Monte Vista in Monterey | Military Town Advisor

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	7/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) data from California Department of Education, and using 2025 California Science Test data from California Department of Education.
Student Growth	5/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from California Department of Education.

Posted: December 1, 2021

Thought the school itself seems aged the staff is wonderful and very easy to communicate with. My children love their school and are full of school spirit and pride. The faculty really seems to make the absolute most out of what they have. Cheers to principal Dr Ashby and all of the lovely faculty.

Posted: December 1, 2021

Posted: January 25, 2019

Monte vista is a great school. My son LOVE his school. His math and science skill is really really good. Dr.Ashby and teachers are really awesome

Posted: July 19, 2018

Monte Vista is a great school! We think Dr Ashby is very passionate about the school and the teachers that we know are wonderful. Our daughter loves to be part of the Blue jays and so do we.

Posted: July 19, 2018

Posted: April 2, 2018

My son goes to this school. His math skills are very good now. His class teacher and principal are very helpful.

Posted: April 2, 2018

Posted: November 12, 2017

Dr. Ashby's direct involvement with students and the way he sets a positive tone for every school day with a morning song gives the students the pride and energy to be successful .

Posted: November 12, 2017

Dr. Ashby seems well respected by the staff and sets a positive tone for the entire school. His commitment shows and is emulated by the staff.

Posted: November 12, 2017

Our experience has been positive from a parents point of view and our child loves to go to school every day. The love and respect shown to the students is amazing. Couldn't be happier.

Posted: November 12, 2017

Homework is introduced early but appropriately low in volume.

Posted: November 12, 2017

So far our kindergarten (Mrs. Nix) and first grade (Mrs Arquilla) teachers have been excellent.

Posted: November 9, 2017

I did this above. This is an excellent school for my grandson.

Posted: November 9, 2017

I volunteer in one classroom. I am impressed with the patience and respect shown to each student. Each child is involved and I see that their individual needs are met. They are encouraged to be responsible, helpful, and problem solvers..

Posted: November 9, 2017

From the custodians, to the administrative staff, to the teachers, to the principal, to the PTA, Monte Vista is outstanding in every way. The facilities have improved too as there are inspirational murals on most walls and just exudes an awesome place for kids to learn and thrive.

Posted: November 9, 2017

Posted: November 4, 2017

We absolutely love Monte Vista Elementary. The administration and teachers go above and beyond for this school and its students. The teachers here are genuinely happy, which is a direct correlation to the climate in the classroom. I teach at a very high-ranking local charter school and still prefer that my child attend Monte Vista. You cannot beat a warm, family atmosphere, like this school, where you and your child feel welcome, encouraged and inspired daily!!

Posted: November 4, 2017

Posted: November 3, 2017

Dr. Ashby has turned this school around. It has become a close knit learning environment, with many clubs and activities. I have a child that has ADHD and in another district it was very difficult to deal with the teachers. Not so at Monte Vista! Their staff is friendly and welcoming, and interested in educating themselves as to how they can best support your student.

Posted: November 2, 2017

From the songs they sing to the learning environment the students are always put first. They teach the children accountability and responsibility and well as respect

Posted: November 2, 2017

After having one of my children at a different school until 3rd grade and transferring here I realize the care the staff have. My children have been here for 4 years now, the teachers and Dr. Ashby take the time to know every child by name as well s their parents. They engage the children in constant rotating activities and allow multiple ways for parents to join!

Posted: November 2, 2017

The school makes sure to not overwhelm the children with homework, and has active projects to engage them in the learning experience

Posted: November 2, 2017

It is fantastic. The teachers are great. The principal is energetic and enthusiastic. We had our daughter at another school last year and brought her back. We are really happy here.

Posted: November 2, 2017

At Monte Vista Elementary,
It is our vision that
Students, parents, staff, and community members
Work together to foster

High academic achievement,
Social-emotional growth,
And civic responsibility!

Posted: November 2, 2017

Dr. Ashby is amazing. His enthusiasm is impressive. I appreciate how he transformed the general attitude of staff at this school into a great group dynamic.

Posted: November 2, 2017

The amount of homework is not overly burdensome. Furthermore, it leads to a deep understanding of subjects involved. Finally, the assignments and reports are interesting enough that the kids want to do them!

Posted: November 2, 2017

The teachers are actively engaged in helping each child succeed. It's apparent that they care.

