In the city of Apple Valley, Minnesota, there are six elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools within it. All of these schools are operated by Independent School District 196. In addition to the two comprehensive high schools, Apple Valley is home to a magnet school open to 11th and 12th graders, the School of Environmental Studies. In fall 2007, Independent School District 196 opened three elementary-level magnet schools: Cedar Park Elementary, which will become a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) magnet; Diamond Path Elementary, which will have an International Studies theme, and Glacier Hills Elementary, with an Arts and Science theme. Some students attend public schools in other school districts chosen by their families under Minnesota’s open enrollment statute.
We shall only be discussing schools above high school and above for this article that is within the vicinity of Apple Valley, and it appears that there is only one high school in the general vicinity of the city. The name of this high school is unsurprising, Apple Valley High School. Now without further ado, let me describe this school to you.
Apple Valley High School is a state and nationally recognized high school that offers something for all students, including a rigorous curriculum, award-winning arts programs and championship athletic teams. Our fabrication lab and science, technology, engineering, and math focus emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving skills that prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in high-demand STEM-related fields.
The high school is a public four-year high school in Apple Valley, Minnesota. It is one of the six high schools serving Independent School District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District). The school was completed in 1976 as the second, high school added to the district. It competes in the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
Apple Valley High School received an award from the Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which is considered the highest accolade an American school can receive. It has also been selected as one of the “140 best high schools” in the United States and has gained recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Scholastic Coach and Athletic Journal, and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science.
The high school competes in the South Suburban Conference of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Since opening in 1976, the school has accumulated 68 state championships, the second most of any high school in Minnesota.
Apple Valley High School is also noted for its forensics program. It offers both speech and debate, and students must try out for both these teams near the beginning of the year. Outstanding accolades have been received at the National Forensics League (NFL) national tournament. The speech team has received numerous Speech & Debate Team of Excellence awards and has had many national champions. Apple Valley High School holds the MinneApple annual debate tournament, which draws teams from across the Midwest.