Vista Grande Elementary School

My two daughters attend Vista Grande and am so glad we made the change. They have had teachers that challenge their potential and it's amazing to see them excel. They love all the teachers they've had and always come home talking about something they've learned or talked about in class especially science. Great, great school overall with the programs they have and involvement of many volunteers.
—Submitted by a parent

Vista Grande stands above other schools in a multitude of ways. They are a California Distinguished School, a Title 1 Achievement School, and were placed on the California for Business Excellence Honor Roll. They are closing achievement gaps in all areas. But Vista Grande is not all about test scores. They offer extracurricular activities through History Day, Science Field Day, and Project Citizen. The History Day program at Vista Grande has earned MORE awards than any other elementary school in California and the mentor teacher was honored as the California State History Teacher of the Year. Project Citizen successfully lobbied to change the lunch trays to a more environmentally friendly and biodegradable material. If your child is struggling in academics, Vista Grande does not leave them out! Instead, students participate in a variety of special academic assistance programs with specialized staff to make sure that they receive the extra help they need. The teachers, administration, and staff go the extra mile to individually tailor your child's academic experience to highlight their strengths and address their weaknesses; in both an academic and emotional capacity.
—Submitted by a parent

My two sons are in this school and we are very pleased with the teachers, the activities offered, the parent involvement. My boys always tell me how they liked their school and their teachers as well. Great school overall.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the parent of two children who attend Vista Grande Elementary School. The principal and front office staff go the extra mile to ensure that children and parents receive the time and attention they need. Most of the teachers are very dedicated and committed to giving their best to our children, despite the never ending budget cuts. It has the feel of a private school, in that the sheer size of the school allows children to be known by name and recognized for their uniqueness. There are many opportunities for parents to be involved and children to express creative ideas. Our new principal brings a positive "can do" attitude with a child centered approach. Vista Grande is an excellent school!
—Submitted by a parent

Vista Grande is an outstanding school. The school offers all GATE-certified teachers 3rd and up, a Science Lab, Running Club, participation in Science Field Day and History Day, Family Science Night/Star Party, a computer lab, Fine Artists program, Country Fair, Spaghetti Dinner (served by teachers), and many other opportunities for academic and social growth. Vista Grande has an outstanding resource staff, if your child is in need of special education services, but the school also has many opportunities for gifted and high-performing students. With the district focusing on budgetary problems, increasing class size, and a barrage of testing to satisfy state requirements, the teachers remain dedicated and enthusiastic about academic rigor and social-emotional development of each child. In addition, VG has a new principal who has innovative ideas and puts children first. I am very happy with my children attending Vista Grande.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school full of dedicated teachers. We have had a great experience and I say don't waste your time trying to get into other schools in the area. This school stands out. It is smaller because everyone thinks Kumeyaay is so great and don't give Vista Grande a thought. Works out great and keeps class size down too!! All the teachers at this school have been there over 10 years (most anyway) and it shows. They are a small school and that makes for more one on one attention. A great school through and through!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have had an excellent experience at this school. My son enjoys the art and running programs. His second grade teacher is phenomenal and has given so much of her own time to make sure her class is recieving quality education. The only reason I give it 4 stars is that with his first grade teacher, who retired, I didn't see any improvements. This year has far made up for it.
—Submitted by a parent

My child spent Kinder through 2nd grade here because it's our boundry school. I was impressed with the teachers and felt they were very aware of my childs unique learning style. As it turns out, my child was identified as GATE seminar and we decided to enroll her in a school that offered that program. The library is beautiful, my child got to use the computer lab quite a bit. The front office staf is very friendly too. My only hesetation was that the principal implied that he didn't believe in gifted education.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone raves about Vista Grande, but to me it has little to be desired. Unless your child is an outstanding student don't expect them to go the extra mile. The only time they will is if there is a severe learning issue and even then it takes up to a year to get any kind of help. The principal has no spine. If you plan on staying in the area I really recomend Kumeyey elemen. They are the best. Don't waste your time here!
—Submitted by a parent

The school's environment is safe and welcoming. The teachers are proactive about approaching the individual needs of each student. I volunteer in my son's 1st grade class weekly and it is clear that each student is being approached differently, from diferent homework assignments to additional classroom responsibilities to one-on-one tutoring. My son received his IEP this year and I was blown away by the IEP team. They offered us many more services than expected and were way ahead of schedule actively soliticing the school district for a one-on-one aid for my son--I felt this was needed, but they'd already started the battle before I brought it up. The diversity is wonderful. The kids who are choiced-in have parents who really want their kids here and it shows in their kid's performance. Mr. Richmond knows the kids names and works hard to keep the atmosphere at the school positive.
—Submitted by a parent

Vista Grande has been a good school for my son. He is in the non-severe special ed. program. He has come so far in the 3 years he's been there. The teachers are great!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had children at Vista Grande for over 10 years (3 kids), and I have never had a complaint. It is a great school. The PTA provides many extra programs. My children all love going to school, and I feel it is because of this school. The art program is fantastic. We do have bussed kids, but it is not a bad thing...people from all over SD want their kids to go here, because they know it is good. It also makes the school more diverse..something I appreciate and enjoy. This diversity is something that is lacking in the other schools in this area. The teachers and staff are great and have the best interest of the children in mind. We would recommend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a parent

Good Stats. Very high parent involement. Good environment, friendly and helpful teachers communicate well with parents. Fine Artists program is great for the students to learn basic art skills. A good challeging place for good readers, to become even better. Overall a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

The teachers are overwhelmed by the especially spirited children. If your kid isn't an independent learner with zero behavioral problems I would try to steer clear of Vista Grande.
—Submitted by a parent

Really great school - very diverse and high quality teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

More then half of the students are bussed or 'choiced' in, so don't count neighborhood as a factor in chosing this school. Teachers subscribe to the theory of 'no student left behind' so if yours is the brightest they will be neglected until others catch up. Teachers are gone to meetings and seminars all the time so you get to know the substitutes very well. Parents run the school; teachers are aware of this and step out of the way. Principal, Alan Richmond, rarely stands in the way. There is a new superintendant and so far we have seen nothing from him, good or bad. The gate program is on par with the regular program at neighboring Kumeyaay Elementary. We're leaving Vista Grande ASAP!
—Submitted by a parent

The leasership in this school is great. Parent involvement is awsome. My children love the school.
—Submitted by a parent

My family and I are so fortunate to have our child attend this school. It's not only beautiful, but the teachers are top-notch, and extremely qualified. I have nothing to say but GREAT things about this school. My son was supposed to attend another school near my house which was horrible, so my prayers came true when they called to let him attend. You WON'T be disappointed--guaranteed!
—Submitted by a parent

Family orientated school!
—Submitted by David Levine, a parent

We are really impressed with the 'extras' that Vista Grande offers: Running Program Fine Artists Program Science (for grades 1 - 5) Band Chess (offered through Mad Science) Evening Family Science Nights P.E. classes GATE classes The teachers are very friendly, professional. We had two awesome teachers this past year for Kindergarten and for Third Grade. We're very happy and satisfied with the school. This was our first year - through the Choice program.