Vistamar School

Posted: September 30, 2024

As a parent of a new student, I was extremely disappointed with our experience at this school. From the start, there was no sense of inclusivity, and my child struggled to feel welcomed. The school provided little support in helping students adapt, especially when it came to adjusting to new teaching styles.

For the high tuition fees they charge, the quality of education is far below expectations. The teaching and administrative staff lack experience, and there’s a noticeable gap in the level of care and attention students receive. Despite the premium pricing, the school fails to deliver on the basics of student support and academic guidance.

I would not recommend this school, especially to families looking for a supportive and inclusive environment.

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: September 30, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2023

RUN, don't walk away from Vistamar School!
If your student has the opportunity to attend another school, take it! Don't believe what they advertise. Awful experience. The teachers and administration don't care about struggling students who just came through a traumatizing pandemic. MANY staff members are awful human beings. However, if you are an affluent white family you might do fine.

Only giving one star because choosing ZERO is not an option.

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: January 13, 2023

Great school with a vibrant and welcoming community. Love that lunch is provided every day for all students! Strong academics in a supportive environment- not overly competitive.

Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: January 13, 2023

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Posted: January 13, 2023

Posted: December 17, 2022

Awful experience. Teachers don't care about struggling students. Assistant head of directors is rude and an awful human being. Bullying is definitely ignored.

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 17, 2022

Posted: December 27, 2020

I have two daughters, one who chose to attend Vistamar School. It was the best decision we made for her. (My other daughter attended a different high school that was the perfect fit for her.) Vistamar is a unique and special school. Its most important characteristic is their intentionality. They have carefully thought through each part of a high school and made intentional choices to build a different and excellent small high school that allows each child to bring their individuality to school every day. The intentionality comes up in all sorts of ways -- why they offer Spanish and Chinese in their language program and require students to pass an oral proficiency language exam in order to graduate, why they have a no cut policy in their sports program but still attract DI athletes, why they have a health and wellness program to provide students with strong lifelong positive habits. As for extracurricular activities, this small school has a number of great opportunities for students. On their sports program, you are not going to have Friday Night Lights football. But what I appreciate about their program is that students are encouraged to try new activities. They have a “no cut” policy when it comes to sports. Their program is built to inspire students to build good, long-term, healthy lifestyle habits and find opportunities to go outside their comfort zone, as well as make new friends. On college prep, the school has built a system that prepares students to be successful in college, while not making the students feel pressurized by the college application process. The school does not want to have students focus their entire high school time on getting into college. The counseling team works closely with each student to ensure that they get into the college that is the best fit for them. As someone who has worked in education for most of my career and as someone who has seen the joy in my daughter’s eyes when she talks about her school, I highly recommend this excellent and innovative high school.

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: December 27, 2020

Posted: October 2, 2020

This school is an amazing place. We have loved it since my older daughter joined in 2018. We have two children at the school now and even though it's distance learning, the kids are engaged, supported and are learning!

Posted: October 2, 2020

The school doesn't believe in "busy work", they assign homework to reenforce the learning but not to burden the kids.

Posted: October 2, 2020

I have never seen teachers so vested in each kids' success and growth. The teachers at Vistamar are amazing educators and mentors who know their students so well.

Posted: October 2, 2020

Posted: October 2, 2020

The leadership team fosters a sense of community that reaches the entire student body, faculty and staff.

Posted: October 2, 2020

The school has a learning specialist, a psychologist and provides office hours twice a week (and sometimes more often) where students can get help when needed.

Posted: October 2, 2020

Posted: September 25, 2020

The school is very collaborative with a “no spectators” approach that teaches the students how to listen and respect different viewpoints and opinions – an approach to civil discourse that is so needed in our world today. Such a hidden gem of a school here in Los Angeles.

Posted: September 25, 2020

They often use the phrase "Balance over Burnout" and that is true. My oldest took very advanced classes and got an amazing education but still worked in the theater, played basketball and didn't get overly stressed at trying to do it all.

Posted: September 25, 2020

The teachers at Vistamar are amazing. They so quickly get to know the students, their strengths and weaknesses and work with the students not only to grow, but to believe in themselves. My son thrived with VistaMath and it helped teach him not only how to think, but that there is no one right way to solve things.

Posted: September 25, 2020

My sons developed a strong sense of self, their part in the world and the community beyond.

Posted: September 25, 2020

Posted: September 25, 2020

Posted: September 25, 2020

Posted: January 30, 2020

We love this school. Both our girls went to this school. We couldn't have asked for a better experience - well-thought out curriculum, outstanding faculty, engaged students, supportive community. It is a place where the kids actually enjoy learning and the high school experience and not just treat it as a pathway to college.