Posted: November 2, 2017

The teachers truly care about creating a nurturing learning environment. Dr. Ashby is the most wonderful and enthusiastic principal I have seen. Support staff go well above and beyond to assist all of the children. This is an amazing school!

Posted: November 2, 2017

Every staff member in this school is involved with your children. Starting from the principal to the cafeteria personnel. I am beyond happy with Monte vista. Strong community.

Posted: May 20, 2017

Amazing teachers and leaders! I am thankful for Dr. Ashby and his team.

Posted: May 20, 2017

Posted: April 1, 2017

Leadership is phenomenal. Over the top. Great engaging principal and teacher that not only teach academics well but how to make moral decisions. And life skills.

Posted: April 1, 2017

The teachers are positive and put in extra time to make sure students are meeting their academic goals.

Posted: April 1, 2017

These moral attributes are taught each morning to the students during the morning assembly.

Posted: April 1, 2017

When we transferred to this school, from LaMesa Elementary, we were warmly welcome by staff and teachers. It feels like a family. We especially enjoy the After school Academy. Our son has been growing academically, socially, and physically. He is always so happy there. It's like heaven on earth and the staff are like Angeles.

Posted: April 1, 2017

The homework is manageable and the After School Campus Academy provides a great learning atmosphere where students enjoy doing their homework and get the needed help.

Posted: February 22, 2017

Amazing! We love Monte Vista! The teachers are amazing and really care about their students. Dr. Ashby is such a great principal, he is so passionate about making Monte Vista a great place to go to school!

Posted: February 22, 2017

Dr. Ashby is a great leader & motivator. Kids are enthusiastic & eager to go to school. 8

Posted: February 22, 2017

We appreciate Dr. Ashby's passion for education. He knows every students and parents names! His energy is contagious! Beyond grateful to have him at our school.

Posted: February 22, 2017

In one word: happy. Teachers are solid, many among the best in the country. (And yes, we have experienced first hand teachers all over the country) The new principal has a vision and a passion for education. Yes, there are things to improve, some have to do with issues larger than the school (testing, how art is financed, reaching out to local families). And I wish more parents were involved in the community. But I see the school devoted to children with disabilities while they are also able to pay attention to the bright ones too. Kudos!

Posted: February 22, 2017

We have a real gem in Dr. Ashby. His enthusiasm is infectious and he cares about each and every student. He is very accessible and responsive as well.

Posted: February 22, 2017

We are very pleased with Monte Vista. Having attended MPUSD schools decades ago, I had faith despite supposed bad reviews. Superintendent Diffenbaugh has really turned things around and Dr. Ashby is just fabulous. We believe every child deserves a free quality education and thus we stayed out in Monterey rather than move to a supposed "better" school district or pay for private school (where teachers don't have to be credentialed, etc). We definitely made the right choice. Proud to be a Blue Jay family.

Posted: February 22, 2017

Weekly assemblies with Dr. Ashby are great. Students are rewarded for showing positive character and all students are lifted up with positive messages.

Posted: February 22, 2017

My son really like this school. An amazing talented principal

Posted: February 22, 2017

Our child is ahead of most of her peers academically. As a result, the school has found children with similar strengths and has at times paired them so that they continue to feel challenged. Other times, she works with a child who has difficulty so that she can help him/her make progress, thus furthering her understanding of the material through explanation. Our son, who is not yet old enough to attend Monte Vista Elemenary, is not as academic, and is behind his peers. We have no concerns that he will lag behind, or develop any feeling of being less capable once he does start Kindergarten at MVE. We feel confident, he will be appropriately supported and challenged.

Posted: February 22, 2017

As mentioned before, the leadership, modeling, and constant relationship the teachers, staff, and principal display on a daily basis -- communicates what kind of culture (of respect, compassion, and kindness) is being cultivated. Our daughter has not experienced any bullying, but is very clear and vocal (albeit being a rather shy person) that any such behavior is not the "Blue Jay way"!

Posted: February 22, 2017

It is really becoming an exceptional school under the leadership and vision of Dr. Joe Ashby (MVE's principal). He is inspiring and rather amazing in his level of commitment to the students, teachers, and broader Monterey community.

When Principal Ashby receives feedback from parents that makes sense to him, and aligns with his larger vision of MVE, he is unstoppable in incorporating that input into the direction of the school.

