Santa Ynez Valley Union High School

I went to this school a long time ago, It was a good school then and still is, Some of these negative reviews are from people who themselves have issues and their kids do as well, comes down to upbringing.Don't blame the school for your bad parenting.

The school is fraught with racism. From teachers having to defend their employment by pulling their recommendations for students flashing white power signs during school club pictures, to the forced resignation of a black coach from parents bullying him to resign. I have had two children attend this school and if I could have a do over I would have enrolled them in a different school. It was a mistake and one that I wish I could take back as the harm psychologically is irreparable. The administration refuses to acknowledge the problems that it has with racism, homophobia, and children with disabilities as repeatedly exemplified in news articles surrounding the school.

The teachers and staff are incredibly wonderful, they do a great job!!! However, racial tension continues to be an issue. Lately, a kickboxing student pummeled another student for racial slurs. The aggressor picked an area that was not under surveillance and brutally attacked the student. As students around the event just stood there and watched while filming it, a teacher's aid finally came over, but with only one arm, tried to pull the attacker off, next time the aid could have put down the stuff she was carrying to end the battle. Nevertheless, this event blew up on social media and is now separating the races even more. Despite the mixed raced teachers trying to show love and unity, the students want to fight over it. This is a problem at home not at school. The parents teach hatred to their kids, this is the problem. The Vice Principal needs to be the Principal. Peter Haws is awesome, he follows thru on his word and upholds the highest levels of integrity. He has been in the education game for a long time and I feel he would lead the school to be as great as it could be with the students actively joining together regardless of race.

Please note that previous negative reviews are nearly a decade old. As a parent, I'm really happy with this school! The staff excel, the principal is active and continually seeks ways to improve the campus and curriculum, the courses are challenging, the welfare of students is a top priority. I love that they have a Hotline where kids (staff, parents, etc) can anonymously report bullying, drug use, violence against students, etc. It's a small campus, smaller than many big-city middle schools, and receives lots of support from the local community.

Honors classes are too hard. REgular classes too easy. emphasis is on the super bright not on merely bright kids. Safety is too lax, even through surroundings are very safe