Alta Vista High School

When my son was enrolled at Alta Vista he was getting into trouble and the school took initiative to help him. They helped get into a gang prevention program. Alta Vista staff explained how important it was to graduate and how his future is important. Sadly, he eventually dropped out of school but a few months later enrolled into Job Corps where he received his diploma. He did take that advice from Mrs. Alvarez and is furthering his education. I believe that Alta Vista had a great impact on where he is, they saved him from getting put into the system, he didn t slip through the cracks, and he stayed away from drugs and gangs, All because someone cared enough to talk to him and put time and effort into him. Thank you to the staff of Alta Vista. I honestly owe them so much for stepping in and saving my son. Each school should have the same compassion and helped students. I also feel parents should get more involved with their children's schools no matter what age ro grade.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been in this school for two years already and i got to say that this school is a great school. This school might be small, but you get a better learning experience because of that. You get more attention from the teachers than you do from a public school. In other words, this school is a GREAT school!
—Submitted by a student

As an educator that has served at many different high schools in Arizona, I must say that I am impressed with the way Alta Vista High School cares about the education of the student. A great amount of time is placed on the academic demands with the attention centered on the success of the student. The students understand that they are more than a student number, they are a name and one that is cared for through faculty that care. Much like in any relationship, communication is key and an understanding that it takes both party's involvement to make this journey successful. Students are challenged at Alta Vista to rise above what the culture says and to reach for their dreams. Alta Vista is not an "easy pass" institution, but one that will challenge students...if they are prepared to be challenged. The demands of the world are high and at Alta Vista High School I feel we are teaching our students meet those demands. Dr. Garrett Dual-Enrollment Faculty Alta Vista High School
—Submitted by a teacher

I am a Freshman at Alta vista high School and I must say it's an extremely enjoyable experience so far! No cliques, no huge classrooms (we certainly do NOT have 40 students per class), the teachers go by material at a steady pace, the food is usually healthy, and you can ensure your/your student's future is bright. You can tell by the way the principal speaks that they really care about your success. The only thing missing is a cafeteria, library, and a field. However, we take a SCHOOL bus to the local YMCA and for P.E. there while boys go to a different place, also on school bus. You feel comfortable with your teachers and they are easy to approach for help. They have many clubs and a cheerleading team and small pep assemblies. It's small (around 500 students total) but a pretty great place to learn.
—Submitted by a student

I would like to address some points from the negative comments below. First, the lunch program. It is true that before we used to have to pay for our own lunches; but we now have free lunches that the government pays for. Secondly, the tranportation issues for a P.E class. We do NOT take the city bus. We take a school bus. Our school is not equipt with a gym, so we have to go off campus. With that being said, I would like to say that the teachers and staff are the best! They truely do care about the students. Whether it be extra help on school work, or just to talk, they are always there for you. I think that is what other schools lack. In my opinion, because AVHS has suh a kind teaching and administrative staff, that it makes us a better quality school. I STRONGELY reccomend you enroll your son or daughter at AVHS. You and your child will not regret it. :)
—Submitted by a student

My school has been an encouragement to me to do my best. Teachers and staff have been there to help me out with any problem inside and out of school. Am glad I chosed Alta Vista as my High School. Proud Lobo !!
—Submitted by a student

Pros - I have worked here for a while and truly enjoy it! I have wonderful coworkers and the students are full of life! The teachers are highly qualified and the paraprofessionals are also degreed. We continue to improve AIMS scores and our graduation rate is high compared to many high schools. For an education focused on core studies - reading, writing, and math - this is a great school! Minor Cons - As a small school, the class variety is limited. With 12 rooms and an off campus gym, only so many classes can be offered at a time. The foreign language choice is only Spanish, and Art (drawing, book-making, painting) and Drama are the main fine arts courses taught. Guitar has been offered in the past but is dependent upon having a qualified teacher. The biggest complaints I hear from students concern dress and technology. Students should dress appropriately - tucked in, pants pulled up, girls properly covered. Phones and music devices are not to be used in the classroom and are confiscated when necessary. Most students do not have an issue with these though because they understand that dress and technology have an effect on a person's attitude and focus in a learning environment.
—Submitted by a teacher

As an administrator of Alta Vista High School, I would like to thank all the parents and students who have submitted reviews of our school. If ever you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on our school website or simply call us and make an appointment to meet with me. Thank you again for your comments!!

The teachers use a data-driven testing model to inform curricular decisions. This means that students receive individual and immediate feedback, and instruction is customized to support weaknesses. The school uses the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) system for infractions which results in positive interactions even when students mess up. Overall, the school is a pleasant place to work where education is treated seriously.
—Submitted by a teacher

Alta Vista is the best school I have ever attend the teachers really like what there doing. The History teacher at Alta Vista is one of the best men at that school he really care always there for you when you have any question. Alta Vista is amazing school I really recommend that for any student that are entering freshmen year or any high school grade level. The office staff is so of the most amazing people in the world always there for you never deny anything. The principal is also highly educated really cares about her students education. she is a quick problem solver. Alta Vista is highly recommended in my book the best school. out ranked Sunnyside, Desert View, and Pueblo by miles. Don't worry you will enjoy your time at Alta Vista
—Submitted by a student

like school, i like school, this school is amazing and fun to go to. the environment is amazing and the teachers are very nice and caring.
—Submitted by a student

I attended orientation and so far it seems like a good school. The principal and staff show that they care about the students and will work hard to do what ever it takes to make them excel. I liked that. The principle is there and greets the students in the morning as they come in. She knows them all by their first name so that right there tells you she is on top of things to start off. We will see what happens as the school year goes on. I hope it continues the way it seems to be so far. My son said his teacher is very smart and kept the class interesting so they would not lose focus on what they were learning. Awesome!! :0) Keep it up!! Alta Vista.
—Submitted by a parent

this school is a mess do not send your kid to this school nothing in this school is great they have to take the city bus in order to go to PE class no lunch you have to pay for everything
—Submitted by a parent

i have my kid in this great school and they help hem so much with all for be great student.
—Submitted by a parent

Alta Vista High School is considered to be a performing school by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). Since the opening in 2003, Alta Vista has continued to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP is determined by student performance in AIMS, graduation rate and drop-out rate.

This a great school, my son has really has done great in this charter school than the other high schools, i'm really proud of the way they teach and treat the kids you all have done a great job. Thank you
—Submitted by a parent

Here is a school that concentrates on academic's and has a smaller teacher/student ratio. Teachers are more involved with helping students understand their work, instead of just dishing it out. Nice clean campus, polite staff. Probably the best experience with a school at any level.
—Submitted by a parent

Thinking that most High Schools have 7 to 9 periods a day I think three classes at 90 minutes is just enough. They are focused on the subjects at hand and learning more than they would at a regulat high school.
—Submitted by a parent

Alta Vista is a great school! Classes are smaller than traditional schools (not 40+) and they have individualized learning. Attendance is enforced (5 absences and students fail their classes) and so is dress code. The staff is great, they notify me if my child is disruptive or doing great in class. Overall, I am very happy with Alta Vista and would recommend to any parent.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher turn-over rate, very high. School runs on a 2 hour block schedule, too long for most of the students to stay on task. Some classes have more than 40 students in them. Staff has a hard time enforcing student and teacher attendance and dress code policies.
—Submitted by a parent