West Valley College is a beautiful community college with a park-like setting. There is free parking for registered students and any student taking over six credits gets $30 meal credit each week to be used on campus. There is an athletics program, a new library, and a new theater in the works (due 2028) read more

West Valley College - Falafel Fuego (on a ciabatta roll) was $9 and a tasty vegetarian option. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Saratoga, California

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Very nice campus I attended a conference here and I was impressed Very clean Well organized Great student services read more

Amazing place to be able to go to college and learn from nice amazing professors who take out time in their day to be helpful to students and their needs. The faculty and staff that that work in the admissions office and the Desp department are dope as well. That being said the school has a few things that are not going for it. Like the fact that the water bottle filters need changing to freshwater so they don't have a bitter copper taste. Mm gotta love those pennies on my tongue every now and then. On the second hand is an absolute embarrassment the toilets I don't know why they thought it was a great idea to ruin the toilets but they did it and me a 6' guy that usually has to go in the handicap bathroom stalls has to sit at an angle of which is totally not acceptable for then I might be leaving a mess for someone else. Yes that's right the bathroom toilet paper dispensers are to damn close to my damn legs I can't even stretch out and be comfortable whilst going to the John. You guys messed up big time. The third and most important goal in this case the coffee in the cafeteria was nice when we had drip coffee and now it's not so great. Enough said. Signed, The Lone Reviewer read more

West Valley College - At an angle. No I'm not taking my pants down. - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Saratoga, California

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Go to De Anza if you are planning to transfer to a four year university. They are 'Tops in Transfers' for a reason. An English teacher failed a student because Turnitin detected AI on a paper. No discussion, no opportunity to provide validating evidence such as the Google doc showing edits and time spent writing my paper, teacher wouldn't respond to my emails asking to engage. Sabotaged my GPA and there was nothing and no one to do anything about it. Administration was no help. At De Anza this sort of thing could not and would not happen because they support the same goal that you have to successfully transfer to a four year. I wish we knew that West Valley allows teachers to derail a students plans so easily. read more

Went there today with friends ti hangout and found it to be good place to visit and learn. read more

West Valley College - Parking area - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Saratoga, California

The campus is alright and the teachers are okay i have found some support with one of the staff Members on helping me picking out some classes read more

Very nice place for studying and walking. many activities to diversify students such as theatre and musical performances.

This review is for the campus cafeteria. For one, everything is super affordable and the people who work in the cafeteria are extremely hard working and nice. The shrimp pho bowl is really good and the self serve salad bar is great too. The breakfast burritos are huge and very filling. Also, if you haven't checked out the campus it's beautiful I highly recommend checking it out. read more

Forgive me if I spell your name wrong, but I'd like to give a shout-out to Ms. Julie Hoots in the Student Services Center building on the second floor; Julie is phenomenal! She's happy, she's enthusiastic, talkative, friendly, cheerful, and knows where the best spots on campus are! She's got a heart of youth and is just so incredibly nice! I would go out of my way just to talk with her; she's amazing! Stupendous! Thank you very much for your supercharged-positive attitude! Cooper Z. L. read more

Parking at West Valley is never an issue as there are always spots available. Parking permits cost 50$ and last for a semester. Make sure you buy your permits before parking because the parking enforcement are diligent and give tickets for 35$ for each infringement. I've not had any of the issues that some of the other Yelpers seem to face with the administration. The administration has been competent, helpful, and encouraging. I've only taken 7 classes so far but every one of my teachers have been engaging and well liked by students. The classes are reasonably paced and most teachers communicate due dates and schedules very well. The sports teams at West Valley are surprisingly competitive. The waterpolo team is one of the best CC teams in the state! To any athletic students attending I recommend you talk with the coaches of any sport you're interested in. West Valley offers a gorgeous campus throughout the year with its lively greenery and beautiful stream that runs through the middle of campus. read more

Here at West Valley College taking attending the outdoor classroom project. This is my first time here and the campus is very clean and has lots of parking. The college has a variety of trees and plants and has lots of walkways to choose from to take a walk or just explore. On Saturdays they have a farmers market on one of the parking lot so you can get fresh produce and other goodies available for you to purchase. I also had a chance to visit the child development centerWhich gave me lots of new ideas that I can use back in the classroom. read more

