Bella Vista College Preparatory

I am always impressed with Bella Vista students. They are polite and articulate well. I have been fortunate to work with the BV student council helping them plan many of their activities, a dance Secret Santa, teen nights and more. Keep up the good work.

Bella Vista Private School has been nothing less than a blessing to me. I began attending Bella Vista in the 5th grade and recently graduated. Bella Vista was truly an amazing experience, with an environment that was always pushing me to succeed and reach my full potential. Although it is a small private school, I couldn't have been more happy with the friends I met and my social life. I met people who I know I will be friends with for years to come. Unlike most private schools and public schools, the environment that you walk into everyday at Bella Vista makes you feel like you are actually part of something and not just another number in the student body. Bella Vista provided me with the opportunity to gain college credit while attending high school at the same time, allowing me to achieve 35 hours of college credit by the time I graduated. Bella Vista also takes several field trips a year, including going abroad to places such as Costa Rica. I couldn't imagine all of the opportunities I would've missed if I never chose to attend this elite private school. When I think about Bella Vista Private School, only one word comes to mind....Unforgettable.

Bella Vista is an outstanding school. Negative reviews are usually written by those who were not invited to return to the school for one reason or another. Bella Vista is not for everyone and that's why school choice is good. But, BV is a great school for those students who are motivated to learn in a caring and goal oriented environment. If the school did not work for you, then get over it and move on. For those who are there, enjoy your wonderful years at Bella Vista.
—Submitted by a parent

If you notice below, these reviews were written on the same day. I am familiar with Bella Vista and I can honestly say this was the worst school I have ever gone too, if there was an option for a negate numbered rating I would click on it. This school doesn't deserve even one star. As a former student of Bella Vista I can say that Bella Vista has made almost every single one of the kids want to leave or(if they are lucky enough) have already made plans to leave. The education taught in each class is dull and like the earlier post mentioned, I can say for a fact that almost half of the teachers at this school do not have degree's in the subjects they are teaching. The biggest point I have is that I may only be a former student, but I know that for a kid, this school is depressing, unwelcoming, and overall an unorganized school. If you are a parent or a kid looking for a private school, I urge you too look elsewhere because I promise you, you won't learn anything new past 6th grade, and you will regret ever joining this school.

As a former student at Bella Vista I can honestly say I loved that school. The small class sizes allowed me to interact with the teachers personally to ensure maximum satisfaction; something you will definitely not get at a public school. Yes the new math teacher is the principals son, but because he is young, funny, and had extensive years of math credits at ASU while graduating in one of the top business schools in the world, the students love him. He is also in the process of obtaining his masters at GCU for education! The staff at Bella Vista is so friendly and supportive I don't know how anyone could dislike them. Overall, this school is the place to be and looking back at my past, I can honestly say these were the best years of my life!!!

This school is great! My son says he loves the teachers and the education he is getting. The many clubs lets him get involved and interact socially. We love this school and the staff!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I have been familiar with Bella Vista for many years. This year, the core classes are challenging and I really like the addition of the Old Testament, Leadership and Robotics classes.

As soon as you walk through the door to bella vista, you get a label put on you. All the teachers are either parent volunteers or the principal or vice. As one of the earlier reviews stated, they were too many hats. They are the janitorial staff, principals, teachers, bus drivers, and coaches. I can almost guarantee that all the good earlier reviews are from staff or the vice principal's kids. The math teacher doesnt even have a degree in mathematics, or teaching! And he is the principals son! The school is so small, its like 40 kids. Barely any of the kids enjoy going there, and they cannot accomidate kids with learning disabilities very well. They also force you to do clubs and other stuff that you dont want to do. Most of the kids have left, or want to leave. Most of the curriculum is found online for the students. Bottom line, Bella Vista is not the school for you, or anyone.

BV is for those who appreciate small class sizes, high expectations (both academics and behavior), well rounded education, welcoming environment, variety of sports, and graduating with up to 35 college credits. Yes, the staff is small, but that helps keep the costs down and helps the staff and students understand each other better. As a parent, I appreciate that! The school is owned and operated by LOCAL educators who obviously enjoy kids, not a large corporation looking to make a profit. They are constantly looking for new and exciting programs to offer the students. Just this year they added a robotics competition, partnership with ASU to study Mars, and a very professional, full color, glossy magazine class. They have an amazing technology program which integrates with business. The magazine class shows all aspects of layout, publishing, sales, writing, graphics, etc.. The 8th grade students produce and present a full blown business plan for a new business of their choice. I could go on and on. Bottom line the students do very well academically and socially and they have a wide variety of choices. I can't imagine sending my two kids anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

As a devoted student at Bella Vista, I am deeply upset by the blatantly false accusations and comments against Bella Vista in previous posts. To say anything negative about this school is simply ridiculous.

