School type Public, High School Status Open NCES School ID 061623002028. Yearbook Ragnarok NCES district ID 0616230. | Established 1974 (1974) Superintendent Ralf Swenson Principal Mary-Beth Kastan Phone +1 619-593-5300 | |
Address 1725 Hillsdale Rd, El Cajon, CA 92019, USA District Grossmont Union High School District Similar Granite Hills High School, Steele Canyon High Sch, Grossmont High School, El Cajon Valley High School, West Hills High School | ||
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. The school is characterized by its school colors, orange and white, 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. The school is directed by a principal, Mary Beth, who has been the principal since 2008, and three assistant principals. 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.
Contents
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:
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.
In 2015, The main building was closed for renovation and repair the inner structure. Temporary classrooms took their place for humanities & elective classes. As of The 2016-17 School year, students have returned to the main building for instruction and the temporary classrooms have been removed. The Building has been modernized and now has a "21st Century feel."
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. This is also done for staff upon entry and exit from their tenure at Valhalla. 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.