Vista High School

This school is not that bad I really enjoyed going to Vista high school. The best part of the school Is David Hanlon the character leaders teacher. He has worked to make the school more friendly and open to everyone. I felt safe and happy at Vista and I hope your kids do too. I really loved my teachers. The only complaint is the nasty bathrooms! Gross! Fashion club and show choir was so much fun.
—Submitted by a student

My son has just completed his second year at Vista High. He loves his school, and takes great pride in being a Panther. The old reputation is slowly changing, as Vista proves itself to have strong leadership, inclusive policies, for honors, athletes,band, drama, as well as English learners, teen moms, and the otherwise socio-economically challenged. I am glad my son sees this wide view culture, and tolerance. Yes, there are troublemakers, yes there is inappropriate activity, and yes, they do have security on campus. It is still, in main, a friendly, open, safe environment, with something for everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

I enjoyed vista high. As a teen mom they really helped me with the teen parent program and graduating on time. the teachers were great, despite the few that are not, and the administration is good too. the principal and vice principals care about the students and my counselor did everything in her power to help me succeed. I know many have a misconception about gangs but honestly they are no trouble once you take any problem to security, the on campus officer, or administration. I am glad I was at VHS and had the help I needed.
—Submitted by a student

This is the worst high school ever! My kids were honors students with no academic or bhaviour problems until attending here. The staff is to consumed with themselves and the union. My boys had a hard time dealing with the sudden death of their dad when entering the school...no one knew what help was available...nor did they care. Kids here are just a number...and if you are a parent who adocates for their kid and acutally cares -- watch out!
—Submitted by a parent

I truely enjoy going to vista high school for the reason that the teachers are there for us when ever we are stuck in anything. This school is very safe, i really don't understand why parents are scared of sending there child here because of gangs its not like there always going to hold there hand in the street, I bet there worst then gang members, anyways I am happy to be in this school and proud. Panther :) all the way
—Submitted by a student

Vista High School is truly a wonderful school, it has great sport programs, and amazing teachers. When i go to school, i feel safe and i am excited to go to my classes. Everyone complains that Vista has 'too many gangs'.... that is crap every school has gangs, if you think your getting away from it by going to Rancho or El Camino, your going to find out that it is everywhere. I think it is unfair that Vista has a bad reputation, i love this school and it deserves some good feedback!!
—Submitted by a student

This high school cares about all ofthe extra-cirricular activities in school . THE ROTC classes are fantastic. The teachers areall wonderful.. they always give a hand to any students who need some help.
—Submitted by a student

Vista High School has many fantastic extracirricular activities. Some teachers aren't understanding basic High School needs, but for the most part the teachers of Vista show care & dedication for fellow students
—Submitted by a student

VHS has 2 separate schools-Honors and everyone else. I am a very involved parent and have fought every year for my student to receive the help she needs. Now we pay for her to receive private classes so she can be ready for college. It is overcrowded. Teachers often accept substandard work. The counselors try hard but are overworked and focused on the extreme. If I could do it again, I would have moved prior to her HS years to get her in a better place.
—Submitted by a parent

If you play football it might be a good choice but there are better football programs in the county. The school is overcrowded and the gangs are not getting any better. The AP classes are good but at what cost?
—Submitted by a parent

For what this school is given, it does well. It has the most AP classes offered in north county as well as IB curriculum. For those students that want their hands held all the way through their senior year, this is not the school for them. They will have to take responsibility for their own actions and duties. Security is a 'concern' of many students, yet there are rarely any fights at a lunch with 2,500 kids. Realistically, there are gangs on campus, but they don't bother you if you don't want to be bothered. Many students put themselves in situations which provoke violence; all they have to do is not put themselves in that type of situation. The extra-curriculars at this school are top notch. Performing arts have earned many awards and have wonderful teachers. Athletics have gone to CIF in all if not most areas and enjoy much success.
—Submitted by a parent

The overcrowding does not lead to a good academic experience overall ... nonetheless, the availability of AP classes makes up for this ... but requires a truly motivated, self-starter ... Parents must be involved!
—Submitted by a former student

VHS focuses primarily on it's football program to give the school notoriety. This narrow focus hinders all other areas of academic and extracurricular activities and will continue to limit VHS's ability to provide students the solid base required for college and career opportunities.
—Submitted by a parent

Vista High School has a variety of academic opportunities that many other schools do not retain. It also has an excellent athletic program that provides students with interesting hobbies and outlets. There are over 25 different clubs that students can participate in as well as start their own. As Vista does provide a good healthy atmosphere for students, it is lacking in funding for superior education, extra-curriculars and educational programs that would be beneficial to disadvantaged or academically challenged students.
—Submitted by a former student

Sweet football program, with great coaching. I only had one teacher who actually cared about his students, which didnt allow me to reach my full potential. Unless your kid is going to play football, dont go there.
—Submitted by H K, a student

Definately needs improvement in treating children with respect when it comes to security staff, but over all teaching is good. Safety is definitly an issue.
—Submitted by a former student

Mark coppedge, auto shop, an amazing teacher. He's concerned as much about the student as a person as how much they learn about auto mechanics. I would highly recommend your son or daughter take his class. Not only will they gain useful knowledge regarding cars, they'll also gain insight into themselves and character building.
—Submitted by Patty Brubaker, a parent

I think that Vista High School believes that it is more awsome than it really is. It's a good school, but not as good as it could be.
—Submitted by a student

This shcool focuses too much on sports and not enough on academics or the cafeteria food. my daughter has complained about their disgusting lunches, and about classes being too big and not focusing on other students who need help. thank you for your time. A mother speaks out for her daughter
—Submitted by a parent

Good for the typical high school student. Poor staff, with some exceptions. Not for a sheltered child.
—Submitted by a student