For example, at one single meeting with parents and staff, Principal Ashby took the encouragement of making MVE a STEM or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) -- centered school, and is making it so. Another parent brought up the idea of creating a Makers' Space -- and within a couple of months, he found $30,000 worth of funding to create a dedicated Makers' Space!

We had be familiar with the school in the past, and were somewhat concerned about it's ability to meet our expectations. Originally, we were determined to get our children into a charter or private school.

However, after 1.5 years of exposure to Monte Vista Elementary -- we now feel very fortunate that Monte Vista Elementary is our default school, as it is developing what we predict will be some of the Peninsula's finest and most well-rounded students. As word of mouth spreads, it is unquestionable that MVE will be drawing students to the surrounding area because it is such a fantastic school overall.

Posted: February 22, 2017

Homework is age-appropriate, and students who are having trouble or are ahead of classmates are challenged at their level, while remaining part of the class.

Posted: February 22, 2017

Monte Vista Elementary teachers are aware of a student's strengths and weaknesses, and even seek out both parent and the student's perspective at the start of the school year. The teachers (we've had so far) are attuned to our student's interests, as well as our (parent) goals. With a perspective on how the student can and needs to develop, along with a student's interests, the teachers are highly effective.

Posted: February 22, 2017

Every morning, the students congregate at Monte Vista Elementary to exhibit the community the teachers, staff, principal and students collectively are nurturing. Multiple times a day, discussion about how to have integrity (our 1st grader was talking about "integrity" within a couple of weeks of starting at MVE), what to do when you make a mistake, how to relate through respect and compassion towards others, even if you disagree. This school is excelling at this above all else.

Posted: February 22, 2017

A wonderful elementary school with an amazing principal. Teachers and staff are so friendly and professional. My 3 children love Monet Vista!

Posted: February 22, 2017

Dr. Ashby strongly believes in community. He leads by example, and we all start our days off on a positive upbeat note during our "community meetings" every morning. He knows every student and parent by name. He takes the time to address any concern, no matter how small. He just inspires you to do more and be more involved with something bigger than yourself.

Posted: February 22, 2017

We love it here! We are looking forward to spending the next couple of years in this Educational Community!

Posted: February 22, 2017

Our children are not overwhelmed with tons of homework at the end of a very long day. We have 20 minutes of reading and 1 short page of math!

Posted: February 22, 2017

They are knowledgeable, and respectful to the children's needs.

Posted: February 22, 2017

We have the 3 Rs of being a BlueJay! Be Responsible, Respectful, and Ready to learn! Even children in the Transitional Kinder program know what those mean, and how it affects their community!

Posted: October 1, 2015

We are new to this school and area and I couldn't be more pleased with Monte Vista Elementary School. I was so worried after I read all the mediocre reviews, but the school really has made significant changes, from what I can see. The principal, Dr. Ashby, is probably the most genuine, caring, absolutely wonderful educator I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Perhaps there were problems with teachers in the past, but from my experience, the teachers are dedicated and focused on providing a well-rounded education for their students. I think the least experienced teacher there has over 13 years of experience. Yeah, the library isn't state of the art, and there aren't iPads in all the classrooms, but the sense of community and school spirit and pride is strong. My kids are excited to go to school every single day. They are happy when I pick them up from school and they love to stay and play with their friends after school (pick-up soccer games almost daily). The parents are wonderful, the PTA has worked tirelessly to provide fun events for the students and families. There are many, many PTA-sponsored events on the calendar. There are lots of clubs for all grade levels. They are getting a new playground, in addition to three that are already there. And you cannot beat the location - ocean views from almost every classroom! If you are moving to the area, don't be discouraged by the less than stellar reviews on this website - go there, see for yourself, sit in a classroom, meet the teachers and staff, meet Dr. Ashby - you will be quite pleased!

Posted: October 1, 2015

I see dedicated teachers and students that truly love and admire their teachers - to me, that says a lot. The teachers collaborate and are helpful to parents.

Posted: October 1, 2015

At our previous school, my children would be hours doing homework worksheets. Here, it's about one or two worksheets a night, less than 30 minutes an evening.