Posted: January 30, 2020

Posted: January 30, 2020

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Posted: January 30, 2020

Posted: September 24, 2019

Homework is appropriate and very intentional but the best part is if my son forgets to turn it in... the teacher will send an email so that the work gets done.

Posted: September 24, 2019

Teachers are extremely happy to be at work! This shows in their passion for the subjects they teach and the amount of contagious energy they bring with them. It might also be because all of my sons teachers have PHD's!

Posted: September 24, 2019

Vistamar is very safe and the students know they can be themselves with out being judged. I don't know how this culture was cultivated, but I've seen the results and it has turned my son into a very compassionte and respecful young man.

Posted: September 24, 2019

Posted: September 24, 2019

Posted: September 24, 2019

Posted: September 24, 2019

Vistamar has exceeded our expectations. The academics are challenging in a way that makes our son want to learn. He feels valued in the classroom and has no issue talking to teachers during class or office hours. This was not his experience at his last school. Vistamar has turned our son into the scholar that he never knew he was.

Posted: September 20, 2019

Posted: September 20, 2019

Posted: September 20, 2019

Posted: September 20, 2019

Posted: September 20, 2019

Posted: September 20, 2019

Our daughter is a junior at Vistamar, and we couldn't be happier with the experience. The school is excellent academically, which is one of the most important things we were looking for in a school. But it's so much more. Our daughter has thrived at Vistamar, taking leadership positions in various clubs and organizations, getting involved in the theater program, and joining two of the athletic teams. I chalk it up to the environment that Vistamar has so carefully created, one where students are supported and encouraged to take risks and try new things. We've seen her discover areas of passion that she may never have discovered had she not attended the school. As parents, it gives us confidence that she'll not only be very well prepared to go to a great college, but prepared for life.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

Posted: January 11, 2019

It's hard to put into words how just how wonderful I find Vistamar to be. It's unlike any other school out there. Academic stimulation, unparalleled faculty, and a fostering environment.

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Posted: October 29, 2018

Love love love Vistamar! It has been a great experience for my daughter! I get chills when I attend the meetings and tears in my eyes when I am there and see how happy all the kids are!

Posted: October 28, 2018

Homework -- like everything at Vistamar -- is intentional. It reinforces classwork without being busywork.

Posted: October 28, 2018

The teachers devote significant time beyond the classroom to make sure students understand the material.

Posted: October 28, 2018

Posted: October 28, 2018

Posted: October 28, 2018

Posted: October 28, 2018

My son made great relationships with his peers and with his teachers at Vistamar. It's truly a unique community that celebrates each student's strengths.

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

Posted: October 18, 2018

My child has been going to Vistamar since 10th grade. There is a truly positive feeling everywhere in this school. My child feels very supported and is actually in shock that he likes his teachers so much, and that he can talk to them. There is a fantastic connection between the teachers and the students. The theater and art programs especially have been so wonderful. The staff are incredibly approachable and they really care. I get emails from them with updates and I am always amazed that they are still working! The other thing I love about this school is that there doesn't seem to be cliques of students as much as other schools. You can float between groups and the students generally seem very welcoming. Sophmores chat with Seniors, there is not a huge divide. We feel so supported overall, so glad we chose Vistamar. (and I never write reviews, just felt I need to give something back to this school as they give us so much!)

Posted: October 16, 2018

Posted: October 16, 2018

Posted: October 16, 2018

Posted: October 16, 2018

Posted: October 16, 2018

Posted: October 16, 2018

If something is not working, they are not afraid to admit it, take feedback and work to improve.

Posted: October 16, 2018

I am thoroughly impressed with this school. So happy to have discovered Vistamar. Teachers know your child and the parents. There is a degree of engagement that I have never seen at a school. Academics are challenging, without being crazy. Students are encouraged to find their passion and not be afraid.

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Posted: December 5, 2017

Coming from an exceptional school district, we, as parents, truly debated the worthiness of a private high school. As soon as our daughter started at Vistamar, we knew right away that we had made the right decision. Vistamar offers kids an opportunity to be themselves, in every aspect. The teaching is designed to help kids learn in their own way, develop critical thinking and explore academia. The culture creates a safe-haven for kids to explore different clubs, sports, extra curricular activities and helps them find new passions. Vistamar has prepared our daughter to have a successful college career; we owe it all to Vistamar.

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Posted: November 26, 2017

Our oldest daughter graduated from Vistamar and is currently a sophomore at UC Berkeley. My youngest is still attending Vistamar. Vistamar has done a great job of preparing them for college and for life. I love the diverse community, as evidenced by the variety of kids regularly in my house, the education, and the ability to try a variety of sports and activities at all levels.

