Vista Magnet Middle School of Technology Science and Math

This school is amazing! the science department has a lot more supplies than most schools. Amazing teachers. Excellent math departments. One thing is that students do get more projects but because they are being prepared for high school and to get them ready for the California Standards Test (CST).This school also has a swimming unit for Physical Education (PE) which is something that most schools don't have. In conclusion I would recommend this school for any student who is willing to work hard for a good education.

This school is what you make of it. If you decide not to be a disciplined student, you won't be rewarded, as the program is demanding. If you get caught up in its flaws (not much choice for electives, "lack of individual expression"), you won't be able to properly appreciate the wonderful staff and advanced math courses. As an alumni, I have total appreciation for my experience there, having made great friends and received a wonderful education. If you want a curriculum surrounding the arts, go to VAPA. This is a science and mathematics-oriented school. The bottom line is that you will receive the best middle school education in VUSD here - if you are willing to work for it.

Vista Magnet is not for everyone. My son and his friends were happy to leave after three years at this school. The principal is very demanding and strict, the teachers are overworked and underpaid, and the support staff is stressed. The students don't have any choices for elective classes because all students take art and spanish classes for three consecutive years (boring!) This school doesn't even have a music program so students are not able to explore other options or be creative. One good thing about this school is their math department which prepares most students for advanced math classes. Unfortunately many math teachers leave this school every year. If your child likes math and science then this is the right school for him/her.
--Submitted by a parent

I just promoted after being here for the full 3 years and let me just say that I am glad to be leaving. More then glad. The office staff was more then mean, they were down right rude and distasteful. While most of the teachers were friendly and helpful, some were stress inducing and strict. Because of the stress of the end of the year required project called the capstone, I had about 3 emotional breakdowns the time period of a month. While I do admit that they prepared me better then other middle schools would have for high school and even college, I did not enjoy my time there. It's a technology school, yet they cut the digital arts program this year to put us through an art class. I was quite excited for the art class until I actually got there. They limit you, restrict your self expression and everyone's work looked the same. You had a week to do projects and only class time which meant you had to choose between good quality work and getting it in on time. The only reason I change was because I had made such good friends and didn't want to leave them and start over. If your into science, go here. If you like art, music and self expression, go somewhere. I suggest Madison.

This is a great school for gifted kids, I love it here. It has great courses and I feel more challenged than I was in other schools. The Math program is great, it gives 7th graders a chance to take algebra 1 and 8th can have geometry or honors geotrig. The teachers are supportive and push you to your best. Students will like it here.

this school is different from any other middle school. The teachers really motivates us students to try our hardest on everything. The tutoring gives you more help that makes you understand the concept. This school is the best and I will never regret going there
--Submitted by a student

VMMS is the best school I have ever attended. It is very academically challenging and the other schools I have attended do not even compete in the slightest. The teachers inspire you to do your very best work because they accept nothing less. They use the very best school books so you will have the finest education. All in all it is an amazing school!
--Submitted by a student

I love this school! We students are supported by our teachers and the number one goal for all of them is that we learn. Though we practice for our tests and learn strategies for how to show what we have learned, our teachers truly focus on helping us grow as individual people. Being a GATE student, I find myself regularly challenged at this school and in every one of its programs. However, the main reason I can't see myself at any other school is because of the advanced math course that allows seventh (and even select sixth) graders explore Algebra 1, a high school course. All the teachers are wonderful and the student body is unique and kind! I have nothing but positive things to say about this school.
--Submitted by a student

Great teachers! Not a lot of respect from other kids, a lot of bulling. I was disappointed about the lack of hands on projects as well. Not all that great of a school. Teachers on the other hand, were awesome! Only sent my kid there for one year.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a good school. My only complaint is that only a handful of the teachers use the blackboard and parent portal. We heard a lot about them during the campus tour and orientation and it is a disappointment that they are not used more.
--Submitted by a parent