Published May 8, 2025
BY SAVANNA RADOWICZ
Nestled alongside the Santa Lucia Mountains, the inviting Carmel Valley High School campus is home to a small community of supportive teachers and eager students who aim to curate a learning experience that works for them.
The campus itself has a peaceful feel, no bustling halls and crowded amphitheater. Instead, one is met with a small courtyard surrounded by five simple classrooms and a grassy, open field. There isn’t the rushed and anxious atmosphere often present in larger schools, but rather students seem relaxed and comfortable in their learning environment.
Carmel Valley High boasts a small but impressive staff that works hard to support students in from the classroom to the quad. photo by SAVANNA RADOWICZ
Currently, CVHS has a total of 24 enrolled students, quite different from the over 750 student population of Carmel High School. Class sizes run four to ten students, which is what the CVHS staff believes allows them to reach students in a more personalized way.
The unique environment there is recognized by many community members, although the faculty and students alike recognize the public perception that CVHS has been a place for students who fall behind at CHS or have behavioral issues. As the CVHS principal for eight years, Tom Parry recognizes these notions about the school can often come from its reputation decades ago.
“CVHS was much different 25 to 30 years ago,” he says. “Our students choose CVHS. Carmel Valley High is a place that you really need to visit to understand. Visiting here is the key to changing perception.”
These perceptions also affect the students, who recognize their school as an encouraging and educationally diverse place.
“Valley High can often be seen as a school for kids who might misbehave, but having attended, the people I met have taken it upon themselves to find a way to learn that suits them best,” admires Ryder Gabrielson, Class of 2024. “It is an environment that will adapt to their learning style and support them.”
This is part of why former CHS science teacher Joe Mello chose to switch to CVHS after COVID-19. The freedom in what he can teach and the closer relationships with students really appealed to him.
“It’s like a family,” says Mello. “Everybody knows what’s going on with everybody, for better or worse, and we’re looking out for each other.”
Upon visiting, this family-like quality is apparent in the way that students and teachers check in with each other and chat across the quad. This unique environment also helps students thrive socially. As junior Andie Sassman acknowledges, the smaller community allows peers to form strong, lasting friendships.
“I’ve spent more time with a small group of people and have more friendships than I ever did at Carmel High,” acknowledges Sassman. “I feel more secure and comfortable with students at CVHS.”
At CVHS, the six-classroom campus creates a comfortable and inviting learning environment for motivated students. photo by SAVANNA RADOWICZ
In addition to the emotional benefits of having smaller classes, English teacher Brenda Buran highlights how teachers are able to offer more comprehensive learning opportunities to students. Rather than having them review information after class, she and her colleagues are able to review and reteach whenever students don’t fully understand a concept.
“We meet every student where they are, and we try to tailor lessons to what they are interested in learning,” Buran says. “Small class sizes allow all students to participate substantially in class and take control of their own learning.”
Gabrielson remembers how this unique environment allowed him to know his teachers and classmates personally while still feeling like it was a professional and academic environment.
“The teachers were able to work one on one anytime I was struggling with a certain subject, making it easier to learn and be able to understand,” recalls Gabrielson.
According to Buran, students also have more opportunities to gain real-world knowledge. With multiple all-school field trips and guest speakers including NASA scientists, local farmers and accountants, driven young scholars have the opportunity to explore their passions and the careers they would thrive in.
Former CHS assistant principals’ secretary Lisa Jones switched to the position of principal’s secretary at Carmel Valley High this April. Having had a son transfer to Valley High and graduate a semester early, she also has a unique perspective as a mother on how the school helps its students thrive.
“He became a responsible adult and was able to set goals and complete them,” says Jones. “My son grew by leaps and bounds, and as a parent, I loved it.”
Similarly, Sassman, who switched over to Valley High in January, is already on track to graduate a year early. This will allow her to get a jumpstart on her career as a first responder following her graduation this spring.
One limitation of the campus is a lack of electives as the small staff and campus provide fewer extracurricular opportunities. However, there is an impressive weight room with equipment donated by former Carmel mayor Clint Eastwood and an art room where students can work on projects.
“We strive as a system to create a personal, safe and comfortable environment where students can be themselves and take chances judgement free,” says Parry.
The goal of staff and students at Carmel Valley High is simple: to be there for each other and create an alternative learning experience that works for everyone.
