Monte Vista Elementary School

1720 Monte Vista Drive

Vista, CA 92084

School District

Vista Unified
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:18
Type

public

School Map for Vista 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 other on June 24, 2023

I am a former student of Monte Vista, and I'm proud to say I am. Although some of the staff aren't the greatest, they are good at doing their job. They really make each and every student feel valued. Learning here can be really fun, and the whole environment of the school definitely helps with that. The school's design and murals are entertaining and memorable. They teach the kids good habits (through the seven habits system). One thing I will say though, they treat the younger kids way better than the older kids. For example, there was a fourth grader while I was there that wore pretty revealing outfits and never got dress-coded. But, my friend who wore slightly less revealing outfits (just crop/tank tops and short-ish shorts) got dress coded and was told to put a jacket on. Also, they just discipline the younger kids way less which I can understand but at the same time it feels like you should teach the kids at least how its like to be older or let the older kids be treated the same. Just because they're older, doesn't mean you should expect them to do way better, especially if they are neurodivergent. But, otherwise it's alright. They teach older kids to be a good influence on younger kids, and I think that's a good way to make friends with the younger kids and of course, make a good influence. I wouldn't really recommend for new students coming in from a grade other than kinder, but pre-k and kinder kids are free to! I honestly love this school.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2022

This school feels like family. All three of my children have thrived during their time at Monte Vista and that is due in part to the hard working and dedicated staff. The school works hard to encourage the kids to grow as learners, but also as good human beings. We have had a wonderful experience and look forward to the next few years there!
Submitted by teacher on January 23, 2020

Amazing staff. They function like a family and create a loving atmosphere.
Submitted by parent on January 29, 2019

Nothing but impressed with this school! My child loves it and is learning so much compared to his other school.
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2018

Monte Vista has excellent teachers! It is a great family school.
Submitted by parent on June 05, 2018

I have had a wonderful experience with Monte vista and plan on my children to attend through 5 th grade. If at any time there were any concerns they were addressed within a couple hours . the staff is friendly hands on and very considerate of the students and parents alike
Submitted by parent on May 22, 2018

Monte Vista Elementary is an amazing school. Principal Charlene Smith cares deeply about each and every single child, and their safety and educational excellence beyond elementary school.Principal Smith is truly outstanding and caring. In short, she would take a bullet for her students if she had to. But, she won't have to because the school is awesomely safe and protected.The school recently (within 3 years) staffed an assistant principal, and she (Ms. Schmidt, whom I believe has taken a new last name, Fleming) is simply awesome. When it comes to this school's continual pursuit of educational and character excellence, the teachers and staff are fantastic.Some have been on staff and taught for years longer than others, and they absolutely LOVE the children. From TK to 5th, they love and respect each and every single child and family.We have 4 kids (in 3 schools), and each one has gone through Monte Vista. Our youngest will be promoting from 5th grade this year, and I have to say, while the teachers will most definitely be missed, I will greatly miss our wonderful principal, Mrs. Smith.We've all heard the adage of how good leadership filters from the top down, and y'know what? It couldn't be truer of Monte Vista Elementary.
Submitted by parent on May 20, 2018

Love this school. The Principal and Teachers go out of their way to support and nurture their students in a loving and supportive environment.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2018

My daughter is happy, learning and confident. We are very pleased with our experience
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2018

I have two kids at Montevista. One is a first grader the other one is a fifth grader. They both love that school. The teachers are great, special thumbs up to Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. freeze, and Mrs. Smith – the third grade teacher.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2017

My daughter will be going into 2nd grade next year and we have had nothing but positive experiences at Monte Vista. Great teachers, great administration, awesome school culture. We are a huge fan of the the "Leader in Me" program; my daughter has really internalized it and been able to apply it to her learning on a daily basis.
Submitted by other on August 09, 2016

We love Monte Vista Elementary, great school, kids and parents. We work hard to make it great. Our PTA works hard to raise funds for an art and music program for our children that other schools in the district do not have.
Submitted by parent on April 11, 2016

Both of my boys have gone to Monte Vista - one is graduating from 5th grade this year, and my younger son is currently in 1st grade. I have loved every teacher my boys have had. I feel that the teachers and staff at this school are great and feel a sincere vested interest in the success of our kids. There is a lot of open communication with the teachers, and there are several updates or notifications per week from the principal about events, upcoming challenges, school spirit, etc. which is great as well. Great school.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2015

I have 2 kids at Monte Vista, and we have been very happy. The children have had committed teachers, the PTA is extremely active, there is lots of parent involvement, and volunteering at events & in the classrooms is really stressed. There are many extracurricular offerings such as running club, safety patrol, student council, and dance clubs. We have also had our kids take the enrichment programs that are offered after school through Kids College, and they have been great. The Principal is hands on & willing to jump right in and help with the kids & parents. The school has a real "family" feel to it - everyone you meet is friendly and welcoming.Great experience so far!
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2013

i love this school < i have 4 kids at monte vista !! its awesome school
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2013

I have two children that attend Monte Vista. They both started here in kindergarten and now one is in the the 2nd grade and the other is in 1st grade. When my 2nd grader started this school it got a great school rating of 7 out of 10 now it currently receives a 5 out of 7. I am not sure if it because VUSD closed down one of their under preforming schools and now the children are attending this school. All I know is the teachers are great so far and the parent involvement is pretty good. My only problem is with the constant micro managing of parents by the principal. You constantly get correspondence and phone calls. As if there is something wrong with our parenting that is directly effecting the fact the VUSD schools are under performing with the exception of about 3 or 4 schools in the district. The education of my children I do not take lightly. My 2nd grader is preforming above grade level in all subjects. My 1st grader is reading above grade level and is up to speed in other subjects. I don't know what happens in the other student homes, but I find the constant reminders of what makes a "good student" demeaning insulting and sometimes down right intrusive!
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2012

My oldest went to monte vista K-5 and i currently have two children attending monte vista and we have been very happy with our experience. There is a great team of teachers and the pta has always been very involved and worked hard to keep music and art programs available for the kids.
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2012

My children have been attending this school since Kindergarten. I have a 1st and a 3rd grader and every teacher we have had has been wonderful. My children have learned so much from them and are excelling quickly thanks to their efforts. The front office staff has always been extremely efficient and helpful. I am always greeted with a smile. I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time in my children's classrooms as well as working with the PTA and the front office staff. Each one of them truly cares for our school and are always working to improve it. They are the reason I volunteer more for school functions. It is a pleasure to work with people with positive attitudes and I am thankful for all that they do, especially when it's time to give something extra. Mrs. Manuto school principal is extremely hands on and always approachable. Thank you Monte Vista front office, teachers and PTA for all that you do for me and my children!!
Submitted by parent on August 21, 2012

We have been at Monte Vista since my son started kindergarten in 2007 and we could not be happier. Monte Vista is more than just a school - it is a family. The staff is amazing - from all the ladies in the Main Office who are always so helpful and accomodating to all the fabulous teachers who help our children grow & learn everyday. With an awesome PTA that provides much needed support raising funds for school programs and a new hands-on principal we feel lucky to be a part of such a great community.
Submitted by parent on August 17, 2012

my kids went to this school last year...and I must say they had great teachers....however, the staff at the front office is another story. they are not helpful, unapproachable and seem very bothered by both the parents and the kids..A comment made on the last day of school about the kids, by the staff and the new principal made my choice very easy not to send them back, as I'm sure many more parents feel the same who were present.