Mountain Valley Academy

1010 Ramona Street

Ramona, CA 92065

School District

Ramona City Unified
Grade

K-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:21
Type

public

School Map for Ramona City Unified School District

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 August 03, 2023

At Mountain Valley Academy students spend a day and a half in the classroom with grade level peers and their teachers, the rest of the week is homeschool. It is a unique and amazing opportunity for families who want to homeschool but also want the "normal" school experiences. The kids participate in art, music, library, field trips...etc. The teachers and staff are very supportive and obviously care deeply for their students.
Submitted by parent on May 25, 2018

It's three years after someone posted “Horrible School” etc. but I couldn’t be happier. This is my 12th year of having my kids in MVA - with 5 years to go. I’ve had 3 highly successful children graduate, go to college, immediately get jobs, and pay off all their debt in their first year. That doesn’t come from going to average schools, turning in an average amount of work, or giving average effort. My guess is that negative parent comments are given by those who want the teachers to constantly motivate the students in what is clearly stated as an ‘Independent Study’ school. If your student can’t do their work on their own, this is not the place for them. If a parent doesn’t want to be a 100% adjunct teacher to their child’s learning, then again, this is not the place for either of you. A student can go to MVA and earn their AA Degree at the same time if they want. What they can’t do is try to squeak by with the least amount of effort in Independent Study. There is a required parent, student, teacher meeting every six weeks K-12 and, in the high school, seven weekly tutorial periods are available for homework help. If your child does not actively seek needed help or pursue knowledge to satisify his/her own curiosity, then an Independent Study school is probably not the place for your child. I have never known of any teacher who “doesn’t want to teach.” I’d say your dealings with staff and administration did not go your way because you did not fully understand what was being asked of you and your child in this In-de-pen-dent Study setting.
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2018

This school has been an absolute gift to my family. It enables my children to work ahead of their grade level but remain with students their ages and social level. The teachers have all bent over backwards to accommodate our family and I am thrilled to have this remarkable campus available as a public school.
Submitted by parent on February 15, 2017

This school is too much. The amount of work given to the students is intense. They receive very little instruction and are expected to know everything. If you're trying to learn a language or math, forget about it. There's just not enough instruction! You can't learn Spanish if you only have two class sessions a week. I just don't understand how any of the teachers there are qualified to even teach. If you're already struggling with your grades, DO NOT attend MVA. It is not a fun place to be if you're not doing well. Also the grading system is insane. The tests are worth too much and give students a greater chance at failing. Overall this school is way too stressful. We, as parents have already tried talking these problems over with the teachers and other staff, but they would only fix the work load for a week, then go back to the truck ton of homework they usually assign. Just do yourself a favor and don't give this school a second glance.
Submitted by other on October 20, 2016

This is a public school. However upon inquiring on my son attending, I told them he is behind in his reading and writing. They told me he cannot go to their school unless he is at or above his grade level at all subjects. Which I'm pretty sure is ILLEGAL if they are indeed a public school.... So my son didn't have the opportunity to try the school since they wouldn't accept him based on him being behind in one subject. ??? I was planning on doing independent study also. So not too sure what the problem would be. This school had me scratching my head.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2016

My daughter attends the high school at Mountain Valley Academy. The classes are challenging and prepare the students for college. The structure is similar to that of a junior college. The teachers and staff are dedicated to providing a quality education. It is a small school, and they get to know all of the students. The principal, Dr. Gunderson, is the best!
Submitted by parent on February 26, 2016

My son has attended this school all 4 years of HS. The teachers are great and go the extra mile for the students (although one may need some motivation to complete her tasks in a timely manner) . The students are given all the tools they need to exceed, but it is up to the students to take advantage of these opportunities. I love the school, as it is small and the kids feel safe.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2015

Horrible school. Sad because it was a great school and had a great reputation once upon a time. I had 4 children enrolled until this school year - I pulled all of them except for my oldest who wanted to finish her last year there. The principal has no business being in a leadership role and the teaching staff doesn't want to teach....... I can't think of a single positive thing to say about my recent experiences with the school. Do your kids a favor and send them anywhere but RCS/MVA. It doesn't deserve even one star.
Submitted by parent on April 24, 2014

MVA is fantastic!! Classes are smaller in size. Teachers have the opportunity to share their knowlege in a variety of styles. Students get the most out of their school experience. The work challenging but I feel that my children will be prepared for college when they leave MVA.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2010

Our school has a great teaching staff along with an awesome principal and support staff. However, the parent involvement is lacking. I encourage more parents to get involved in the school and the PTSA!
Submitted by parent on April 14, 2010

This school provides alternative education within the public school system. My kids had great teachers and a wonderful educational experience.
Submitted by student on May 04, 2008

N/A