Rio Vista Elementary School

We had a horrible experience at this school and in dealing with the Apple Valley Unified School District. My child was bullied for 18 months straght and not one staff member seemed to notice or care. In addition to this, my daughter was physically pushed by the proctor who still remains employed at the school to this day. If you care for your children, you will place them at another school within a different school district.
—Submitted by a parent

Since I have sent my 3 children to Rio Vista the wake up every morning eagerly want to go to school. Their attitudes when they get home are uplifting and have so much to say about their classmates and what they have learned that day. The encouragement from the priciple and teachers is a wonderful approach to pushing the children to succeed. 5 Stars from me ...Way to go Rio Vista Elementary school.
—Submitted by a parent

We relocated to Apple Valley from Georgia when my son started 3rd grade. Coming from a highly ranked school system in Georgia, I was concerned that Rio Vista may fall short in meeting his academic needs. Now that he is in 5th grade, I have to say Rio Vista is academically sound! For the past 3 grade levels, my son has had fantastic teachers who have challenged him in the classroom. I have never met a principal like Mrs. Smith who is so involved with EVERY aspect of the school. She makes a point to not only know her students, but their parents as well. The front office staff is friendly and makes sure the parents feel welcome when visiting the school.The booster club and parental involvement is fabulous. The students are always recognized for their academic accomplishments. I am so excited to that Rio Vista will add 7th and 8th grade to the school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have a fantastic staff and lots of parent volunteers. Both staff and parents make the kids #1 priority. All 3 of my children have gone to Rio Vista and I could not be happier about that!! Highly recommmend!! :)
—Submitted by a parent

Teachers I have met seem to be real understandind with their grade level students and up to face challenges with each and every one.Teachers,Parents and students working together.
—Submitted by a parent

My two kids (3rd and 5th grade) attended Rio Vista for one year and I have to say it was the best experience we had! The principle really gets involved with the parents and kids and they have a great incentive program encouraging the kids to work on trying hard. They make education fun and motivational. Great teachers too!!
—Submitted by a parent

Rio Vista has awesome and caring teachers, parents and principal.
—Submitted by a parent

Our school is not just a school, we are a family. Teachers, staff, and LOTS of parent volunteers looking out for each other. It is a great place to be.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school!! We have wonderful teachers and the best parents ever!! :)
—Submitted by a parent

Has to be the Best Elementary School in the desert. The Principal, Teachers and Staff truly care about the students and the parent involvement is amazing. Wish the Middle Schools and High Schools were this awesome.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school! They do so much to earn extra money for the schools! It is a great school the staff is awesome! My daughter is in kindergarten and I volunteer 2-3 times a week with her class and I have seen the students learn so much, in just these past three months! It is totally awesome I want my daughter to go to no other school!
—Submitted by a parent

The academics are wonderful as well as the teachers and principle. Dicipline leaves a bit to desired. I was a very involved parent and gave many hours a week of my time as I saw many others do also.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Woderful principle. Very caring teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school! The reading and writing programs are great. There is a high level of parent involvement and the parent Booster Club is one of a kind. I would highly recommend Rio Vista Elementary.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, they have high standards. But those standards are cookie cutter standards. The attitudes of teachers can make or break a child's spirit for learning.
—Submitted by a parent

This school shows it stands out from the rest. I am involved with helping one day a week so that I can see what is going on first hand. Children don't even realize they are learning how to read and write the way the system is set up. Everyone is so friendly within the staff. I feared this school prior to attendance but now that I have experienced it, I can't speak highly enough. Schools are schools with rules for a reason.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school. The teachers are wonderful and there is alot activties for the students.I feel very confident that my child is getting a solid education.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school! High academic standards. Lots of activities for students to participate in. High level of parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

My son, who is very bright and also hyperactive, went to this school for 4th/5th grade. He had a great teacher for 4th, and did well, and stopped taking his medication for ADHD. The teacher was able to keep him interested and on task. The fifth grade year, he was put in a combo 4th/5th class. The teacher could not keep him interested or focused. Although very experienced, she was inflexible in giving my son alternatives to keep him interested. We pulled him out of the school and put him in a charter. That said, the school is well-known for good scores, the teachers are experienced, and the school has a good reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

My only complaint about Rio Vista is the fact that they do not want parents to be involved. They want you to drop off your kids at the car drop, have them take the bus, or leave them off to walk across the street with the crossing guard without the parents. My kindergartener has learned a lot this year but they make parents feel unwanted. I have been uninvited and have been unable to enjoy this school year with my child. They want supplies sent in, through the child or the office but want the parents off campus. The parents are not even notified when they have a 'picture opportunity' like during Thanksgiving when they dressed up and pretended to be on a ship. These things are important too. Academically I think the teachers do a good job which is important, but I just wish they were more parent-friendly.
—Submitted by a parent