About Valley
Principal David Maxwell
Valley High School is situated in West Des Moines, a suburb of Des Moines, boasting around 69,000 residents. As a three-year comprehensive high school, Valley accommodates approximately 2,100 students. The school places a strong emphasis on the Four A’s of education: Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics. This system is crafted to offer students a diverse range of experiences and knowledge throughout their high school journey.
Valley is dedicated to delivering a top-notch education, featuring exciting and distinctive opportunities and challenges aimed at expanding students' minds and abilities. Our students receive support from various groups, including a Parent-Teacher Organization and active booster clubs for athletics, music, debate, theater, and drama. David Maxwell serves as the principal of Valley High School.
Valley High School Information
ADDRESS: 3650 Woodland Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50266-2053
MAIN OFFICE: 515-633-4000
ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES: 515-633-4264
COUNSELING: 515-633-4210
PRINCIPAL: David Maxwell
ASSOCIATE PRINCIPALS
Shannon Campbell
Joshua Griffith
Chris Novak
Megan Thomsen
School Times
HOURS: 8:20 a.m.-3:20 p.m..
COLLABORATION SCHEDULE: Wednesday 8:20 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Valley's History
The first high school in Valley Junction started in October 1895 at 415 Seventh Street, and its first graduation was on May 31, 1901. In 1916, the community needed a new high school, and they built a three-story one at Eighth Street and Hillside Avenue, finishing it in 1917.
In 1938, Valley Junction became West Des Moines, and the school district changed too, becoming the West Des Moines Independent School District. In 1962, the school board bought 38 acres for a new high school, and Valley High School was built from 1963 to 1970. It became a four-year high school in 1971-72. Over the years, they added more classrooms and facilities.
In 1997, a new freshman facility called Valley Southwoods Freshman High School was opened, and Valley High School became for grades 10 through 12. A big renovation for Valley High School started in 2004 and finished in 2007. They added new spaces for learning, a student commons, and improved the heating and cooling systems.
In 2011, they started another project to make Valley High School even better. They added more lab space, a culinary-arts restaurant, a larger cafeteria, and a safe shelter. This three-story addition opened in January 2013. Renovations continued in 2012 and 2013, including a new auditorium called the Staplin Performing Arts Center, and everything was completed in 2014.