Squaw Valley Academy

Disappointing experience!  I work as International Education Agent for foreign students in American schools.  I worked with SVA and experienced troubling times for students placed there.

Acceptance to college is not happening for the UC system.  The students I placed have 4.0GPA's, excellent SAT, and TOEFL scores.  Students are above requirements for UC acceptance but denied all UC schools they apply.  I get mixed information from admissions and teachers to why this is.  Students say SVA transcripts not accepted by UC because they do not meet with UC standards.  Others say the school does not complete papers on time or has a bad name with the UC schools.  No matter the reason no student acceptance to UC.

The English learner program is very poor.  The school does not provide any translation service. There are too many international students so students speak native language rather than learn English.  Students complain ESL classes do not prepare for TOEFL and teachers are not ESL certified.  

Students complain buildings are old and dirty, food is horrible in quality, and national students are trouble makers.  I receive many calls from students this year with complaints about national students, bad academics, and no support from admissions.  Students complain no internet working on campus.  Students go to Starbucks to get internet even in class times.  

Always changing school employees.  At beginning of 2009 year, there was new deans (again), and things improving.  They were helpful and students were happy with new deans.  My students called me and told me deans left again because of the owners and admissions.  SVA always changing deans and teachers during my experience with them.

Bad communication from owner and admissions to students.  My students complain they are treated rude by owner by owners son and admissions.  Students do like many teachers but say teachers do not like owners or admissions either.

I will no longer be working with SVA or referring international students any more.  I recommend all agents and parents ask many questions before using this school.  Very disappointing for my students and family.  Very shameful.