New Vistas Academy

My daughter attends pre-school at New Vistas and we both love it. Her teacher (Mrs. Castine) is amazing -- she makes learning truly fun, and my daughter loves to go to school each day. The kids are already learning to read even at 4 years old, and are doing kindergarten-level work. There is a special reading teacher who works with each child individually 3 times a week and she is warm and creative. I like that the school has a lot of children with Asian and Indian backgrounds (it's not a homogenous sea of white faces), and I would love to see more African-American and Hispanic children join the school in the years to come. I find the staff and teachers to be professional, caring and dedicated to making the school top notch. They take the time to work with each child individually. Parents are encouraged to be part of the classroom by volunteering and are always made to feel welcome. Although the neighborhood maybe "sketchy" I've never felt that my child is in any way unsafe. Also, regarding a previous comment, they do have a nurse on duty and there are always staff directing traffic in the parking lot in the morning. I highly recommend this school!
--Submitted by a parent

Excellent school for advanced/gifted learners. Allows children to work above 1 grade level ahead -- they can work 1, 2,3, 4 or more grade levels ahead. We love that they take the time and work with each individual student. There is a good mix of students and the teachers are all highly qualified and caring. My son loved the school and fell in love with the environment right away. Their dedication to the children and their educational needs far exceeds that of another public, charter or private school in the nearby area.
--Submitted by a parent

The asian parents that spend time in the school to be with their kids are treated with disrespect. A majority of the students are asian and the staff and administration are very condesending towrds them. If adults are mistreated imagine the treatment the asian kids get. I took both my children off when I witnessed the bad treatment towards my own. If as a parent you have the time to teach and help with the random bunch/packets of work sheets and reading assignments at home each night so they go to school to get them graded by aides, then this school might meet your needs. The teachers do not have sincere interest in really 'teaching', its just tasks and grades. textbooks are archaic and the teachers and their relatives that handle classrooms are not very qualified and most do not have education related to pedagogy.
--Submitted by a parent

Imagine a school in which the excited interest of students is matched by the committed interest of staff, and you have just described New Vistas Center of Education! Here, small classes and an emphasis on individual learning lead to high academic expectations and results that transcend normal grade levels. New Vistas has achieved the perfect balance: a challenging curriculum carried out by a compassionate staff; the eager participation of students, and outstanding parent involvement. A. Williams
--Submitted by a parent

New Vistas Academic program is really good. I admire the fact that they have 1:1 reading program for every kids thrice a week which I havent seen anywhere. The kids get lot of challenges which is really good to show and improve their skills. Some recommendation for improvements! THough I do think they could move to a better campus where kids get more space for play ground,parking lots,lunch areas. Also their communication to parents is another area where they can improve to make it a better place. Like if they have an incident at schools It will be really better to communicate both sides of parents than the parents getting info from the kids. Extending their after care programtime in school (atleast for younger ages)which is more convenient for parents than outsourcing
--Submitted by a parent

New Vistas Academy is a wonderful addition to the public, private and charter school options in the East Valley. The small classroom environment and familial feeling between staff and families adds a charming quality to the structured, challenging, and individualized curriculum. The school was founded by women who wanted to offer an alternative to the schools in the area, and in that tradition, teachers have joined forces to form a top-notch school, led by highly qualified staff who still strive to make New Vistas a home for those families looking for more than the regular elementary education. The curriculum is accelerated, which in turn means more focus on academics outside of the classroom as well. Many families seek out a highly competitive curriculum that will challenge their children and give them the edge for the rest of their educational career. For families who are deeply dedicated to their children s educational progress, New Vistas Academy is an excellent foundation for a lifetime of learning success.
--Submitted by a parent

My complaint is more to the human factor of this school. My child had an incident (4 stitches) and not only they DID NOT have a nurse practitioner on campus, they DID NOT HAVE FIRST AID KIT. Well, the principal told us later that they indeed had one, but I guess we weren't good enough to waist the bandage on us. There was no follow up what so ever. No talk to the parent of the boy at fault. No courtesy call from the stuff. If you can overlook my personal experience, lack of gym, the fact that the playground is located in such way that KIDS HAVE TO CROSS THE BUSY PARKING LOT every day, NO SECURITY (anybody can walk in, and I mean anybody, no cams and considering the neighborhood the school is in that's the must), then I guess it might be the school for you.
--Submitted by a parent

New Vistas Academy represents all the finest attibutes of human character. Their school is the embodiment of "don't judge a book by its cover". Admittedly, they do not have plantation shutters and greek pillars, the real beauty is in the administration, teachers, devoted parents & children. The curriculum is challenging and customized to every child's ability. My daughter is now excelling in math and reading. I know when she graduates New Vistas we will value the superior education and loving relationships for life. New Vistas is located near downtown Chandler, an area of town that is developing with new City offices and a thriving downtown community. Their campus has open air walkways so kids get a little sunshine as they pass to classes and are supervised at all times. New misters and green grass make lunch bright and fun.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my younger kids attended New Vistas Academy from Pre-K through 6th grade. The cirriculum was very broad and provided my kids with an excellent exposure to a wide range of topics. The student body is very international which gives kids an exposure to a range of cultures. We found the cirruculum to be challenging without being excessive. Both my kids went on to the IB program at Chandler High School and the education they acquired at New Vistas more than prepared them fo rthe rigors of this program and AP classes in general.
--Submitted by a parent

New Vistas Academy is an absolutely wonderful school. Having been raised overseas and educated in some of the best schools in the world, I had despaired of finding something like that in the US and in Arizona in particular. Our son has been at New Vistas for 2 years and will be entering Kindergarten this year and we love it. The curriculum encompasses a wide variety of topics and is very challenging. It does not teach down to the children, but instead, elevates the children to the top of their potential. It is amazing to me how much individual attention the students receive as well, allowing them to develop and learn in their own ways while maintaining the high standards expected there. It is a truly amazing school, offering a well-rounded education and unlimited opportunities to the children who attend.
--Submitted by a parent