PARENTS BEWARE! This school is more hype than anything else. They claim so many great and wonderful things but their educational product is very lacking. They are terribly disorganized. They spend too much time promoting themselves instead of providing the exceptional education I was expecting. Other private schools have flourished through the poor economy. Not so for BVPS. Also, ask them about their refund or withdrawl policy - they don't believe in one; if they say otherwise, get it in writing. Ask them why their enrollment has shrunk and don't take the economy as the canned excuse. Bottom line, parents are yanking their kids out of this school because there are far better choices out there. I seriously doubt this school will be around in a couple of years. For the sake of those parents and the 3 decent teachers who drank the cool-aid, I hope that is not the case.
—Submitted by a parent

Bella Vista is a gem of a school! My 12 year-old daughter is getting an excellent education. Having a teaching degree myself, I can honestly say the academic expectations at this school are high and appropriate. The scope of offerings is unlike what I found at any other area schools. In addition to the core subjects, they also offer art, drama, music and a phenomenal technology and business program. Because all the class sizes are small, advanced and struggling students alike get the attention they deserve in every subject. The students are able to participate in several sports, competing against other local schools ....and they have a great record in most sports! One of the best things about Bella Vista is the respect and kindness shown from the both the staff and the students. We moved here from out of state last year. My daughter felt welcomed from the very beginning. I would whole heartedly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff at Bella Vista are very professional with a high degree of education. They are very friendly and have a well bond with the students that makes everyone feel welcome. They take pride in everything that they have worked for always ensuring the students the best possible outcome. I love the fact that the students get to be involved in learning outside the classroom due to the multiple field trips that are taken throughout the year. They have just recently added the early-college program which gives certain students the opportunity to get a jump start on obtaining credits for college. It is a superb, well rounded school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a former student at Bella Vista and the opportunities that it gave me helped me achieve my dreams. Their high academic standards guided me to be way above my peers as I graduated and went onto a new school. A main impact that made me so successful was their small student to teacher ratio. Being in a smaller environment gave me the opportunity and knowledge I needed at a quicker pace with excess information. I am very grateful of Bella Vista Private School and I will always cherish the numerous things it has done for me.

At Bella Vista there is too much of a laxed attitiude for education. They give the students too many breaks with a very long lunch. The students stroll into class in the morning at whatever time they want to arrive. Most students arent going to rush to school If they know Its fine to be late without consequences. The teachers are not Interesting enough to keep the students focused. I think the school has taken advantage of the parents and students by not giving the education promised. Its everything but a good school.
—Submitted by a parent

This private school has much room for Improvement . The teachers are too set in their ways, not seeing what is best to make the school a better environment for students The school has only a handful of teachers, and three that teach class after class. I dont think It helps having the same teachers, which also act as principle, vice principle and bus driver. coach...too many hats. It makes for a very dull learning experience. variety and having teachers that specialize in certain subjects would be essential for this school. too bad for Bella Vista.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers and staff at Bella Vista Private School focus on students. Hands-on learning, travel, fun yet challenging programs, small class sizes and college preparedness are elements that I appreciate at B.V. Although there is homework, much work gets done at school so children don't seem overburdened. They have time to pursue goals outside the classroom. More than anything though, I love that the children at Bella Vista seem proud of themselves. Somehow, the culture of the school encourages respect, kindness, helpfulness and an excitement for the future. My daughter has attended since 5th grade. She will be completing her Sophomore year this year...brighter and happier than ever.
—Submitted by a parent

Bella Vista provides the most positive environment my children have experienced outside of their home. They are excited to be involved in sports and community services, where they were intimidated in previous private and public schools. They are academically challenged, but not overwhelmed by homework (most work is completed in class). This is possible because there is such a low teacher/student ratio. Some children do thrive in a larger more hectic environment, but mine happen to enjoy a calm and quaint setting. This is a perfect environment for that type of personality.
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a great school in a smaller town atmosphere, where the teachors really seem to care, and out of control behavior by any student simply isn't tolerated - which makes for a great learning and social atmosphere - you should look at Bella Vista. Our 10 year old just finished the 4th grade there after attending a private school in ft. lauderdale for 4 years (Bella Vista far exceeded what we experienced there when it came to the learning and social environment. Hats off to Lisa and Cindy for doing such a great job at building Bella Vista.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school offering a complete educational experience for the students. Junior and seniors benefit from the "Early College Program" and will leave with up to 35 hours of college credit. There is division 1A sports available at the high school level and a lightly competitive sports league at the middle school level that encourages participation from all. Most teachers have advanced degrees. Students succeed and this is evidenced by the many awards and recognitions they receive in writing, science and film. I would highly recommend this school
—Submitted by a parent