Bay View Academy
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 704-6805
District: Monterey County Office Of Education
GreatSchools Rating
charter • Grades K-8 • 477 students
Bay View Academy, located in Monterey, California, is a charter school that serves grades K-8. It is among the few schools in California to receive a distinguished GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10.
Bay View Academy is a charter school located in Monterey, CA. 477 students attend Bay View Academy.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 6/10 | 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 | 4/10 | 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: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
BVA is an amazing school with it's charter focus on community engagement. Teachers have been really engaged so far and you can tell they create an impact on the students.
Our student reached the reading level for the next grade half way through the year and they kept challenging him so he wasn't bored in class.
The school uses thematic units throughout the year and every grade focuses on the theme in their grade appropriate way.
School field trips and social events always reinforce the thematic learnings in a fun rememberable way. Example: Healthy eating thematic unit has our K student growing vegetables throughout the and preparing/housing a lunch for parents (salad/soup). His cousin in 3rd grade took a field trip to the farmers market and had a $10 budget to buy their own lunch. Real life lessons!
I will give one word of advice: you get what you give here. Not financially, but time and effort. If you don't take your student to the start of the year bonfire, fall picnic in the mountains, school recital, ice cream social, book Mobile, field trips or open houses - you probably won't understand the magic of what they are trying to accomplish here and your student won't gain the benefit of this charter school.
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
Posted: January 22, 2024
It's hard to ignore the high turnover rate for both teachers and principals. Class sizes are becoming larger, and despite how much the teachers dedicate in time and resources, I get the feeling that everyone working there is spread incredibly thin. Thus I feel like my child is not getting the attention they need to really master basic concepts in all of their subjects. I can see now why some parents are starting to place their children in other schools with more resources and stronger, more organized leadership.
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
Posted: February 2, 2023
As a former parent and former teacher who has worked here, I would NOT recommend this school to any teacher looking for a job or parent looking for a school; it almost seems like adult children run the school - most of the faculty is under 40. Admin means well, but all the faculty at the top lack experience, professionalism, and proper training to run a school successfully. There is, however, a big family involvement in the school, which works in bringing families into the school. Over the 12 years it has been open, some improvements have been made, but there is a serious lack of basic tenets for students. My biggest gripes involve:
1) There is no cafeteria. Students eat outside (or on the ground) on parent-built picnic tables that aren't cleaned before using. There is often bird excrement on these tables. How do we raise leaders who are treated like animals, when they eat lunch on the ground?
2) There is a lack of learning resources for students needing extra support.
3) There is NO LIBRARY! What kind of school can have a thriving literacy program with no access to books?
4) After-school staff and classroom aides seem under-trained and lack professionalism.
5) The retention rate for teachers at Bay View is very low - there was a recent third grade teacher who left in December! What kind of school environment forces a teacher to leave halfway through the year?
Walk, don't run to other Monterey schools.
Posted: July 20, 2022
Posted: July 20, 2022
Posted: July 20, 2022
Posted: July 20, 2022
Focus here on administrative team:
Every Bay View Parent I run into has some kind of story/stories like mine. My hairstylist, the produce market checker, our neighbor. This is not an isolated rant.
To protect my childs privacy. Im not being specific with the details for fear of retaliation. My child has been bullied, verbally and physically. There is a serious lack of supervisory staff (actual fights go on for long periods of time- theres video out there). Head of School (principal) plays favorites with kids and acts like one herself. Responds inappropriately to parent concerns, shifts blame, and exhibits bias. The vice principal appears to be more professional but is inconsistent.
If your child goes to this school and gets through unscathed, youre lucky. If theres a problem, theyre going to do the bare minimum (as legally obligated) but in most cases, there is zero follow through. My child was supposed to meet with the (rarely present) counselor and was never called in. Seeing him was part of an action plan. Or maybe an inaction plan.
I was so excited when my child got in I ignored the medical assistant at my doctor when she had all these stories. Now I know better.
This is my public service announcement/ cautionary tale.
Posted: May 10, 2019
Posted: May 10, 2019
Posted: May 10, 2019
Verbal bullying is allowed with no consequences.
Posted: May 10, 2019
Posted: May 10, 2019
Posted: May 10, 2019
A nightmare. Worried my child would be hurt and worried about transitioning to another school because he was not up to par with other schools at his grade level
Posted: May 10, 2019
Since the school was split into 2 schools, spending increased x 2. Teachers left, pay decreased, Several principles left over the years. The children seem to rule the school. The education is not up to par.
Posted: May 5, 2019
School offers counseling but Im not sure about disciplinary methods.
Posted: May 5, 2019
It can be better, fundraising needs to be improved.
