Val Vista Academy

4120 South Val Vista Drive

School District

Ball Charter Schools (Val Vista)
Grade

K-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

charter

School Map for Ball Charter Schools (Val Vista)

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on October 30, 2023

We've been at VVA for 9 years, with 3 kids. They've implemented more advanced ELA and Math classes for eight graders this year--something I have been wanting, thus I feel like my feedback has been heard... and I appreciate that this is challenging to implement at a small school!Teachers give kids time to get homework done at the end of the day. My kids buckle down and get it done, although I know friends with chattier kids who socialize and are coming home with homework. My kids pay attention and put in the effort so academically they are getting good grades and their test scores are always good. Graduates from VVA are generally ahead once they get to high school based on all the feedback I have gotten from former students. Any concerns I have had over the years about academics has been addressed. My youngest is ahead in math and reading and they have met his needs. My middle is a little behind in reading and the support for him has been offered.I can't comment on Special Ed as I don't have experience with that part of school. I gave 4 stars for social-emotional support because I wish there was a guidance counselor available to help with social/mental/emotional needs--I think every school should have this.They have a ton of events to get families involved.The sports program is phenomenal at VVA.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2023

This is my kids second year attending. We have seen so much growth in them! We have felt supported through learning disabilities and medical conditions. Every single teacher and staff member is absolutely amazing! My kids are thriving! Thank you Val Vista Academy!!!
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2023

Val Vista has been our extended family for 8 years now. I can’t say enough positive things about this school. I find that usually parents/guardians that talk about bullying or shaming never tried to work with the school, or put complete blame on other students. There is a no bully tolerance and I have certainly seen it in put into effect.
Submitted by parent on June 02, 2022

If I could give 0 stars, I would. My daughter went there prior to COVID. She had a lot of anxiety and was easily bullied. Instead of teaching the kids to not bully they encouraged her to talk about her struggles to her peers in order to help students find compassion; they bullied her for that too. The school did nothing. It became so bad that we had it started impacting behavior at home. We sent behavioral health professionals in with her to see if they could see what was triggering the anxiety and help staff support her. Two different behavioral health professionals stated that they witnessed her math teacher humiliating her in front of students, shaming her for academic struggles and her weight. When we reported and demanded that she be taken out of his class, THE SCHOOL BANNED THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. They said they could deal with her needs "in house." We pulled my daughter out, this is simply the worst school she had ever been to. Since then, my daughter went on to an awesome school (Gilbert Arts Academy) where they worked with her. She was super nervous after all the abuse at Val Vista but they stood by her. At the end of her 7th grade year she was named Most Improved in her class. At the end of her 8th grade year she was given the Student Leadership Award for her school. Val Vista shamed her for her learning disabilities. This year she wrote an essay winning her a trip to DC with 4 other classmates. I state this to note that my daughter's terrible experience was definitely Val Vista. She found nothing but success when she left and went to a school that modeled kindness and promoted kindness among students. Val Vista modeled cruelty from the top down. IF YOU LOVE YOUR CHILD, DO NOT SEND THEM HERE.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2022

Principal plays favoritism, doesn’t follow through with promises made about issues with certain children in classes. More than half the children are ungrateful brats who can’t keep their hands to themselves. Do not recommend.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2019

Look elsewhere please, school continues to go from bad to worse over the last 2 years. It's a shame, used to be a great environment
Submitted by parent on July 24, 2019

I would rate this school as average, they do not effectively deal with bullying and it was an issue all year long. The teacher turnover was also a huge issue for me as well as the principle interfering with custody issues.
Submitted by parent on July 03, 2019

We have been at VVA for over 6 years now and we are very happy here. I have 3 kids, one starting in middle school, one going into 4th, and one going into 2nd. We have had such a great experience with teachers at this school. I love that VVA is a small school, this past year my older daughter had the opportunity to play on sports teams in both volleyball and basketball, without any prior experience. At a larger school she would not have had the same opporunity. The teachers at VVA go above and beyond to make learning fun and they show so much care for my kids. I send them off each day knowing that they will be loved and cared for while they are at school.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2018

Absolutely excellent. The teachers care about the kids and know how to teach each child according to their learning style. I have been incredibly impressed!
Submitted by teacher on August 12, 2018

