Ventana Vista Elementary School

I have a son in the second grade and a son in the fourth grade. We have been very happy at Ventana Vista. The school offers extended and double extended math (which both my sons are in) as well as separate reading groups based on the child's level. I am also happy with the Gifted Program (IDS) which offers extended science in the 4th grade and extended social studies in the 5th grade. These are great because the class size is very small. - presently only 8 kids in the IDS class. I do agree that the homework is too easy in the lower grade levels. However, they will get plenty of homework by the time they are in 4th or 5th grade.
--Submitted by a parent

My son attended this school for two years. He is autistic and the staff, faculty and other students always worked hard to make him a part of the student body. He was put in typically developing classes, had full time assistance and adjustments were made in the curriculum to fit his abilities. I always felt like he was not only accepted at the school, but truly loved! Thank you so much Sandra, Vanessa and Genny for all you do! WE truly miss the school and doubt we will find another to compare...
--Submitted by a parent

My daughters are Kindergarten and 1st grade at Ventana Vista. We absolutely love the school with its fantastic programs (PE, Music, Art, Spanish) and the great faculty & staff. The parental support is incredible and fantastic to see. I volunteered for an event in my daughter's class and 13 of the 19 kids had parents there to help out (this was a mid-day, mid-week event). My soon-to-be 1st grader is incredibly prepared for the next school year. Love this school!!
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. Both my daughters are there now, one in 3rd grade, the other in Kindergarten. It's true that there are a couple of drawbacks. For one, I find that the principal isn't really personable. Also, the school made the mistake of their transferring one of their best teachers ( a 2nd grade one)to Sunrise Elementary because of seniority (or in her case, because she was new). Nevertheless, my husband and I are very satisfied with Ventana Vista. We used to live in San Jose, Ca and don't want to think of how much it would cost to live close to a school of this quality over there!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved our child this year from one of TUSD's 'excelling' schools. There is no comparison. The art, music and P.E. programs are outstanding in addition to the spanish program. Our child was a bit behind and when asked in our TUSD school we always received the same lazy response, 'he's fine'. It's a refreshing change with a top quality private school feel. We've happily donated to this school and hope parents will do the same, a small price to pay compared to an $11,000 per year private school. Outstanding professional staff that puts other teachers to shame. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to be at Ventana Vista!
--Submitted by a parent

I am an active duty Marine stationed in California. About half the reason I moved my family to Tucson was this school for my son and we could not be happier. Great school, teachers and administration.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter began her first year at VV this year in First Grade. I love this school! The admin. and staff are so warm and kind to the kids, it makes for a very positive environment for learning. My child was challenged in all subjects. PE, Music, Art, and Library are all excellent. The counselor is outstanding--wish she was not leaving this year. My child speaks highly of the principal and really likes her. This is a great school.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in his second year of school at Ventana Vista. We have been very happy with his teachers, the campus, and the overall learning environment. He has been able to take extended math, which appropriately challenges him. He takes Spanish everyday, which he seems to really enjoy. I feel very confident that he is in an extremely safe environment and well taken care of.
--Submitted by a parent

My son is currently in the 2nd grade and has attended Ventana for the last 3 years. The teachers are very good and are always ready to help. I feel that the students should be receiving more homework. This year however, they began longer days and getting HW and activities in is becoming quite a task. I love the environment at Ventana and believe my son is being well taken care of. He's happy and that of course makes us happy. I'm very involved with the school and love all the after school and early release classes that are available.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter has found a great home at Ventana Vista. The Principal, Kim Boling, actually knows each child's name and some background on them and talks to each one of them. The Guidance Counselor, Terry Fletcher has gone out of her way many times to make my 5th grader feel a sense of security and she teaches the kids ethics--how to be kind to one another. The library is the best you will find at any elementary school and the library staff also knows each child's name and interests. There is a dedicated and certified Spanish teacher, phys ed teacher, music teacher and art teacher. For a well rounded education by educators who love kids, look no further, Ventana Vista has it all. My daughter went to TUSD's top elementary school in the 2nd grade, although the teacher was good, what the school had to offer could not compare.
--Submitted by a parent