At a glance
Reported students
2,178
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
118.86
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
18.3:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
10–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Iowa high enrollment
99th percentile
Compared with 343 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
570
Valley High School: 2,178 reported students.
State peer staffing position
91st percentile
18.3:1 reported; state peer median 13.8:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 2,047
- Teachers (FTE)
- 112.93
- Student–teacher ratio
- 18.1:1
What the reported data says about Valley High School
Valley High School is a public high school serving grades 10–12 in West Des Moines. It is one of 13 current school records connected to West Des Moines Comm School District. NCES reports 2,178 students for 2024–25.
Among 343 high schools in Iowa with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 294 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 99th percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 18.3:1, above the Iowa median of 13.8:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (54.9%) and Hispanic or Latino (20.3%). English learners represent 8.7% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 8.2%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports AP student enrollment, gifted and talented programming, computer science. The school reported 12 AP courses. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Valley High School
- 1How do the reported 18.3:1 student–teacher ratio and 118.86 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 6 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 8.7%
- Students with disabilities
- 8.2%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 68%
- Lunch program
- Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 6
- Nurses (FTE)
- 1
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White54.9%
- Hispanic20.3%
- Black11.8%
- Asian6.1%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0.1%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0%
- Multiracial6.7%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
AP student enrollment
Students enrolled
12 distinct courses reported
Gifted and talented
Offered
Computer science
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in West Des Moines Comm School District
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Walnut Creek Campus
High · Grades 09–12
152 reported students
Westridge Elementary
Elementary · Grades PK–06
744 reported students
Valley Southwoods
Other · Grades 09–09
678 reported students
Indian Hills Junior High School
Middle · Grades 07–08
661 reported students
Jordan Creek Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–06
652 reported students
Stilwell Junior High School
Middle · Grades 07–08
645 reported students
Public schools near Valley High School
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Creek Campus High · West Des Moines Comm School District | 09–12 | 152 | 2.1 mi |
| Roosevelt High School High · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 09–12 | 2,051 | 3.9 mi |
| Urbandale High School High · Urbandale Comm School District | 09–12 | 1,301 | 4 mi |
| Hoover High School High · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 09–12 | 898 | 4.9 mi |
| Waukee High School High · Waukee Comm School District | 10–12 | 1,375 | 5.7 mi |
| Virtual Campus High · Des Moines Independent Comm School District | 09–12 | 380 | 5.8 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Valley High School
What grades does Valley High School serve?
Valley High School reports grades 10–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a high school in West Des Moines Comm School District.
How many students attend Valley High School?
Valley High School reported 2,178 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 99th percentile among 343 Iowa high schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 2,047 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Valley High School?
The calculated ratio is 18.3:1, based on 2,178 students and 118.86 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Iowa median for the same school level is 13.8:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Valley High School a public, charter, or magnet school?
Valley High School is a public school and is not a charter school. Enrollment is generally based on West Des Moines Comm School District attendance boundaries and transfer rules.
What share of Valley High School students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
68% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Valley High School in?
Valley High School is part of West Des Moines Comm School District, based in West Des Moines, IA, which operates 13 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Valley High School?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Walnut Creek Campus (2.1 mi), Roosevelt High School (3.9 mi), Urbandale High School (4 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.