Valhalla High School (El Cajon, California)

For the school in New York, see Valhalla High School (New York).
Valhalla High School
Address
1725 Hillsdale Road
El Cajon, California,, United States 92019
Coordinates 32°45′38.74″N 116°55′16.18″W / 32.7607611°N 116.9211611°W / 32.7607611; -116.9211611Coordinates: 32°45′38.74″N 116°55′16.18″W / 32.7607611°N 116.9211611°W / 32.7607611; -116.9211611
Information
School type Public, High School
Established 1974 (1974)
Status Open
School district Grossmont Union High School District
NCES District ID 0616230[1].
Superintendent Ralf Swenson
NCES School ID 061623002028[2].
Principal Mary-Beth Kastan
Staff 125
Teaching staff 84
Grades 9-12 (Normally)
Age 13 to 18 (Normally)
Enrollment 2112 (2011-2012)
 • Grade 8 1
 • Grade 9 514
 • Grade 10 540
 • Grade 11 500
 • Grade 12 557
Average class size 32.2
Student to teacher ratio 176:7
Classes offered Comprehensive
Language American English
Hours in school day Up to 7h 35m
Classrooms 85
Campus type Closed
Color(s)          Orange and White
Athletics
Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Newspaper The Saga
Yearbook Ragnarok
School fees None
Communities served Rancho San Diego, Southern El Cajon
Feeder schools Hillsdale Middle School
API 201
Website http://valhalla.guhsd.net
[3][4]

Located in Rancho San Diego, Valhalla High School is a public high school operated by the Grossmont Union High School District with an enrollment of 2,112 students.[3] The school is characterized by its school colors, orange and white,[4] going by the nickname Orange Nation. During its existence, the school has won the California Distinguished School Award in both 2001 and 2003, and is also accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.[4] The school is directed by a principal, Mary Beth, who has been the principal since 2008, and three assistant principals.[5] Several programs are available to students, including ASB, marching, jazz, and Orchestra bands, drama, colorguard, cheer, dance, and athletics such as football and Baseball, among other programs.[6]

History

Upon opening in 1974, the school had a very different open campus atmosphere, with a college-like schedule. The school was centered around the main building, with open-air classrooms . Reflective of this, the original motto was "Freedom with Responsibility".

During the 1980s, the school transitioned to a more traditional open campus, although some unique architecture elements remain. Valhalla's student body is composed of the following demographics:[3]

Campus

Valhalla's main structure is a four-story octagonal building. Originally orange, the trim of the building was painted blue in 2009. Classrooms are situated along the outside wall and center of the building. The gymnasiums are freestanding.

Sports facilities include a football and soccer field, baseball diamonds, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, and two swimming pools.

A new, freestanding, two-story building that house 12 science classrooms is currently in use. They have state of the art science and laboratory equipment. The building was proposed in order to make more room for teachers. It was dedicated in May 2010.

As of 2015, The main building is closed & under construction to renovate and repair the inner structure. Temporary classrooms are currently in place for humanities & elective classes.

Traditions

Odin's March is the initiation for any new students or faculty members entering Valhalla High School. They must march up the stairs, through the rainbow bridge, and touch Thor's Hammer. When a student graduates, he or she descends the stairs and once again touches Thor's Hammer. On Fridays Valhalla students can wear orange to receive a free slice of pizza.

Each year the senior class paints a mural that is permanently displayed and hung up inside the school building. Each mural is unique to the year in which that particular class attended including current events not normally related to the school itself.

Notable alumni

Sports championships

References

  1. ↑ "Search for Public School Districts – District Detail for Grossmont Union High". National Center for Education Statistics. Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved Mar 27, 2013.
  2. ↑ "Search for Public Schools - School Detail for Valhalla High". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved Mar 27, 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "School Accountability Report Card (SARC)" (Portable Document Format). Grossmont Union High School District. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  4. 1 2 3 "About Us.". Grossmont Union High School District/Valhalla HS. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  5. ↑ "Administration.". Grossmont Union High School District/Valhalla HS. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  6. ↑ "Home.". Grossmont Union High School District/Valhalla HS. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  7. ↑ Jenkins, Chris (December 3, 2013). "San Diegan to head MLB players group". U-T San Diego. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  8. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0167086/
  9. ↑ "Brad Daluiso". The Pro Football Archives. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  10. ↑ Dolan, Steve (February 2, 1985). "At the Top of His World : Motocross Racing Has Made Broc Glover a Multimillionaire". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  11. ↑ Gehlken, Michael (May 10, 2011). "Teen diver breaks Louganis' 34-year-old record". U-T San Diego. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  12. ↑ Sauer, Mark (February 18, 2007). "Filmmakers help students effect change". U-T San Diego. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  13. ↑ Sauer, Mark (January 31, 2005). "A far cry". Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  14. ↑ Center, Bill (December 12, 2012). "Padres give Valhalla High grad O'Sullivan a shot". U-T San Diego. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
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