Ventana Vista Elementary School

I'm devastated that we had to move! the best school ever. The 3rd grade teacher my kid had was so nice and loving. She actually cared for her students. The feeling was just wonderful, the principal is very nice, caring, understanding and friendly. Even the lady's/monitors that work helping with the traffic were so nice. My son said that some of the lunch monitors were not that nice and some of the office people but other than that everyone was just so respectful. They have so many resources for the students to use and wonderful after school activities. The classrooms are clear of clutter and distractions and you get this feeling that the teachers are happy to be there. My son loved the Spanish and art classes. We miss this school and I wish all schools were like this one. This is en excellent school.
—Submitted by a parent

"The Spanish Immersion Program is fantastic. . ." Why is there such high teacher turnover for Spanish Immersion if it's so "fantastic?" "Spanish Immersion students AIMS scores are the highest." CFSD Board releases score data and it does not include a sub- category for Spanish Immersion scores, so where does this statement come from? Maybe the school principal wrote the last review........
—Submitted by a teacher

The Spanish Immersion program is fantastic at Ventana Vista. Look it up: the AIMS test scores at VV are among the highest in the district and if you look at just the VV Spanish Immersion students, their test scores ARE the highest. These are exceptional students because of exceptional teachers and a supportive district!
—Submitted by a parent

The last review (August 1 2012) is obviously written by someone who doesn't really have a child at this school.........very dishonest. 1. There is, in fact, a librarian and she is fantastic! Mrs. Wadsworth is loved by all the students and parents. 2. Ventana Vista is ranked FIRST in AIMS scores compared to all the other CFSD elementary schools. This is not a "probable" ranking; it is a published ranking within the state of Arizona. In fact, VV is ranked in the 20s among public elementary schools. The previous reviewers citations for Manzanita and Sunrise are ranked in the 70s. 3. Ventana Vista has the lowest amount of open-enrollment students which makes for a much more neighborhood-oriented environment and also keeps but one CFSD school free from the over-crowding caused by OE kids. 4. There is a school code of conduct and initiatives to promote no- bullying supported by and promoted by the principal, Kim Boling. 5. I would AGREE that the teachers are overall excellent. I have had children attending Ventana Vista for the past 7 years and it is a very positive and enriching learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been a part of Ventana Vista for many years. My review would be mixed, at best. Pros: Some outstanding teachers, great physical plant, FFO organization good at lots of extra activities; Cons: Principal, emotional bullying is allowed, there is no librarian (past was amazing - gone due to funding), part-time counselor, not enough physical education, mediocre IDS (gifted) program. Out of the 4 elementaries, this would probably rank 3rd. Go to Manzanita or Sunrise (plus their Middle School is superior). All in all, a perfectly good school for an average, normal child.
—Submitted by a parent

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 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

We have been attending Ventana Vista for the past 2 years. Great teachers, and good curriculm. However the teachers do not get treated properly by the district. Nor does the district take care of the campus during the summer monsoon season. They wait until school starts to start the clean up from the rain damage.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have been at this school for two years now, K and 1st. The teacher/student ratio is low. The classes offer a teacher, student aide as well as parent volunteers. You could not ask for more help. I am very impressed with the curriculum and the extended math program. The students are challenged and taught to work hard. There are rotations for Art, Music and P.E. throughout the year since time is limited. Parent involvement is huge! The FFO runs the lunch program, and many fundraisers throughout the year which are fun for the families. The library is the best in District 16. The librarian is full of energy and is wonderful with the children. She is very science oriented and challenges the kids to think. The principal is very approachable and friendly and is enthusiastic about bringing new technology to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has been on a steady decline since a new principal took over 2 years ago. The general morale of teachers and parents is not good. Therefore academics is suffering. The principal is not interested in teacher or parent concerns and chooses instead to ignore the problems the school is facing. This school used to be one of the best now it is not such a good place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

We switched schools because our oldest was attending kinder. at a private Christian school and we had a real bad experience. We transferred to VV and since day one the staff has been excellent. My son is ADHD and everyone has gone out of their way to help and tutor him, the teachers he had always communicated with me about him. Everyone has just gone so far with assisting us every way possible. I would not change schools for the world.
—Submitted by a parent

Catalina Foothills is supposed to be the best school district in Tucson, I strongly disagree with that. My son attended private pre-k & kindergarten, & is in the 1st grade at VV. The curriculum is not challenging. Homework is only given once a week, & the students have 3 days to complete it. The only extracurricular activities are music, art & p.e. on a 6 week rotation. Parental involvement is good at the school. Overall the school is very disappointing, but I think that is true for the entire state of Arizona, it does not seem like there is a big emphasis on education in the entire state.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attended school in 2003. I was very nervous because she stayed at home with me until pre-kindergarten. This was a wonderful school for her. The teachers are very attentive to the needs of the children. They are also very helpful & really take the time with each child. The entire staff is wonderful. The children are challenged with this school.
—Submitted by a parent