Valley Springs High School


Valley Springs High School is a secondary school in Valley Springs, Arkansas, United States. The school is the sole high school serving grades 9 through 12 in the Valley Springs School District. In 2012, Valley Springs was nationally recognized with the Silver Award in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools ranking report.

History

In 1912, the North Arkansas Conference of Methodist Churches felt a need to establish a high school in the Ozarks. Valley Springs, with its academic background, was selected, and it became Valley Springs Training School.
In 1922, the first organized high school was started in an old two-story frame structure on the south hill at Valley Springs. For a dormitory, the school used the old Dr. Hale home above the spring. The church bought a campus and a farm of on which the boys worked to help pay expenses. Part of this farm is now the present school system.

Academics

The assumed course of study follows the Smart Core curriculum developed by the Arkansas Department of Education. Students complete regular and career focus courses and exams and may select Advanced Placement coursework and exams that provide an opportunity for students to obtain college credit.

Extracurricular activities

The Valley Springs High School mascot and athletic emblem is the tiger with green and white serving as its school colors.

Athletics

For 2012-14, the Valley Springs Tigers compete in the 3A 1 East Conference under the administration of the Arkansas Activities Association. Interscholastic activities include baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, golf, softball, tennis, track, and volleyball.
The Valley Springs Tigers boys basketball team has been one of the state's most successful with six state championships between 1950 and 1996, including three consecutive titles in 1950–52.

Clubs and traditions

Beyond sports, Valley Springs students participate in a variety of clubs and organizations including the FBLA, FCCLA, National FFA Organization, Student Council, National Honor Society, Key Club, Quiz Bowl, Robotics Team, High School Rapid Response Team, and the Yearbook.

Notable alumni