Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School

I attended this school last year and now attend a prestigious boarding school in Carpinteria, CA. Villa's teachers have good intentions, but no helpful teaching strategies or ways to get students excited about learning. This school was the diamond of the SAUSD when in the few years after it was opened, gaining national recognition for its A Better Chance program( that I was a part of last year) In recent years however, fewer and fewer students are being admitted into these schools. My year, 4 students were privileged to gain acceptance, and the year before me no one got in. 2 years ago, about 20 kids got in. I feel as if this school somewhat prepared me for life after middle school. I saw bullying as a major problem, and most of the students had no interest whatsoever in being engaged or actually caring. This is disappointing me because I truly believe that this school has the potential to be different than the majority of schools in Santa Ana. It is true however that most years Villa does amazingly in academic competitions such as Pentathlon. A decrease in funding has also affected the school. I wish to one day make things better for future scholars such as myself who got lucky.

Great.school.the.best great teachers great students.i attended to this school and its awsome they help you and support you .

Although Villa is a "lottery" school, I wanted my daughter to go there because of a special program that helps advanced students get into private prep schools called ABC (A Better Chance). With budget cuts, there is no support for any extra clubs or programs now, and the support for ABC was greatly dimminished by the time she was in eighth grade. We had to apply and do everything ourselves for the ABC program. Aside from the ABC program, the revolving door of principals keeps the school in a state of flux and has caused low morale among the teachers, many of them giving in to mediocrity. My student reported that some teachers did nothing more than hand out a worksheet. If you are looking for a finer level of education for your student, keep looking. This school is touted as a fundamental school, but is nothing more than low-end education with added uniforms. The latest principal shows promise, but who knows how long she will stay. Many good teachers are looking for transfers. Hopefully, Villa will find a way to reolve these issues and re-build their reputation.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended villa a couple of years back and it was wonderful. Now my sister attends VIlla. They have several different programs for the students and are very supportive.

HaHA oh em gee I go to this school. It's sooo AWSOME. I like my teachers and the students there.I'm glad I got into a good school becouse here they care about your education and help you be Successful . Well, that's my opinio(n what I think). :)
—Submitted by a student

Villa is a great school. Despite an unresponsive school district this school continues to produce.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school filled with many educational oppurtunties for all the students.They have a ABC program which helps students get into private, prestiged High schools around the country.They also have a leadership class wich helps students improve thier leadership skills and put toghether school dances, give the principle the students opion on decsions, and many more things. They also have a student broadcasting team, student journalism team, art classes, and a enginering class (MESA). They have P.E. teachers who are giving offers by highschools to teach their one of my teachers Mrs. Racheal Gill is the prestiged by the district. This is the best school in Santa Ana, parents line up for hours to get their students in the school. Students come out early on wednesday's just so teachers can talk to each other about how to teach the students better.
—Submitted by a student

Villa is a wonderful school. My daughter has been attending since the 6th grade. I feel that she has received the best education that is available. She has been in the honors program since 6th grade. She is now ranked 2nd in her Language class. Villa tries to get their parents involved in all aspects. They volunteer, help with fundraisers. They also have a very active PTO.
—Submitted by a parent

I am impressed with the staff and teachers at this site. Even though there are 40-46 students in several of the classes they continue to try and maintain the best education they can give. The principal is very active in all areas of the school and highly visiable. The expects parent and student participation and high accountability. The school is in a district that has not done well with their spending. The district makes it difficult for any of their schools to perform at their best.
—Submitted by a parent

My children (twin 6th graders, boy and girl), have only been going to this school for a couple of weeks. But I have been so impressed by the entire school, staff, teachers, counselors, and students. With the passion, willingness to please and accomadate, very friendly and making us all feel very welcomed. I had not heard a lot about this school before enrolling here, but this is truly a diamond in the rough.
—Submitted by a parent