The East Ramapo Central School District is the largest school district in Rockland County, New York. Spring Valley is one of two high schools within East Ramapo. Located northwest of New York, in the center of Rockland County, East Ramapo is a middle-class suburban, predominantly residential community within commuting distance of New York City, Westchester County, and northern New Jersey. The district's total area is, with an estimated 80,000 residents within its borders.
The school
History
Records indicate that Albert Henry Goodhardt was the first clerk of the Spring Valley Board of Education after its incorporation in 1902. Following that, he was trustee of the Spring Valley High School for six years, and president of the Board of Education for the Village of Spring Valley for five years. Spring Valley High School was first located on Main Street in Spring Valley, New York. Around 1958, it became Spring Valley Junior High, and the new high school on Route 59 was opened. Honor students were enlisted to make the transition as smoothly as possible. As the population in the area rose, Spring Valley Junior High School and Spring Valley Senior High School were built. The first underground newspaper, The Bohemia, was created, published, and distributed throughout the student body in 1959. It contained news, politics, social information, and mostly humor. This effort was unsanctioned, but it was supported by parents and heroic teachers including Larry Hopp and Robert Kreps. Students credits included Jay Frogel, and Michael Potash.
Curriculum
Spring Valley High School offers a 200 course curriculum. Presently, this includes 16 Advanced Placement courses in the five major departments, as well as college credit courses offered through two universities. 45% or more of students taking AP exams score a "3" or better on average at SVHS. In the 1950s and 1960s, the curriculum was one to two years behind that of New York City schools. For example, the mathematics department did not offer calculus.
Grouping in Spring Valley is by ability, achievement, and teacher evaluation. Those in advanced placement courses constitute the upper 10% of the student body. Those in honors courses comprise the upper 20% of the student body. Regents courses contain students in the average academic group.
In the last five years an average of 93% of students continue of to post-secondary education, with an average of 52% going to four-year institutions. The five-year average for scholarship monies received is $2.75 million.
Spring Valley High School was ranked by Newsweek among the top 500 high schools in the nation for four consecutive years.
Spring Valley High School was ranked one of America's best high schools in 2010 by Newsweek.
Spring Valley's Key Club is one of the most respected high school service organizations anywhere. It was ranked "Best in the World" six times during the 1990s and continues to win countless awards.
The Spring Valley Debate Team is consistently ranked among the top 5 in The Rockland County Championships.
Spring Valley's co-educational athletic program consists of 22 separate teams.
The Microbiotics program received newspaper and television coverage.
Jonathan Eig: Class of 1982, writer of five non-fiction books, as well articles for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Esquire, and Chicago Magazine.
Clayton Landey: Class of 1968 is in his 40th year as a professional performer, actor, director, producer, writer and teacher. Best known for his role in Knots Landing.
Gerald S. O'Loughlin: Gerald Stuart O'Loughlin Jr., television, stage, and film actor and director who was primarily known for playing tough-talking and rough-looking characters.
R-Kal Truluck: former American football Defensive end in the National Football League for the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Arizona Cardinals.
Bishop Nehru: American Rapper signed to Mass Appeal