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To start off, I was transferring to WV from another college and I had some transferable credits. I had 2 transferable classes that WV confirmed they would take before I enrolled. I filled out the paperwork before I started attending- I got confirmation that the classes were accepted. Upon registering for the next semester of classes, the system wouldn't allow me to enroll because I had pre-requisites that needed to be completed. These "pre-req's" were ones that I completed from a different college and already had written confirmation from WV that they were accepted. I contacted the correct people to fix this issue. They pretty much said "We will check it out on our end!" and I never heard back from them. Upon reaching out multiple times they eventually said "we cannot find your file, it's best to re-fil out the papers and we will get it all fixed." Ok, no problem! I did that and again got confirmation that they received and approved my credits. This solution happened after the deadline of registering for classes so I had to wait another semester to register for the desired classes. Here comes the next semester and I am still unable to register for the classes... what? again? SO I contacted people to fix the issue again and they said "We don't have your file, are you sure you sent the papers to the right place?" SO again, I refilled out my papers and AGAIN, I received confirmation AGAIN and was STILL not able to register for my classes. Still unable to register for the classes, I tried emailing professors directly to manually add me to their class and showing them the proof that I HAD taken the proper prereq and showed the three written confirmations that WV approved the credits. Many professors said "I cannot add you till the day of class." and like most classes, they were full by the first day and I could not be added, some professors never even responded to my email. I even tried contacting my academic counselor. She told me the same thing as the other people, re-fil out the paper and resubmit. I did the process again and I AM STILL unable to register for the classes. I have been at WV for 2.5 years because of this issue and MANY others (more reviews to come). I am STILL unable to get my credits transferred over. I am currently taking the classes that I already took AGAIN because of West Valley's disorganization. read more

This CA JC was such a great school for me 2 attend after high school. I played sports, minored in several subjects and finally decided to major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management & HRIS. I loved Randy Fujishin's Speech Communications classes as well, especially since I minored in Communications. "How can I love you more?!!" was his moto, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of his classes, even public speaking, despite it being a fear of mine at the time LOL In addition, I coached and played sports here as well, and the sports trainers are AWESOME. For a cheap alternative 2 college, especially those 1st 2 years after high school when most are still unsure about their major, WVC is the way to go! read more

This is an excellent place (clean-safe-well run). My daughter who took an online course has had none of the issues that some of the other Yelpers seem to face with the administration. The administration has been competent, helpful, and encouraging. My daughter said that they are very kind and want to help you. In fact, my daughter had issue getting an add code from the prof on time - cause she finished her finals at highschool and then rushed to register. She was very happy and so was I, the westvalley admission staff was still there in those portables past their close time saying they want to help kids learn/educate. I don't know where you will see this kind of kindness! I feel the yelpers may be in a bad mood. Only thing that I see can be improved is: they dont mention the textbook in the course description, so if you register just in time for the class to start and there is a quiz in the beginning, you will suffer (my daughter did) if it is an online course cause the other kids in the class may not communicate with you - it being online course. read more

If you are looking for someplace that isn't crowded to get outside during Covid, check out West Valley! Since classes aren't in session, there is plenty of parking and I never see more than a handful of people, some grounds people as well as others walking their dogs or letting their children play. Do watch out for poison oak near the creek though! read more

The only reason i am giving 1 star is because teachers are great (look on rate my professor before you sign up) and jean finch, my counselor while i attended west valley college was amazing. Other than that this school deserves 0 stars. When i first got the memo that i had to take a placement test, i went in and took it. I did not score to great so i went in to take it again but the written way since i have a disability and can not take tests well. The persian lady who is in charge of the testing, she sent me home twice and i had to pay for parking twice because she said "sorry the written portion is not on me come back next time" I came back "next time" twice and i absolutely had it so i had to go to admissions and complain to them about it... eventually i made my way through and wanted a refund for the parking passes i paid but they could not refund me. She wasted my time. NEXT, ALMOST EVERY COUNSELOR SUCKS. Do not listen to them. I went through 4 different counselors and they all screwed me over by telling me to take the incorrect classes. They told me i would not even finish within 3 years and i managed to finish within 1.5 years by taking 18 units every semester and was a full time summer and winter student. Only counselor that truely helped me was jean finch. ok so im done with school.. im trying to transfer out.. i have to send in transcripts its time. I go in and they sent 2 transcripts to chico instead of one to chico and one to USD. I was late on my USD transcript and had to go back in to get that fixed since they messed up. THE reason why i am triggered right now and writing this review NOW is because i went back in to send in my final transcrips and i mentioned to the lady that i hope this goes to the correct school and you guys actually send it and that i will call back in to make sure its sent. She started giving me sass about how they couldnt have made that mistake and that it was alll my fault. Like if you want to be rude and are sad about how fat you are behind a desk then quit your job and do something that makes you happy. Dont take out your anger on me when i should be the one angry for you guys messing up. If you go to this school, good luck and your basically on your own. No one is there to help you. The admin all want to screw you over. Teachers are chill and jean was chill other than that this school is a wreck. Financial aid office people have lied to my face as well. So good luck. read more

School has been going downhill for the past 2-3 years a lot of negative changes in campus standards.

