Arroyo Vista Elementary School

We have been at this school for a few years now. We were very happy in K and our happiness began to drop off in 1st grade. This year we have a teacher that is just punching a time card, she is a very cold person who does not have the kids' best interest at heart. The principal is just ok he isn't willing to go out on a limb for anything, he takes the safe way always. If you have a child who is a middle of the road student they will probably do fine here, but if you have a child with any sort of learning disability and you can do much better. We will not be returning next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children that attend this school now and have since kindergarten. Starting with Mrs. Buxton - the sweetest woman on this planet, then Mr. Henry - the funniest teacher ever and very good with the kids. Both kids learned a LOT from him! to Mr Kutcomp - very patient and nice to the kids. Very hands-On. To Ms. Kelly - Amazing control of the kids along with love and caring. To Mrs. Holden - SUPER sweet and very loving with the kids. Every child wants her as their teacher because she's so nice. VERY good at helping the kids and helping them learn. To good 'ol Mr. Brooks! They say that "The pace of the leader is the pace of the pack!" - It's no wonder this school is so amazing with Mr. Brooks heading it up! I can't tell you how HAPPY I am to drop off my kids every day knowing that they are getting the best education they can get. LOVE this school. I have been a parent helper and have wittnessed these teachers first-hand! I am one proud Dad that my kids go to this school! THANK YOU to EVERYONE that works at this school! You've ALL been amazing!!! May God richly bless every single one of you! Thanks again!
—Submitted by a parent

This is our 4th year at Arroyo Vista, I have 2 kids that go there. I haven't had any negative experiences with teachers, only good. I feel like each teacher I've known is sincerely interested in helping the kids learn, while also helping them build good character, respect others, and be responsible. The principal is awesome too- every time I see him, he's interacting with students with a smile on his face. I'd say he is friendly, approachable, and dedicated. Also, so many parents are involved to help the school function, raise funds, and do whatever we can to make it a good learning environment. There isn't a regular librarian, so parent volunteers help with that. Parent volunteers organizing amazing school plays each year...it's a huge production, but the parents are always willing! Other things I like: there's a school beautification day each year where volunteers help out, there's a care and share day each month to donate food & baby items to charity programs, there's a big buddy program which my kids love- for older kids to help younger kids. The budget cuts could have a major negative effect, but due to great principal, teachers, and parents, the school is great.
—Submitted by a parent

It has a sense of community. Has a great principal that emphasizes academics as well as maintaining a balance in life.
—Submitted by a parent

Arroyo Vista is a fantastic school. Very caring and hardworking teachers who make each student thrive. The administration is VERY approachable and have the student's best interests at heart. And the parent involvement is top notch. Very welcoming when we were new to the area.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at Arroyo Vista and it is a wonderful school. My children have thrived and done very well. The teachers and the administration really take an interest in the children!
—Submitted by a parent

My child to date has had a wonderful experience and overall the school is very good, I do however feel the school needs more extracurricular school activities. The teachers and administrators are also very very good, but there are a few that have earned their negative reputations. A good word of advice for parents is to not dismiss what you hear as being that of unhappy parents and problem students. The school is small and volunteerism is strong so information both good and bad easily circulates throughout the faculty, students and community. Ask parents and children what teachers they recommend and who they don t and you ll start to see a clear pattern of who to avoid the same is true for administrators.
—Submitted by a parent

Arroyo Vista forgot about after school programs. We need homework club, sports, (for all kids) math programs, reading programs where kids can do better in the classroom, who really, or how many kids do really need to be better in 'acting classes'? Let the parents have their own choice at home, not the school. I'm so dissapointed how Arroyo Vista do not show that education is first than' lets have fun first.' We as a parents love to make sure that our kids are having fun at home and with the family. Arroyo Vista need to focus more in having the best programs for our kids.
—Submitted by a parent

Arroyo Vista keeps getting better and better! Although I was initially against it becoming a K-8 School, I couldn't be happier about how it turned out. All of my kids are learning to be successful individuals.
—Submitted by a parent

I think the principal and educators are excellent at this school. The overall environment is rather shallow and unfriendly, though. My kids enjoy going to the school. I would like to see some extracurricular sports programs offered.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children, my eldest is a Jr. in High School. I have only had positive experiences with the administration and faculty. My children have thrived and grown with the nurturing of the amazing teachers. They provide various opportunities for families to get involved..like our school play and Family Fun nights. They have limited fundraising throughout the past several years. I wish the kids could dress up for Halloween but understand that it does interfere with curriculum time. Arroyo Vista has some of the highest test scores which shows cognitive growth. The only concern I have is yard supervision but that seems to be at every school in the area. My children have both had happy, healthy relationships with their friends and teachers. If you consider moving to the area, it truly is one of the best public schools in South County.
—Submitted by a parent

Arroyo Vista is an amazing elementary school. The administration is outstanding as are the teachers. It has been a delightful experience for all 5 of my children.
—Submitted by a parent

Overall, we have been happy with this school. Parent involvement seems high and the principal and vice principal seem very connected with the students.
—Submitted by a parent

I feel the school spends too much time on fund raisers and not enough time on the kids. The kids don't seem to get enough if any extra curricular activity, ex.: No valentines party or wearing halloween costumes to school. Teachers do not seem to care about the kids as much as I would like them to. They do not seem to get on a personal level at all with the kids. I also do not feel that the kids are being incouraged enough to learn and to do there work. The attitude of my daughters teacher is, if you don't want to do it then don't. (Mind you my kid is only in kindergarten). I am also concerned about the supervision at the school. When I go to pick my daughter up there are several students outside and only one supervisor I have seen kids try to leave school.
—Submitted by a parent

Our experience at this school has been wonderful. The teachers are fantastic and parent involvement is very high. We are being transfered to a new area and will dearly miss this school.
—Submitted by a parent

Excellent leadership displayed from Principal. Many great teachers and parent volunteers. Overall, caring and structured environment!
—Submitted by Rebecca Salimpour, a parent