Posted: May 5, 2019
Posted: May 5, 2019
So far we have had a good experience, math program is great, we would love for a foreign language to be taught in the Lower campus.
School should offer free field trips and perhaps hire a school bus to transport the kids rather than having parents drive them.
Posted: May 5, 2019
No homework in kindergarten which is great!
Posted: May 5, 2019
So far its been good. Our current teacher is excellent!
Posted: May 5, 2019
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Posted: November 24, 2018
Bayview split into two schools and there isnt enough funding. Teachers come in and its a revolving door. Principle has changed 3+ times and there is only one for both schools. The education is far behind other schools. This is one lottery you dont want to win.
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
This school has strong math and science program. If your child likes math and enjoys science, this is a great school for you. Students break into small groups to do math, which I love. Teachers and staff care so much about students.
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: October 3, 2018
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 15, 2017
this is the best school iv'e ever been to. it has all 8 grades. I think that the teachers really care about the kids. All my teachers like the kids to learn good. they are not to strict, but strict enough to not have the kids goof off.if you are looking for a great school for your kids this should be your first pick.
Posted: December 15, 2017
Posted: December 5, 2017
I have inquired about IEP and special needs programs and theu have yet to get back to me. They also dont seem to have a plan in place for this. And behavioral issues they say they deal with "as situations arise and seperatly for each one."
Posted: December 5, 2017
Several situations of bullying have occured and they do not have a action plan in place for any of them. They deal with each situation "seperatley and as they see fit."
Posted: December 5, 2017
Homework goes along with units which is fantastic.
Posted: December 5, 2017
There is so much chaos and no discipline in the classroom that I have witnessed, I don't think the teachers are able to be effective.
Posted: December 5, 2017
If they don't shoe these each day, how will the children learn them. They say them but it is not being practiced in the classroom.
Posted: December 5, 2017
The problem with this school. If you have good leadership it makes all the difference in the way the school is run and situations are "dealt with." Many teachers have left and I can guarantee this is probably the reason.
Posted: December 5, 2017
Terrible. The teachers are not empowered and the leadership is uneducated on many levels. I have never seen so much chaos and situations that are not dealt with as I have witnessed in the amount of time I have been at bayview. The board needs to do major reconstruction to keep this school afloat. We were delighted to get in and now can't get out quick enough. Until change is made, do not send your child here.
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
Posted: August 16, 2017
My two boys started their education at a private school. I wanted them to have PE, Art, Music, and all the other extras that have been cut from our local public schools. Then I heard about what Bay View had to offer and I haven't looked back since. The teachers are very accommodating to the different learning styles of their students. I couldn't be happier!
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: July 26, 2017
The diversity of BVA's students needs to be reflected in their teachers and school leadership. This would make the school even better.
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: July 26, 2017
Posted: March 1, 2016
Posted: March 1, 2016
Posted: March 1, 2016
Posted: March 1, 2016
There are just not enough wonderful things I can say about this gem of a school! All 3 of our kiddos attend BVA. After dealing with multiple other schools I know what to look for in a school. As others have mentioned before, this school offers spectacular programs for our children such as art, music, Spanish, P.E., swimming, SPCA club, sports, after school club, tutoring, math and reading intervention, and lots of beneficial field trips. Even the hot lunches served here are amazing and are catered through Aqua Terra. But the staff... Oh my goodness! The staff is outstanding!! I don't know where they find these folks, but I sure am glad they do. Every teacher and staff member I have encountered here at BVA are amazing and bring something unique and special to the table. We LOVE BVA!!!
Posted: June 12, 2015
My son has been attending BVA since its inception, as a kindergartner, and he loves it. Though it has expanded in size, it retains a true community feeling, due to the incredibly dedicated teachers and staff, and to the many parents that spend so much time there to make the school a welcoming environment that places the children's education first. It was a transition for me to have volunteer hours as a requirement, coming from a public elementary school. However, I appreciate this requirement, as it makes me more involved with my son's education, and it shows him that his schooling is, and should be, a primary focus for not only him but his family. The curriculum is challenging, and it has pushed my son to excel in many different areas, from math and science, to art and Spanish. It has been really cool to watch the development of his various school projects, as they tend to incorporate many different skills, from historical research, writing, PowerPoint and public speaking. Teachers remain very accessible, and are incredibly involved with their students' progress. Aside from schoolwork, BVA also offers many extracurricular activities, such as music, team sports and student-led clubs. My son is now looking forward to learning an instrument, increasing his involvement in the SPCA club, and playing on the school's soccer team. This truly is a gem of a school.
