Monte Vista Elementary School

We came from private school and are very pleased with Monte Vista. The teachers we have had are excellent and have decades of experience. There is a core group of skilled parents who make up a strong PTA. The student body is very diverse both economically and in background. In my son's class we had parents from several Asian and European countries, as well as white and Hispanic families. Our parents do everything from high tech to food service. Good character is stressed at this school and I'm really glad my kids will enjoy having friends with different backgrounds - an opportunity they did not have private school. We have several good friends at Peabody but I enjoy the smaller, calmer campus life at Monte Vista. We also have a strong, experienced Board at the District Level as well.
--Submitted by a parent

My child has attended this school for kindergarten and we could not be happier. His teacher was wonderful; caring and engaging. The kids attend art, music, computer lab and p.e. one time per week, which is funded by the very active p.t.a. Parent participation is excellent, with at least two to three parents per day working in his classroom. He had only 17 kids in her class and there was one aide to assist with the three kindergarten classes. Many after school classes are available, though rather expensive. We have a fantastic p.t.a. board coming in this upcoming year, which should only help school unity and spirit.
--Submitted by a parent

Monte Vista is a wonderful elementary school. We considered sending our boys to some of the areas high-end private schools but everyone told us how lucky we were to live in the hope school district and to give Monte Vista a shot. I m a college professor and I continue to be impressed with the curriculum and quality of instruction at Monte Vista. The parent involvement, culture of sharing, instructor integrity and expertise are excellent and has more than met my expectations. We do indeed feel fortunate to be a part of such a special public school.
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended this school for many years. Most of the teachers my kids had were excellent. We are now in the Goleta school district. Honestly, I think Monte Vista is over rated. Seems to be too focused on test scores.
--Submitted by a parent

It's such an awesome school and community - feels almost like a private school!
--Submitted by a parent

This school feels intimate, like a neighborhood school where everyone knows your kids. Excellent teachers, rigorous curriculum. Very, very involved parent group. The graduates of this school are the best & brightest when they go on to Jr. High.
--Submitted by a parent

I have a third grader and a Kindergardner, so I have been involved with the school for four years and I love it. My children are learning. They are engaged and encouraged. Their teachers have all been wonderful. The reading and library is great. The encouragement to write is fantastic. Math and science are made exciting. Parent involvement is encouraged.
--Submitted by a parent

Great academics, but very focused on test scores. Not enough attention to social/counseling component. Parent input drives school content/activities, not always the best thing for a school.
--Submitted by a parent