school is located in a high desert community with cattle ranching and alfalfa hay production as the primary economic activities. Community members, parents, students and teachers have come together to create a school that offers a rigorous and relevant educational program that includes a full Agriculture/FFA program and a full “a-g” program of academic courses that are aligned with the requirements for admission to the University of California. Additionally, Surprise Valley High School offers Music, Welding, Ag Business, Animal Science, Technology and Horticulture classes as career technical education opportunities for our students, and we employ a student adviser to tailor each student’s program to his/her specific needs. We offer basketball, soccer, and volleyball as interscholastic sports Art and drama classes offer additional outlets for student expression.
Academics
Surprise Valley High School is accredited by The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The majority of the required high school academic classes at Surprise Valley High School meet the a-g requirements and recommendations for admission to University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) campuses. Students have the opportunity to take courses from each of the a-g categories, and consideration is given in scheduling to ensure there are no conflicts that would restrict students ability to meet the a-g requirements. Surprise Valley High School offers a four period day, This allows us to offer more elective opportunities to students. Our class periods are 83 minutes and students complete a year long course in one semester.
Graduates of SVHS have been eligible for acceptance into every UC and CSU and have been accepted into selective private colleges. The reality for today’s students is that entering college is becoming more and more competitive. In order for students to have a high school experience that is excellent preparation for college, we schedule time and faculty support for students to take advantage of online college or AP courses. We offer access to technology through 1:1 iPads, as well as athletic, and leadership activities which can all be components of the student’s experience. The activities available at our school in concert with academic opportunities creates the positive school environment that is Surprise Valley High School.
Many elements are unique to SVHS such as small class sizes and the four period days but one of the most obvious elements is the real support of families and community. Partnerships with local businesses, the BLM and Forest Service, Rotary, and other organizations provide many hands on opportunities for students. Further, class and college trips provide both information and academic experiences and give students a chance to form strong and positive peer relationships. The faculty of SVHS is committed to our mission, to developing academic skill, and opportunities to mentor our students. All faculty members have taken on extra-curricular responsibilities such as coaching, club advisement, and performing arts. A core belief of the SVHS staff is the importance of adult role models who are accessible to students and committed to each student’s success.