Veteran resource center has low level of VA knowledge, regarding enrollment and supplies for military veterans. Can typically give conflicting information, which can mislead potential veteran students. read more

My experience was great. good teachers, nice campus, good location. but seriously, go for the breakfast burritos at the cafe!! they are THE best i've ever had and you can add so much like chicken tenders, fries, n all the veggies, guacamole, chipotle, etc. the man who makes them is the sweetest and nicest guy around, so be sure to leave a nice little tip! (: read more

Wow this college is amazing. They have the best professors and also the campus is beautiful. If your thinking of attending west valley you will have to. This school will prepare you for a great upcoming future. read more

West Valley College - LASS Building - Colleges & Universities Near Me - Saratoga, California

Quality: 3 Value: 5 I took three math classes here while I was in high school: Geometry, Multivariable Calculus, and Differential Equations. My geometry and Multi professors were both pretty good, but my DE professor was absolutely horrible. It was super hard to understand him, and I honestly don't remember a single thing from his class. Needless to say, when I retook the course at Berkeley, I didn't do so well. I also took Econ here, and my professor was okay. Unfortunately, I don't remember much since it was 4 years ago. So 4/5 decent professors puts it at a 3. Its convenience and cost bumps it up to a 4. read more

To give some context: I was at WVC from 2007-2011. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and drifted for 2 years until I took a communication class with Randy Fujishin (he's retired now). Once I knew my major, I was able to move with purpose and ended up being able to graduate with honors from WVC and transfer to my top choice school. I have a point of comparison because I have taken a few classes for personal enrichment at two other community colleges. A few points: 1. Like any organization, there are people who make mistakes or aren't friendly. I had teachers that were awful and teachers that inspired me. That's real life. You learn to work around that stuff, to be adaptable and resilient. 2. You will only get out what you put in. My first two years I just showed up and went to class. It was okay. My last two years I was in the honors program and made friends and study groups in class. It makes a huge difference. I started visiting teachers during office hours even if I didn't have questions. 3. Get connected. I was able to get involved in student government and that has continued to open doors for me even years after. Some of the connections I made during my time at West Valley have been life changing. 4. The campus is gorgeous and I still miss it. To sum it all up: be an adult and be invested. This is YOUR education. read more

PROS: beautiful views CONS: Teachers that don't give a single fuck about your education Staff members that are either too young or too old to their job inconsiderate staff that doesn't do their job right especially at admissions they suck Food there is WAY overpriced Phone line is literally retarded and doesn't help u in the slightest, never can get a live person... Essentially a waste of time. read more

I've been a student here for 3 years, this is what I have to say: The Biology, Mathematics, and Economics departments are spectacular. The English and Art departments are satisfactory, but nothing special. Please take your Chemistry and History requirements elsewhere. The departments of Chemistry and History are horrendous and need major improvements to the faculty. read more

This school used to be good at helping you succeed. I am a returning student after attending in 2003. I had to drop all my classes in 2003 due to getting meningitis. so now that i am back i am not able to get financial aid. After I was told that I could appeal and jumped through all the hoops I needed to jump through, I was told due to with drawling from all my classes back in 2003 I can not appeal. So because of that I have had to drop classes this year because I could not afford to buy books, etc. I have a 3.0 average, but now I just received an email saying that I am dismissed from school because I had to drop those classes???!!!!! I can appeal by the 17th. Yes, in 4 days, or I lose all my classes. I am beyond pissed!!!! They said in their email they sent that "Please do not think of your dismissal as the loss of educational opportunity. Clearly, something has interfered with your ability to succeed in college. We are committed to helping you to overcome obstacles that are affecting your educational progress." YES!!! WEST VALLEY HAS INTERFERED WITH MY ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE!!! This school used to be good. I think I will be graduating form Mission instead. They are more willing to help. The teachers are good. (The only reason I gave two stars.) The campus is pretty. But I am not attending so I can walk around a pretty campus. The Financial Aid and Admin office SUCK!!! They have no idea what they are doing. I am a single mother trying to better my future. I am trying to be a role model to my 5 year old son. It took me so long to get back into school. I can not get any help from them. read more

