The school's mascot is the Vanguard, though its logos, statue, and costume all depict a griffin, a mythical creature.

[3] Students in the state of Pennsylvania are required to take the Keystone Exams in order to complete select courses and to graduate.

The Sun Valley Marching Vanguards have had unprecedented success for the school at regional competitions, winning six total championships.

The department has been recognized several times by the Greater Philadelphia Cappies, a regional award ceremony for high school theater.

[10] The 2022 production of How The Grinch Stole Christmas set the school record for most nominations (5), along with one win.

[11] The art program at Sun Valley often features student artwork throughout the region, displaying them in local establishments and the district's annual calendar.

Sun Valley competes in the PIAA's Ches-Mont League, along with 13 schools from Chester County.

In 2019 and 2020, they were selected to attend the UCA National Cheer Championships in Walt Disney World.

Four times (2008, 2014, 2019, and 2020) the team earned a spot in the Flyers Cup tournament, which serves as the championship for high school ice hockey in the eastern half of Pennsylvania.

The team has made three trips to the state tournament in Hershey, Pennsylvania, earning silver medals in 2018 and 2019.