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

Posted: November 7, 2017

We have two children who attend Vistamar and the school has exceeded our expectations in multiple ways. Our children are learning to delve deep into subjects and come home discussing debates, discussions and projects they have done in class. They have close relationships with the most fantastic teachers and counselors we have ever experienced. Besides learning to think critically and develop relationships with teachers, they are learning to be inclusive and informed humans amid the most diverse student body. They are getting an education that will set them up to be successful in college and the real world. A bonus - they are having fun at the same time by playing sports and getting involved in all sorts of activities they would never have had time for at another school. Teachers and faculty encourage everyone to be active and structure homework, tests and projects appropriately around events. We have truly loved our experience at Vistamar..

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

I would rate Vistamar as the best high school in the South Bay area. My 2 children have consistently received effective teaching of challenging academics in a safe, supportive school environment. Small class sizes are a plus. Arts and sports are available to all students. Additional creativity is encouraged through clubs.

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Vistamar has surpassed all of my (very high) expectations. I have a senior daughter and a junior son. They are different types of students and have each had extremely positive experiences there. Yes, the school is academically rigorous, but the level of support provided by faculty and staff is truly exceptional. As part of my job, I work with students at various high schools throughout the South Bay and nationwide. I can honestly say that I count my blessings to have my kids at this absolute gem of a school. The three things that stand out most to me are: both kids have friends from all walks of life; the teachers bend over backwards to support the students academically, socially, and emotionally; there is freedom to "dabble," and encouraging new extracurricular pursuits. If this many kids are in love with what is in some ways a windowless box (!), you know they're doing something pretty special inside.

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

I love Vistamar School. This school supports the same values we have in our family and it provides many opportunities to grow and learn. My daughter feels challenged academically, socially, and athletically. Might be the best decision we've made as parents.

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

As an alum of the Class of 2011, I loved how Vistamar prepared me for life after high school and college. By the time I got to Tulane University, in the fall of 2011, I excelled tremendously my first semester and went on to graduate in may 2015 with honors. I will forever be grateful for not the education I received, but also the lifelong relationships I gained with teachers and my fellow classmates. I strongly recommend this school. Vistamar is a true representation of the city of Los Angeles and definitely offers the best education Los Angeles has to offer.

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

95% Great experience, it's up to the students to take full advantage of the great things Vistamar has to offer!

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Absolutely, the best school that my child has attended ever. My son is the youngest of two children whom attended public school. Both of my children had a hard time thriving in school. Their grades were good but they seemed to go through the motions. My son is now a sophomore at Vistamar and he loves the school. He has a personal relationship with each of his teachers and sees them as real people with a life of their own and not as impersonal educators. He engages with them and with the other school personnel. In short, I have seen him finally find a learning place that makes him happy, a place that teaches him the way learning should be. I was very apprehensive about the cost of this school but after a few months at this school I realized that my investment was more than worth it. I can't possibly explain in words how Vistamar has changed our lives.

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Truly an amazing place. The curriculum they have created is unmatched in the independent school world. The kids come out of Vistamar extremely well prepared for college and life. I have not met one parent who not only loves the school but are blown away by how good it is. Our daughter graduated in 2015 and was much better prepared for college than her pears both educationally and socially

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

Posted: November 1, 2017

I really think that Vistamar has figured out a better way to do high school.

My oldest just graduated from Vistamar and as I see him immerse himself in college, I can not only see how wonderfully Vistamar has prepared him to succeed, but how much the school has helped him know himself and the world around him.

My youngest is currently a junior and I am floored with the rigor and sophistication of his classes and the quality of his teachers - all without the burnout that I see in some other independent and even local public schools. And the awesome thing is that he can take the most difficult classes while still playing a sport and being involved in clubs and events around school.

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

Posted: October 16, 2017

I moved to Los Angeles 3 years ago (halfway through my junior year) no local high schools or private schools would take me but, miraculously, Vistamar could. Having moved all the way from England it really was quite the miracle that this school that knew nothing about me and next to nothing about my educational history could take me in and get me enrolled and in classes before I had even got over my jetlag. I was handed a schedule and was "on my way" less than 48 hours after getting off my one way flight. Fast forward to about a month before graduation. I was sat in a room with my parents and the deputy head being informed of all the different classes (multiple semesters of credit) I am in need of in order to walk graduation in just a few weeks. It was a total sucker punch to the side of the head for me and my parents. Why were we only being informed of this now? Looking back, this is down to their money first, education second attitude. I still sit here writing this review without a high school diploma to my name (about to complete it in a few months at adult school). They completely took advantage of us as a family that had just relocated and knew not a whole lot about the education system and tied us down before we could really understand that there was no chance of graduation with my class.

As for the school itself, if you like warehouses and/or buildings with less windows than you could count on one hand. This is the place for you. This is nothing more than a refrigerator box with more artificial lighting than a Kardashian photo shoot. The students are unbelievably cliquey. Be prepared to be judged and looked down on by people. Be prepared to be put down for your different, more conservative, political views.