Posted: June 12, 2015
Posted: June 12, 2015
Posted: June 12, 2015
Posted: March 8, 2015
Every teacher we met are so involved and professional. Not only does my kid learn a lot, by participating in so many school activities, we learn a lot as well! A lot of the homework projects require parent involvement. For example, during the geology project, the homework is preparing a presentation by picking up a rock with your parents. The student has to decorate the stone (fine art skill), draw a map of the location where you find the stone (learn to read / draw a map), measure it (learn about weight and size), and categorize it (involve some Google search to determine what kind of rock it is) and write a description about it (writing skill). The student has to present the findings in class (presentation/public speaking). This is a very active and well-rounded learning experience in my opinion. Sure, there are constant reminders for money donations and requests for parent participation in school events. As far as I know this is vital to every charter school. Donation at BVA is highly recommended but not mandatory. The school tells us that they need the donation participation rate to be higher to be considered a viable charter school but the amount is not that much of an issue.
Posted: December 11, 2014
This school is the best, my son has Ben in this school since the beginning and I would not change it for any school around here. The teachers are great and everyone works as a team. I read a review of someone complaining about well maybe you should donate your spot to someone else's kid that really apreciates what the school offers for our students . Thanks This year I feel bad because I haven't volunteer enough yet but I'll catch up after xmas. The 30 hours is nothing, what matters to me is that my son knows I'm there for him.
Posted: September 30, 2014
Two of my children went to 3rd through 4th and 6th through 7th at Bayview before we had to move out of state, due to my husband's job. This school was amazing! The teachers, office staff, and parents were so involved and worked all together to make sure the kids got the best possible education. They offer many different extra programs like Orcastra, Spanish, art, music, math clubs, art clubs, SPCA club, and many more. The field trips were all fantastic and my older daughters 6th grade class took part in the nation wide Tech Challlenge, which was very much challenging and made math and science more fun for the students. Some of the grades even get free swim lessons at the Monterey Sports Center as part of Thier gym curriculum. This is a charter school, so it was expected that parents volunteer and contribute money towards the schools capital champaign, but this is because they don't get funding like a regular public school. Because of this, it allows parents to have more control over thier children's education and the school has more freedom. I enjoyed being involved with my kids education and helping Bayview to succeed and grow.
Posted: September 29, 2014
If you ask a teacher about what they teach your child in class you get a long winded rant about what you re doing wrong as a parent during home work time and how badly your child is doing.It gets old when at every parent function you get a form that you are required to fill out which tells how much you are donating or if you are not donating money so they can track non donators. If I could pay for my child's education I would place them in private school. As it is we just purchased every item on the list of school supplies. They money they are saving on salaries for required parent volunteer hours should be sufficient. Parents have to chaperone and drive students to field trips, parents plan the field trips, parents grade the homework and now apps on their iPads grade testing and school work. I thought this was going to be a well rounded school curriculum with reading & writing homework, science homework, spanish homework and math. All I have seen is a thick packet of reading and writing, projects which parents do for their child because they are too advanced for the child's age.
Posted: January 27, 2014
My son started here in kindergarden and is in the first grade now, we are very happy with this school The principal teachers and staff are truly committed to making this a great school my son loves to go to this school and is doing very well The curriculum is tough and involves a lot of parental guidance, and for me as a parent it is truly remarkable to see him complete his assignments The lunch program is very good the lunches are catered and very nutritious. I also like the fact that they lock the school doors and secure the school parking lot during school hours, there are a lot of activities outside of the school that the kids are involved in beach cleanup day, visiting the Apple Farm, touring the police and fire stations, library and fair visits we feel very fortunate to get into the lottery we live in Marina and our school options were not too good here. Go Bayview
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monterey | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Monterey | CA | 2.3 mi | |
| 2 | Seaside Highlands | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Seaside | CA | 2.6 mi | |
| 3 | Fitch Park at Ord Military Community | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Seaside | CA | 3.9 mi | |
| 4 | Pebble Beach | Area of Town | Del Monte Forest | CA | 4.7 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monterey | Monterey | CA | 1.5 mi | |
| 2 | Monterey Bay | Monterey | CA | 1.5 mi | |
| 3 | Cannery Row | Monterey | CA | 2 mi | |
| 4 | Seaside Highlands | Seaside | CA | 2.3 mi | |
| 5 | Pacific Grove | Pacific Grove | CA | 3 mi | |
| 6 | 17-Mile Drive | Pebble Beach | CA | 4.1 mi | |
| 7 | Carmel | Carmel-By-The-Sea | CA | 4.5 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Monterey Naval Postgraduate School | 0.5 mi. |
| DLI - Presidio of Monterey | 1.9 mi. |
