Vista Del Sur Traditional School

I am proud to say that my daughter is a Kindergarten Student at Vista del Sur. Being that my daughter had not attended daycare or Pre-K, I was very worried about her attending Vista and how she would adjust. However, due to the ratings of the other schools nearby, I felt I had no other option. I must admit placing her in Vista is one of the best decisions I have made. She has adjusted very well; is doing great academically and her teacher keeps us parents well informed on what is going on. Many of the staff members have gone out of their way to not only get to know my daughter, but my parents and I, as well. I have no doubt in my mind that they care for my daughter and her success! I must add that the workload can be heavy, therefore it is very crucial for parents to play an active role in the child s education and not solely rely on school staff. With that being said, I highly recommend Vista del Sur Traditional School to any parent within the Laveen School District!
--Submitted by a parent

We transfered my son to this school, from a local charter school, in 2011 and we couldn't be happier with the change. The school maintains its Excellent state standing (one of only a handlful of schools in the state to do so) by holding accountability to rigorous standards. This school expects parents to be involved with their children's work. It's a traditional school, which means that it is focused on academics. The new administration is extremely responsive to parent complaints or concerns (i.e. the Principal called me directly after she received my email to her regarding some "teasing" from other kids and she immediately recommended a course of action). My son is on an IEP and the service we I got at Vista versus at the local charter school are like night and day! There are other choices in Laveen (some are Charter schools) which can provide a quality education in a nurturing environment. Vista excells at holding students to higher standards and frankly, I think my kid gets warm and kind attention from his teacher. If my kid needs more loving than that -- I'm happy to give him a big hug when he gets home.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attend Vista and have for a few years (in 3rd and 7th grades, now). I have been involved in various aspects of volunteering - children's classrooms, PTO, site council, school events, etc. typically meeting our family volunteer hours before school even starts. My children, while not the most exemplary students 100% of the time, are receiving a quality education that I am very pleased with. My husband and I are both college educated and expect that our children will pursue the same course (but will listen if they have other ideas!) and the challenging course work is preferred over being bored. They both enjoy school but there is a significant amount of homework and parental involvement in that homework. If you are not prepared to work with your children and pay attention to what they are doing - and "working with" does not mean complaining to your child's teacher that it's too much - then this is not the right school for you/your family. Previous administration had some challenges - communication definitely could have been better but I guarantee that a sour attitude upon entry to the office will typically get you one back! It takes a village of nice people!
--Submitted by a parent

My children have attended Vista since it started as a traditional school. There have been some bumps in the road, however, my children are getting a great education. Even though they are held to the higher standards of a tradiional school, they still have time to be kids. My children enjoy Vista, but it my not be for all kids and parents. Academic education and involvement must be high priority!
--Submitted by Jennifer,, a parent

I went to this school since 3rd grade! I love it! Last year, the principal wasn't great as you can see in some reviews. But, we have a new principal now and she's way better! I recommend this school to anyone!

I am giving Vista a one star rating because of the rude ferocious incompetent Principal. I cannot believe how she spoke to me. Every word dripping with disdain! All I wanted was a little empathy and some cooperation. But now I have been pushed to remove my child. The kindergarten teachers have been forced to run these little ones like soldiers. They are told to weed out the weak quickly and get rid of them. What kind of a way is that to run a school? It doesn't matter who gets hurt in the process. "Waiting For Superman" explains it all. The students are just a number. Staff will receive a paycheck no matter if your child succeds or not!!
--Submitted by a parent

Vista del Sur is a great fit for your son. He has attended since kindergarten. Despite a great deal of upheaval last year, the school remains our choice for our older son. As another parent noted, the front office staff seemed to have developed negative attitudes toward all last year, but I have not seen that with the new school year that has just started. I have found ALL my son's teacher's approachable. Regretfully, I have not met the new administrators yet this year, but hope to as we become more involved with the PTO. Our younger son does not attend this school as it is not a good fit for him. Vista is a wonderful school for a child who thrives on being challenged and pushed to do better each year. Testing is emphasized, but I have no problem with that as our children get the "extra" teaching through our family choices and outside clubs and organizations.
--Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed and disgusted in how much this school prides themselves in all these great things and once you are there you realize that it's all talk. The women in the front office are very unprofessional and demeaning to parents. The staff there are not approachable for the most part and the environment is too uptight. I decided this is not a fit school for my child; therefore I have transferred my child to Desert Meadows!
--Submitted by a parent

Vista del Sur is an Outstanding and Excellent school. As you'll see again they have maintained the "Excelling" status again this year. The scores from the students are fantastic! Great work by the Administration and Teachers! Glad to see a lot of negative parents leave and make this and even better place. With a new Principal & Assistant Principal, a new PTO board, this place will only get better!
--Submitted by a parent

Vista is an excellent academic disciplined school! Parental involvement is high and are willing to help out in the school community. Teachers gear learning for success and have high expectations for their students.
--Submitted by a parent