Ladera Vista Junior High School

LaDera Vista in the 2012-2013 school year has been unorganized and poorly lead by the current co Principal. The instruction and safety of the students have been compromised. An honest, experienced Educational Leader with the foresight to instill high standards of instruction, professionalism, procedures, and bully prevention is needed to change LV's current state.
—Submitted by a parent

I have an 8th grader in this school and she is on the 504 plan. The entire year she has failed multiple classes and the school has refused to cooperate and follow the plan. She is supposed to be able to go in another room for extra help on tests and isn't allowed because the teacher said "she takes too long". She is supposed to have extra time to hand in homework and the teacher refuses to cooperate to give it to her when she is absent or missing an assignment. When we finally get it, he gives her half credit. They do not reply to any attempts of communication including phone calls, notes, or emails. The guidance counselor says she is very busy. This is her excuse to take one to two weeks to call back. I've been there several times for meetings and they promise they will do everything and NEVER follow through. They are supposed to check her agenda and sign it to make sure the homework assignments are written down and that lasted about a week. She is supposed to be able to make up tests when she gets a D or an F or misses school and they won't let her because she will end up missing class to do it and they won't allow her to stay after to do it because the teacher has things to do.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Ladera Vista seventh and eight grade and I have to say overall it is academically an excellent school. I took honor classes and they have helped me in high school. The teachers are amazing and they aid you in any trouble or area you have difficulty in. Proud to be an LV Spartan of 2010-2011!

I am also a parent of a student at Ladera Vista and see no problems there. I believe drugs and gangs are at every school including private. It's how you raise your kids and trust the choices they will make because of their up bringing.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of an eighth grader at Ladera Vista J.H. I have no complaints about the school's academics, but some of things going on, on campus are very disturbing. My child has told me that an numerous occasions drugs have been offered to her, on campus during school hours, in the bathroom and on the field. The staff is quick to react to these drug offenses, but maybe some practices should be put in place to be proactive about letting the drugs get onto school grounds. Also it seems like there are a lot of gang kids going to L.V. now as well. I would definitely think twice before I would send my child to this school if I were a new parent looking for a Junior High. I have a younger son and I will not be sending him to this school, looking into private schools now!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm currently an 8th grader at L.V. and it's pretty fun but I personally think that some of the teachers need to retire. Some of my favorite teachers were Mrs. Ortiz for science she had no problem helping you if you didn't understand something,but she was also strict when she needs to be.Mr.Montoya for algebra readiness was also a great teacher he explains things well and is only concerned about you getting an education while enjoying learning about it. Mr.Martinez is also a good P.E. teacher he never gives you lower than a C if you try your best. Overall I'm happy at L.V..
—Submitted by a student

There is a strong caring relationship between the teachers and students. They are encouraged to achieve their best academically and explore their potential through many electives. Our commitment has been acknowledged by increased enrollment, test scores, and students' enthusiasm for their school. We are the change!
—Submitted by a parent

The best academic teachers I've had were Mrs. Smith for Honors 8th grade US History, Mr. Elmore for Honors 8th grade Science, and Mrs. Rhee/Kim for 7th grade Pre-Algebra. All three of those teachers have always elaborated on the subjects they teach, and are always delighted to explain or help with something that is misunderstood. These teachers create challenges with a reasonable amount of homework which helps understands concepts of the CST tests. However, a vast majority of the teachers at LV are not in the same league as these teachers. With certain teachers at some point, you d have to teach it to yourself and deal with it. Academics could definitely be improved. Also, the kids there are very hostile and rude. I believe that the rules should be stricter to where that could solve the problem. Overall, it s a good school, but I d still like to see improvements.
—Submitted by a student

I'm an 8th grader and ladera vista and overall lv is a good place. The teachers that i really enjoyed was miss. goettinger, miss trauscht, mrs. tavera. my math teacher gives us two thru 3 pgs of h.w. a night she explanis it well and we take note ( mrs. tavera). the problem at lv is that for sports they should give everybody a chance they give the same people. And thee really strict about discipline and dress code...
—Submitted by a student

I am currently going to Ladera Vista junior high. I think that this school isolates the students to much. I mean the only sport we can play for lunch time is basketball! Also some of the teachers there are very rude including the staff in the office. I think the principal is very nice and some teachers are nice to but there can be improvement.
—Submitted by a student

I also attended this school back in the late 80's it was great then its still good now some teachers are still there that i had back in the day i think their teachers are very good and they are involved i actually moved back to fullerton because i wanted my daughters to attend this school district and this particular junior high.
—Submitted by a parent

I am currently at this school. And i love it the teachers are great. Although they should fire the vice principle Mrs.roads
—Submitted by a student

I am currently a student at Ladera Vista and although Ladera Vista is a fun school, I am worried that I am not actually being prepared for high school. THe education can be improved.
—Submitted by a student

I have been pleased and surprised, as of reading great schools parents displeasure that the surroundngs and the curriculum have been above standards. Compared to the other schools in the area , I am impressed and looking forward to another great year. My son is an honors student, and in the afterschool program, which helps with tutoring, homework, and even special extracurricular activities. I feel the feedback so far has been disgruntled parents with children feeling less motivated at home, bringing that to the table. My son and I moved to this district purposefully after much research.
—Submitted by Carrie, a parent

My son has wasted two years in this school. Very little homework is given and the parent/teacher communication tool needs a major overhaul. It seems like most of the teachers do not wish to discuss the students issue with parents until it is too late. I have also noticed this school has developed a more hostile environment over the last two years. When a child cannot wear clothing that say's 'OC' for Orange County because it's gang related, that is where I really start to wonder.
—Submitted by a parent

[A] couple of teachers. Smith, Elmore, Chang have all been exceptional. Otherwise the school is a hostile environment for the students. Instead of trying to raise the bar, the administration tries to bring all the students down to one low level. The people who work at the school are rude to students and parents. These people make it worse for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a current student @ L.V. And I love it! Its awsome. I love the elective choices. I am in asb and I love it! Its sooooo fun! Good teachers 2. Needs more sports and extra activies though.
—Submitted by a student

I have not been impressed so far in the quality of teaching at this school. Our son has little to no homework, and has only read one book for Language Arts. I feel he will be unprepared for high school if this type of learning continues. He has teachers who are indifferent to learning. We were even told by one teacher that he gives multiple choice tests so that he does not have to grade essays or papers. I hope the new principal can change the attitude of the teachers, or this school will not do well.
—Submitted by a parent

The academics of the honors/gate program are excellent, as are the teachers of these classes. Spanish, however, was a waste of four semesters elective. They were only taught approximately half of what they were expected to know entering Spanish 2 at the high school. Even with an A+ all four semesters, my child was ill prepared is repeating Spanish 1. She missed out on other electives and it was not worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

The only saving grace of this school are a few teachers. Smith, Cass, Standring, Dewey,the Sams' have all been exceptional. Otherwise the school is a hostile environment for the students. Instead of trying to raise the bar, the administraion tries to bring all the students down to one low level. The people who work at the school are rude to students and parents. Jr. High is not easy but these people make it worse for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent