Vista Grande Elementary School

My daughter attended this school from K thru third grade. She was an A/B student and it was not until we had her tested at a private school that we learned she was behind in her grade level. This school will teach your child how to take a test but not much else. The teacher handed out candy everyday for good behavior and the learning environment was chaotic. There is a lack of security at the school and I never felt comfortable dropping my kids off and knowing anyone can walk on campus at anytime and have access to the children. We pulled both of our children out of the over crowded classrooms mid year and it was the best decision we've made! It took a summer of high priced tutors to get my daughter ready for any of the private schools we were considering. Don't be fooled by this schools test scores or your childs good grades.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is top notch for education and beyond. This is our 5th year at Vista Grande and we have been completely satisfied with the teachers and staff. The teachers our kids have had are unique in their teaching style and offer different experiences for their learning - teaching via projects, socially driven, or by the book. We feel this is giving our kids a great, well-rounded education. Any concerns or suggestions are met with openness and/or explaination by the teachers and principle. Their goal is for my kids to have a great time of learning. Parents are very involved at this school. This is a community where families are a huge part of the kids growth - i.e. sporting programs, scouts, church, etc. Combining these aspects, I know my kids are getting the best education in town! Thanks Vista Grande for getting my kids education off to a great start!
--Submitted by a parent

I feel that I need to put my two cents in after reading some of the reviews online about Vista Grande. My son has attended this schools since Kindergarten he is now in third grade. We have always felt welcome at this school despite the fact that my son is a minority and a transfer student. He has never been told its not okay to be different. They actually encourage diversity. The teachers my son has had have always been willing to talk to me about his progress. When he was getting behind in reading he went to a group before school that helped him catch up. There are a lot of projects that help keep school interesting. If it was all books kids would probably be bored. Overall this is a very good school ultimately you get what you put into your childs education.
--Submitted by a parent

We too moved to the area because of the reputation. Teachers unsupportive, and can not even recognize a child's parent after several one on one contacts with them. Think it is ok to tell a child it is not OK to be different. Parents have to request any special help that may be needed and then the staff acts surprised you even know these propgrams exist. Do not transfer to this school as a new student because you will be treated as an outsider. What a mistake we made. New school here we come!
--Submitted by a parent

We bought the house so our kids could go here, and the above parent is right on the money....it's a boutique school that looks really good in the right light. However, my kids were constantly overwhelmed with 'busy cute projects' that were unnessesary. My kids needed to be kids instead of falling in line as little soldiers. Love the administration and staff. But the competitive parents run the school. High test scores, though. We transferred to Fuerte.
--Submitted by a parent

The staff and teachers at this school are the best you will find anywhere!
--Submitted by a parent

To put it in the simplest terms it is the best school in the district.
--Submitted by a parent

Simply the best. Kids work for the excellent 'Distinguished School' Award. High achieving students only need to apply. Teachers are very involved and actually care about their students progress. The kids love the flutophone music program. Your child will love being a Mustang. We will truly miss all the wonderful teachers at this school. You will not be sorry, buy the home.
--Submitted by a parent

Vista Grande is a fantastic school! The parent involvement is outstanding. When there is a school event during the day, it is very well supported. The teachers are caring and approachable. I have two sons that are currently attending and have been satisfied with their eduction thus far.
--Submitted by a parent

Parents are very involved. Many classrooms are teacher centered where learning is passive and information to score high on standardized tests is disseminated. Emphasis is not placed on cognitive, problem solving abilities but rather on information gathering. Much more teacher effort is given to placating parents with cute projects than on practicing skills for authentic learning purposes. It nicely fits the description of a boutique school - it looks good and the children will do well because of their background in spite of the learning processes used at the school.
--Submitted by a parent