Vista School

My son has attended Vista for the last five years. I am very pleased with the education he has received. The teachers are wonderful and very involved.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has attended Vista Elementary since kindergarten, and basically it has been a pretty good school. There have been a lot of issues in prior years with certain teachers constantly harassing and singling out children on recesses for kids being kids, and a old school principal that covered that up and make excuse after excuse for them. However, last year a well needed change in Principal's fixed that - Mrs Randall, the new Principal is just great and knows children by name. She is a pleasure to talk to & very positive for our children - and finds the good in ALL of them. The FRESH start that this school needed!! And teachers seem to follow her positive attitude as well... every school needs a Mrs Randall :)
—Submitted by a parent

Having moved from Murray, I am so much happier with Vista. The new principal, Mrs. Randall is involved and knows her students by name, she answers questions and has been so much help. The new social worker, Ms. Kessel is amazing and the teachers are wonderful, I don't feel like it's MY job to do homework every night. They motivate my kids and inspire them. I love this school and the staff.
—Submitted by a parent

I think elementary schools in general are sending home too much homework. It does feel like it shifts the workload onto the parents, and also feels like an attempt to force 'parental involvement.' 2 stars for that. 5 star teachers. 5 stars for an EXCELLENT new principal and a EXTREMELY COMPETENT social worker (Fall 2009). I anticipate great new things for kids in special ed and especially those with ADHD and autism. The principal has personal experience with ADHD kids. Vista also has a decent music program, but it doesn't start until 5th grade (4 stars). 5 stars for the new dual emersion Spanish program that helps the growing hispanic population. 5 stars for handling diversity. No stars for after-school programs. They need to start talking about how they CAN implement one, instead of why they CAN'T. (ie., use the Catholic church facilities across the street , change the policies, etc.)
—Submitted by a parent

The problem I have with this school is that it seems like I am the one teaching my child. They bring pages and pages of homework each day and when I go over it, I am teaching them everything. I don't think children should have so much homework in the first grade and in kindergarton. i think elementary should ease into the homework. The teachers aren't very helpful either.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 daughters in the dual emersion spanish language program and we all love it. I have had bad experiences at other schools, but I think the teachers here are great!
—Submitted by a parent

This schools education is not good one bit at all. I have barely even learned anything. After I moved to a different school I had gotten so much better education and I got to express myself. They even let the kids serve the food and the kids don't even pay attention. this school doesn't give kids a way to express who they really are,get the education they should get,or even have fun while learning. I suggest going to a different school.
—Submitted by a student

My first impression of Vista was really great until we had our first problem. Then the tables were turned and suddenly it was a problem at home or something that was not the school's responsibility. Dr.Clarke never seems to have a direct answer or solution to problems that arise.
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 kids in Vista I currently have only 1 in 5th grade. Their office staff is reluctant to help. Dr. Clarke the principal always has the 'party line' answers about the problems they have at Vista. 'That is a disctrict issue...' 'we don't have enough training for our teachers because their is no funding.' I am glad my child only has one more year at Vista.
—Submitted by Shelly White, a parent