I have been a teacher at this school for 7 years. I absolutely love working with the families here. I am still here after 7 years despite other job offers at district schools because I feel appreciated and supported by other staff members, the administration and our wonderful families. We have a very caring and effective special education department, and classroom teachers differentiate instruction in order to accommodate other students in the classroom. The athletics program for such a small school is outstanding. The cheer leaders have already won two state titles and they've only been cheering for three years. The volleyball program has had to expand to two teams because of demand. The school also offers flag football, basketball, co-ed soccer and cross country. Overall this is an excellent school with wonderfully dedicated teachers. Come see for yourself and stop by for a tour!!
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2018

We couldn’t be happier with the education and life skills our daughters are receiving from VVA. The opportunities this school has given our daughters have been nothing short of amazing. We are so thankful for VVA. Go Vipers!
Submitted by other on February 13, 2017

My children were attending this school since Kindergarten to 1st grade. They have been bulling by one kid form the 1st day to the last. The principle of this school did not do anything about it. The teachers are there to spend their time, not to educate. In general, we waisted our time. I was frustrated about that kind education when the school has no structure...We moved to great school. That was a best decision in my and my children life's.Now, I'm glad that my kids have a better school and education.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2017

want to say that there are many reasons we as parents chose Val Vista Academy as our school. One of those reasons is that we have incredible families who connect and work with each other to make Our school a Community.If you are considering a charter school, I urge you to consider Val Vista Academy and consider the benefits a child has by actually having smaller class sizes within a smaller school. The curriculum is designed to be individualized and to meet every students needs, whether they need to be challenged or need extra assistance. Parents, please let others know about why you chose Val Vista Academy.Our principal, Student Service Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and the rest of the staff work very hard to support one another and to keep up with demands of the importance of a consistent education from kinderprep-eighth grade. If you have any questions, I'd recommend calling and setting up a tour now!
Submitted by other on October 08, 2016

There are a lot of turnovers among the staff. They do not treat their staff with respect but rather use them for a period of time and dispose of them with out giving them a reason as they have a clause with in their contracts that allow them to fire someone with out cause.
Submitted by parent on February 10, 2016

Val Vista Academy is a good school for grades K-6th, but it definitely lacks a middle school program that prepares the adolescents for high school.
Submitted by other on November 18, 2015

A welcoming and safe environment for kids. My 1st grader and 3rd grader are excelling in their social and educational development. We truly value the experience our boys are having.
Submitted by principal on October 14, 2015

One of the strengths of our school is small classes (the number of students per class in each grade level is as follows: Kindergarten: 17; 1st Grade: 17; 2nd Grade: 22; 3rd Grade: 19; 4th Grade: 18; 5th Grade: 20; Grades 6-8: 15) and less students overall than you will typically find in schools in the area (approximately 380). The break down of classes per grade is as follows: Kindergarten: 3; First Grade: 3; Second Grade: 3: Third Grade: 3; Fourth Grade: 2; Fifth Grade: 2; Grades 6-8: students rotate in small groups (6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, and 8) between 4 dynamic Middle School teachers. The result of smaller classes and a smaller school offers an opportunity to implement a positive and productive learning environment for ALL students, and an opportunity to develop a strong bond with parents. Val Vista Academy also has many after school programs, including an athletic program (we are just completing our first season of competitive flag football and volleyball and preparing for the Winter sports season, fine arts classes, Spanish, music and drama, and a before and after school care program.
Submitted by teacher on September 18, 2015

VVA is a wonderful school. If you're looking for a smaller school that feels like a family, this is the place to be. The teachers know all the kids' names, and all the teachers are highly qualified. The curriculum engages students in higher levels of thinking and also allows for students to be challenged academically. Love the teachers and the administration!
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2015

We recently moved our kindergartener from a close by public school to Val vista academy and we are so happy we did! He went from refusing to do any work and not listening to the teacher to improved handwriting and an outstanding mark for behavior. The small class sizes, passionate teachers and staff, and obvious love for what they do make all the difference in the world during this formative time in our children's lives. My child loves going to school again and it's because we picked a school that loves him back!
Submitted by teacher on September 15, 2015

I love teaching at Val Vista Academy! The small class size limit allows me to meet the needs of ALL of my students. Six weeks in and my Kindergartners are already successfully reading, writing, and engaging in learning centers. It is also wonderful to truly feel supported and appreciated by both the parents and the administration at the school.