The best Junior College in Silicon Valley or the Peninsula. Like a Jr Stanford. Beautiful grounds, lots of hills and trees. The teachers are amazing but it is hard to get classes so you have to be prepared to get yourself in line early and be prepared. This is not high school any more, no one there to help you but you. Go here, get good grades, then transfer to UCLA, Berkeley, Santa Clara, UCSC. anywhere you want. read more

They should just bull doze the entire school and sell the land because I have no idea why they still have classrooms because every time I have tried to enroll in a course it is taught online. I prefer the classroom enviorment to learn and De Anza college is far superior in their class (REAL class not ONLINE) offerings. read more

Oh West Valley College. What memories you bring back to me. This is where my dad would take me early in the morning to learn to drive. And Saratoga High School held some events in the gymnasium here, too. read more

When I became an '08 HS grad, I knew I neeeeded community college but, truthfully, I didn't want it. All the weird looks people gave me after I answered the typical "So where are you going next year?" didn't help. West Valley really, really changed all that. I had this vision of shitty CC teachers, shitty facilities, shitty class selection, shitty...yeah you get the point. Turns out I had teachers that had Master's and Ph.D's from everywhere from SJSU to M.I.T.... and these people cared! HOLY SHIT, THEY CARED! As in, cared about my education. Cared if I understood and not just memorized. I expected to go to class, read a book, take some lame test, and get the grade. But when your teachers care and your classmates care (be careful to hang around the right ones, but I promise - WVC's not full of the stereotypical CC kid), you start to, too. UGH OKAY BEFORE I GET EVEN CHEESIER, I have to echo some of the reviews here that recommend you use as many oppurtunities that you can get. Join Alpha Gamma Sigma (AGS), the 'Honors Society'. Good way to meet people with similar interests (read: HAI I NEED TO TRANSFER ASAP KTHNXBAI). Make appointments with counselors. Visit your teachers during office hours. The whole enchilada...even if you think that's only for University kids. It's already been said that the campus is uber-pretty, or in the words of the retired Mr. Murphy: "It's like walking around a damn country club." He likes to exaggerate, but you gotta see it to believe it. :] read more

I'm currently going here to get my pre-reqs done to get into a Masters in Occupational Therapy program and so far, the campus is very beautiful, the parking is plentiful, and the folks that teach here are very serious about their students learning and success. The best campus to go to to get the most out of your learning! Another thing that I want to say is that the girls at this school are hella hot. Better than any other community college in San Jose/Bay Area. Those girls are the reason that I am motivated to go to class on a daily basis. read more

One of the great educational bargains in California. I've gone here, De Anza, SJSU, and a private Jesuit school named Regis University and can honestly say two of the top 3 hardest classes I've ever taken where here. The professors are very assessable, personable, and at the same time refuse to carry you through classes. At $10-13 a unit, getting your GE done with such awesome faculty is something I personally look back on and think how lucky I was. Like Kotori, I'll give my Best of List: Cirualo: Best Philosophy class around. He makes you think in ways you never though possible. Spoiler! You will no longer be a dumb kid when you get though his class. Tough as nails and really gets you ready for the next 3 years of college. I've recommended his class to no less than 6 other people, and they are all glad they had him. Svenson: Kotori took him as well, and he made science fun. Like the other review, his power points should be the standard others are held to. Explains everything from beginning to end and real world applications. A funny guy in a weird way, classes were always enjoyable. Murphy: This guy is a legend at WVC. I think he is still there after all these years. Great sociology classes that help you expand your world view. Top notch lecture series consists of Intro to Soc., Social Problems, Marriage and Family. Going back for my MBA now, I'm taking math classes here and the prof's are once again top notch for ~$100 a class. read more

This is a pretty good school, but needs some imporvments. Most people have the wrong idea of this school because it is in the middle of no where, but it is huge. It was a great experience. read more

I absolutely love this place. My first classes here were during high school (CS, art and calc) and they were simply amazing. I've been going here on and off during summers during university and took a few online courses after I graduated. Each course has been a pleasure. My favorites were the art practice classes. All the teachers I've had here were top notch, but the art teachers and the drawing itself took class to the next level. The campus itself as well as the people are (or were) beautiful. The online classes are really convenient as well. Although I really enjoyed my university experience, I see how it would have made sense to go to WV longer and to try a bunch of different subjects and really fall in love with something or keep the affair with the art practice. On the general ed level, WV was as good if not better then my uni classes, so it's a great place for someone who isn't pre-set on a certain path and even for someone who is, since everything transfers so well and you get nice class sizes and teacher attention that's not always easy to come by at a larger school. The only thing that might be missing is the social life of the four year school experience (dorms, frats, clubs, etc) but most of the transfers I met had a great mix of maturity and desire to make the most of the last two years, so they did really well academically and got their socializing and networking on as well. WV is a great place no matter what. It's a must-take during high school, a great place to transfer from, and a great place to explore and expand your knowledge. I'm going back now to take care of some pre-dental requirements. Hopefully it'll live up to my previous experiences. read more