Posted: October 1, 2015

They reward positive behavior with "Blue Bucks" which a child can earn for going above and beyond what is expected of them socially (helping a friend, picking up trash that isn't theirs, etc). At the end of the week, all the Blue Bucks are put together and winners from each grade are selected (randomly) and the child gets a small prize. They also do Positive Office Referrals where students that are doing really well and setting a good example for others are honored at a weekly school assembly and they get to have a special breakfast with Dr. Ashby. Really nice to see positive behavior rewarded so consistently!

Posted: August 31, 2015

Monte Vista fails to meet its potential. They are trying to bring back music and arts but the teachers are stressed and focused on workbooks and testing. It is so sad as we live in a beautiful area with so many resources. It would be nice to have a wonderful neighborhood school. Most educated or involved parents have tried Monte Vista and been disappointed, this is what we have found and it has been very hard on our son and daughter. Both of our children attended since kindergarten, one in fourth grade and one in third. This year we are applying to charter and private schools. This is due to the fact of so much turnover with classmates, it is sad that the kids make friends then parents become fed up with the poor quality of the school and move. The teachers are stressed and try to cover it well. They are under pressure to implement certain curricula,. There is hours of homework each night for kindergarten through fifth grades, all students kept busy with "busy" worksheets each night. There are no iPad labs, the teacher projectors are old and students can not see the image. There is lack of yard duty and supervision. PE is not learning skills or games but tired teachers sharing "yard duty" at the last half hour of the day to give kids "recess". Many problem kids with behavior problems challenge the teachers and scare other kids as most other families are at the charters or private schools in our area. There is a real fear of having your child move into Colton. Since the school opened five years ago there have been four principals. It even affects property values as houses down my street but not in the MPUSD area are valued much higher then my house. Real estate agents have a tough time selling to young families due to the reputation of MPUSD. If you are a parent be involved, volunteer in class several times a week and please provide independent enrichment for your child. We are sad to say, after five years at Monte Vista we are leaving for a charter school and so happy to make the move yet heartbroken that our neighborhood school is so underperforming. Good luck to parents, it is such a stressful situation to find the best school for your child but continue with the efforts, you have choices including public charters that do not have tuition.

Posted: March 18, 2015

Well I posting this because honestly whoever wrote on the 26th isn't a parent. The school library sucks, I've seen 100% better library's for elementary schools, as for the bullying as another parent posted about I haven't heard much about, but I keep my distant from the school besides to pick up my child and drop off due to the flirtly principle and rude staff. Yes the kids do get yelled at and I understand at times the kids aren't always going to listen, but when its everyday my child is informing me that the teacher yelled at them just because they didn't understand the Math that was just taught, or anything and everything and it's everyday it tends to upset me. They are just kids with open minds to learn! I honestly think the staff all needs to be revamped and evaluated and changed to have teachers who want to teach these kids and be there for all of the kids! I honestly could go on and on about all the things that are big disappointment in the school through my eyes.

Posted: October 29, 2014

If you are looking for a place that can baby sitter your child while you're working well Monte Vista Elementary School it's the great place! Teachers with no patience at all! Teachers yell at students! Teachers texting or using Face book while they're teaching! Teachers bullying students and teaching the kids bullying! The principal is just flirting with girls PTA is Horrible!

Posted: September 16, 2013

I have not had good experiences with teachers. My son's kindergarten teacher was short tempered and irritable all the time, not to mention late almost every day. His first grade teacher is better but still has very little time to communicate with me or deal with issues. I look forward to finding a better school with teachers that are more creative, communicative and caring.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Monterey	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monterey	CA	1.6 mi
2	Pebble Beach	Area of Town	Del Monte Forest	CA	2.5 mi
3	Seaside Highlands	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Seaside	CA	5 mi
4	Fitch Park at Ord Military Community	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Seaside	CA	6.3 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Monterey	Monterey	CA	1 mi
2	Monterey Bay	Monterey	CA	1.1 mi
3	Cannery Row	Monterey	CA	1.9 mi
4	Pacific Grove	Pacific Grove	CA	2.1 mi
5	17-Mile Drive	Pebble Beach	CA	2.3 mi
6	Carmel	Carmel-By-The-Sea	CA	2.5 mi
7	Seaside Highlands	Seaside	CA	4.6 mi

Base	Distance
DLI - Presidio of Monterey	1.3 mi.
Monterey Naval Postgraduate School	2 mi.

Monte Vista

Monterey, CA 93940

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Monte Vista

Monterey, CA 93940

School Ratings

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