Monte Vista Middle School

I wish this school would have encouraged more parental involvement. My child attended this school for three years. I always volunteered to help but was never called. The leadership in the administration digressed terribly while my student attended there...the only positive aspects were some of the teachers he had: the wonderful Mrs. Arbogast (6th grade) and then the inspiring Mr. Baker (Science) and the fabulously energetic Miss Hsaio (Algebra). Too bad that the counselors and adminstrators did not seem to put in half the effort that these teachers put in. It seemed that a lot of time was wasted on things like Monte Vista Idol instead of encouraging extracurricular activities for the student body that would last more than a couple of weeks. How about encouraging the students to compete and represent Monte Vista in academic arenas such as Math Olympiad (kudos to Mrs. Arbogast) or Science Olympiad, or even the spelling bee. If we had to do it over again, I think I would have sent my child to Williams, except I had heard their math track was not as advanced as Monte Vista's.
--Submitted by a parent

This school have a lot of issues to solve The viceprincipal mr. Doyle can not management the behavior with the kids my son was bullied for one student and he can not do nothing . So sad do not enroll your kids here.
--Submitted by a parent

I have just graduated froom MVMS, and through the past 3 years there, I have encountered many great teachers such as Mr.McMillan, Ms.Hsiao, Mrs.Arbogast, and Ms.Baum, they all top my list. But I do have to say that the campus is quite run-down and not the cleanest. But all around, the school is average...
--Submitted by a student

My child has been a student at Monte Vista for the past two years. Overall the teachers that my child has had are non-enthusiastic and uncreative. The school premises is outdated. The staff in the office treat the parents just like they treat the middle school students; rudely, and are impatient. But to be fair, my child did have a fabulously spunky and smart teacher Ms. Hsiao and the best chior/music teacher I have seen in a long time Mr. McMillan.
--Submitted by a parent

I think this is one great school. Especially the GATE teachers, Ms. Baum and Ms. Arbogast. They make the learning experience fun and challenging. They have a control on the class and also are very organized. So, if your student is in GATE, I suggest that they go to Monte Vista.
--Submitted by Jessica, a parent

MVMS was a good school, although the classes were a little too easy.
--Submitted by a former student

The Conventional classes are to easy, and may need to do more physicall learning, instead of just text books. The G.A.T.E. program is superb. and Mrs.Baum and Ms.Stephens should get a raise (Mr.Asami as well). they are excellent (although I dont know how much they make now...so who knows). The teachers are awesome, and the school is great.
--Submitted by Robyn Schlotfeldt, a student

Great School, Helpful staff. Good relationship with parents.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful school. Great teachers. My child enjoyed his 3 years at MVMS.
--Submitted by a parent

I grew up in East Palo Alto and I thought that they school I atteneded couldn't get any worse then I walked onto Monte Vista campus, it a terrible place to send students, if I could afford it my children would definately not be attending school their, the atmosphere alone and attitutes of staff is the worst I have ever seen
--Submitted by a parent