This campus is very beautiful, that's for sure. It has a small, intimate feel to it because it's a pretty small campus compared to De Anza. However it does lack many classes that De Anza has to offer. They're doing lots of construction and moving buildings around so it's kinda hectic all the time. Many parking lots to choose from! The church next door used to let students park there for free but no longer unless you attend a class of theirs on Tuesday. I have seen bunnies and kitties on this campus which is ALWAYS a plus :-) I would say this is just your average community college campus, nothing too modern about it. read more

This review is for the campus's poor practice of ticketing attendees of the Farmers Market held on Saturdays. I got a $35 parking citation while parked in one of the lots in walking distance to the farmers market. I was at the market for just 45 minutes purchasing veggies and fruit and when I came back, there was a citation on my window! There are no signs that says people can't park in that lot to attend the market. On a subsequent Saturday, I saw the parking attendant citing the cars parked in that same lot I parked in when I got the citation the week before. There must have been over 20 cars parked there getting cited. It seems like a unscrupulous way for the school to make money off the people attending the market, which is an event hosted by the school! read more

As a member of the community around West Valley College I find it frustrating that West Valley police continue to ticket cars up to 10 pm on weekdays. I recognize the need to ensure adequate parking lot students attending classes, however I can't believe that students are looking for parking spots at 8:55 pm. I was issued a ticket at that time having parked at 8:30 pm and returning to my car at 9 pm. By virtue of being a tax paying citizen I am supporting West Valley College. I understand that with the cuts in education funding schools are looking for alternative sources of revenue. The choice to ticket after hours makes me want to advocate for additional cuts to their funding! read more

I've had 2 unsuccessful semesters here. Both times one the counselors, for the Adult Re-entry program, cleared me to sign up for classes without having me enroll in Pre-reqs. When I asked if I should be taking the other classes, she simply shrugged it off.(The computer wouldn't even allow me to sign up for these classes until she cleared the system with a code or something.) I had to Withdraw for a semester, putting me behind. Later, I tried to give her a second chance and I ended up with a mess!! Admissions seems to be pushing all the blame on me. I'm out a chunk of money, time, and behind on my goals. Seems the counselors can do what they want even if it ruins your transcripts. I decided to continue my education at DeAnza and I'm loving it there!! West Valley was fine taking my money but doesn't care about my experience. Vote NO on their Measures asking for more money. I'm sure I'm not the only student who's given a "donation". read more

So Far So Good! I have taken classes here and at De Anza, and I definitely prefer WVC. The natural setting is just gorgeous and I have been very impressed with all my instructors and the administrative staff. Everyone has been so helpful and the instructors really make the classes valuable. Classes here are much more challenging than De Anza and the instructors really take the time to help you excel. Plus all the people I have met here are cool...so far. All except for the "ticket happy" parking lot monitor dude. He gave me a ticket for not having a parking permit when it was right on my windshield for the world to see. Ugh! read more

I attended West Valley College for one class. The campus is a great looking one - it looks more like a park. I enjoyed walking around the campus for exercise when I was there. The only problem is that the campus is far away from my home. If I lived closer to this campus, I would have attended more often. I was impressed that they had a mailbox in front of the college building for me to deposit my mail - handy. The instructor I had was nice and helpful. She made sure I could succeed during my time at the college. I hope to attend for more classes in the future. Due to the distance, I find that classes at Mission College, it's related campus, more convenient to attend. The cost to attend community college in California is very reasonable in my opinion and a very good utilization of my time. I will definitely take more classes at the community colleges because the cost is so low - $20 per credit. I highly encourage anyone to take advantage of this great resource. Knowledge is a great gift. read more

I took one class here this semester and now that its finally over, I think I'll be looking into somewhere else for next semester. There was issues about my parking permit, I ordered one, I had the confirmation printed out in my hand and they still told me it was never received! They practically stole $20 from me, then I had to pay $2 every time I had class!!! Sucked! I wasted lots of money that way. Then today I found out that my teacher wasn't even registered there to teach the class I was taking, and the textbook I had to use for the class wasn't a West Valley approved book! I was pretty mad when I found that out in the bookstore tryingto sell my book today! So if he wasn't suppose to teach the class.... what exactly does that mean about my class??!! Was definitely not happy at this school and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, unless you like getting ripped off. They get one star for a pretty campus I guess.... read more