If I could go back I would go and start my High School career as a freshman at a REAL High School and get a REAL High School experience because the Disney-esque experience you receive at Vistamar will not prepare you for the Real World that exists outside the Warehouse walls of 737 Hawaii Street.

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Posted: May 30, 2017

Fantastic environment, faculty, administration and top notch progressive academics

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

Posted: May 11, 2017

I am a freshman at vistamar and am not returning next year. I dislike many things about the school. Beginning with academics my biggest problem is Vistamath. Here they teach math by having you do several confusing problems the night before and presenting them to the class the next day. This makes the class student lead, minimizing teaching. Vistamar is advertised as a very free, open, and accepting place. This isn’t the case. The freshman class has more problems than in the past especially with cliques. This isn't odd but because there isn't a lot of kids if you are out you have few options. Also recently there has been a lot of problems with racism and a lot antisemitism.  It has become a huge issue. My largest problem though is their lack of understanding towards learning disabilities and mental illness. They often have ignored what is best for me in favor of their rules. If you are looking for a place for a child with mental or social issues this is not the place for you.

Posted: January 26, 2015

Vistamar is a truly excellent place. The administration and faculty care deeply about kids and collaborate with amazing collegiality to create a dynamic environment where everyone is always thinking about how best to serve students, both in the classroom and out. Teachers have the flexibility to spend one-on-one time with students and in small classes they really get to know the kids. Parents get detailed narrative feedback as part of the report cards three times a year. One of my favorite things is how everyone cares about the community and each other, and how involvement is really encouraged. My children were able to easily find leadership opportunities and a diverse friend group. Another great thing is how flexible Vistamar is. There's no navigating the politics of teachers unions or irrational rules and policies. If something makes sense for your child, like outside PE or an online class, it's possible to do. Finally, the preparation for success in college is so strong, because the curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving, discussion, and writing. My oldest child graduated with all of these skills and is currently at an Ivy League university doing very well.

Posted: October 11, 2014

It's gonna sound cheesy and lame, but Vistamar saved my life. I went to a middle school where teachers didn't care, students were divided, and your extracurricular ruled your life. I was miserable and flunking out of school, but then I got to Vistamar. The teachers cared about me, teachers I didn't even have would stop me in the halls to talk to me, or answer my inane questions. Classes weren't just challenging, they were fun. We weren't be lectured at and talked down to, but rather we were having lively discussions in class and watching documentaries and enjoying the books that we read. The student body is unbelievably accepting. No cliques, no bullying-- any less than stellar behavior is called out by students themselves. Sure there's some drama, as is natural with teenagers, but there are no fights or attacks on people. Vistamar is an actual community. The people there care about each other, they talk with one another. The teachers enjoy teaching and the students love learning. I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for Vistamar. The small classes, Morning Meeting, advisory, seminar, diversity--they make Vistamar special. You couldn't ask for a better environment.

Posted: January 17, 2014

My daughter is a freshman at this school. So rating is based on first 5 months. We, and my daughter, are extremely happy with the school. It has been the perfect fit for her. First, the admissions process has been very positive, and the transition into the school excellent. My daughter was nervous and shy entering a new school (She had attended a K-8th grade). But after a few weeks she fit in really well, but more importantly the students at the school went out of their way to help her and other students feel comfortable. The other students are the nicest I have ever meet. The teachers are all excellent, and the courses have been great. She is getting the support and work load perfect for her. The school is very small, and so it would not fit a student that wants a broad student body, ie hide in the back of the room learning. But my daughter thrives in this small atmosphere. She is active on the soccer team, which is a great program, with excellent players and they work together well on the field in a way I have never seen in 11 years of soccer. This only shows how the students work together, and the teacher/coach use that to build upon the learning and success.

Posted: October 3, 2013

Vistamar is an excellent school. The teachers are knowledgeable and highly motivated; they're also available to students outside of the classroom and give parents frequent email updates (a big plus!). The students are actively engaged in the classroom; no spectators are allowed. The school environment is very warm and welcoming; the kids feel at home at Vistamar and everyone seems to get along; cliques are not prevalent. The school's mission emphasizes the importance of tolerance and inclusion, and this is palpable when visiting the campus. Vistamar has an excellent Life Planning department, which helps the students, over the four years, to develop their personal path in life and find an excellent "fit" for college. Some of the sports facilities are still on the drawing board, and some of the sports programs are not strong. Because Vistamar is a young school, it is still developing an academic reputation. The school's new marketing strategy highlights academic success stories and recognizes that parents considering private school desire, foremost, confirmation that Vistamar provides its students the opportunity to be admitted to highly competitive colleges and universities.