Vista Verde K-8 School

Posted: January 2, 2026

We attended VV for a year and my daughter refused to continue. The school has a great reputation for its academics but in fact it's just mediocre. The management needs improvement and it's hard to reach to the principle. Bully is a big issue, although my daughter is not a victim but she always talked about what happened at school which shocked us.

Posted: January 2, 2026

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Posted: May 23, 2025

Teachers don't teach- they show videos instead. My child watches more "tv" at school daily than they does at home in one week.

Lunch staff spray water on kids who are still eating, which lands on their food. This is abuse and wrong. The kids have 20 minutes to eat and are told over and over again to hold their bathroom needs until lunch. How can they eat in less than 20 minutes when they have to walk to the lunch area, sometimes late since teachers will delay dismissal due to unruly kids, then they have to wait in line for the bathroom and use the bathroom (not always a 1-2 minute session), getting food from the cafeteria, then finding a place to sit. This leaves barely any time to sit and eat a meal properly! Forget trying to practice social skills with their peers since they've had to hold it in during class time.

Ultimately, if you like your kid to watch videos in class as "learning" and have no time to eat a lunch, get sprayed with water, or learn how to be a civil human being with social skills, this school is great for you.

Posted: September 12, 2023

Recess and lunch breaks are non existent due to the rude and power tripping field monitor. Kids are subject to sitting on the hot pavement when it was 95° and are not allowed to run or participate in any way socially. Field monitor supervisor uses a damn megaphone and yells at the kids within 2 feet!!! Kids are withheld on breaks for 5min plus on a 15min break. This is not a military school and many kids are traumatized due to these strict rules that the principal and vp choose to ignore that was self implemented by the monitor supervisor. History teach forgets assignments and grades solely based on emotions and favoritism. If any parents read this, ask your child how recess and lunch breaks are. Chances are they will back up all that was written here.

Posted: September 12, 2023

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Posted: September 5, 2023

My child went to this school from grades K-2, and I have to say almost the entire school experience traumatized her (mostly 2nd grade). Grades K and 1 were decent-- the teachers were good, and there wasn't many issues. If there was you can be sure the principal wouldn't be helpful. We had an issue in grade 1 where a staff member was continuously rude to our child at lunchtime, and the teacher and vice principal were the ones who addressed the issue, the principal dismissed us when we brought the issue to him. Both this incident and principals attitude were the first red flags. Then came 2nd grade where her teacher was unhelpful, and judgmental most of the times. She was quick to complain about any issues concerning our child, but not quick to help help her or let us know when our child was struggling-- specifically academically. My child ended up falling behind for 2 months before the teacher made us aware of her academic struggles. We let the teacher know our child has anxiety early on, and had received help for it, in hopes she would it take it into consideration, but she seemed to show little empathy, especially towards the end of the year. Our child also had issues with bullying during her 2nd grade year, and no one seemed to notice or help, and frankly I'm not sure which is worse. On the last day of school is when our child finally told us the extent of the bullying (physical, verbal & emotional)-- which as a parent was truly gut-wrenching. She had waited so long because she worried if she told the bullying would get worse. Even though it was the last day and our child was going to be leaving the school, I STILL emailed the teacher and school to notify them and get some clarity, and got no response-- unacceptable. Regardless if she was going to be leaving the school, the very least they could've done is respond. My child was one of very few children of color in the school, and that without a doubt played a role in the bullying she was receiving, and the lack of interest in the school taking us seriously or helping. This school has a serious bullying and lack of diversity issue-- which we were painfully made aware of. I am writing this email as a parent that luckily got their child out of there already, in hopes that if a parent-- especially a parent of color sees this, they choose a different school, and if you do-- good luck hopefully you have a better experience then we did.

Posted: September 5, 2023

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Posted: August 5, 2023

So far it's been a pretty positive experience. Teachers are kind, helpful and care about the children. My child loves going to school. My only issue is the massive class sizes. 32 kids with one teacher is ridiculous! This is the case for all the first and second-grade classes this year - highly likely other grades are experiencing the same. How can one teacher effectively teach 32 kids? The classrooms are filled with desks and barely any room for the kids to get around. Parents will come in as volunteers, but they're not really "teachers", are they?

Posted: September 15, 2022

Some teachers especially the one who is about to retire or got tenure can be very abusive to the unfavored kids and their parents. Kids can hear cursing and screaming from those teachers down at the hallway. Unfortunately, there is at least one of those in every grade.

Posted: September 15, 2022

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Posted: July 14, 2020

I volunteer at Vista Verde as a grandparent. I always feel welcome and love to see the learning in the classes. The children are the priority in all respects.

Posted: July 14, 2020

The teachers are so concerned about each child and their progress. Ms. Gornbein , my grandson’s teacher went over and beyond during the pandemic to make sure all her class had special attention. Amazing!

Posted: July 14, 2020

Posted: July 14, 2020

The school is run like FINE oiled machine with flexibility and care.

Posted: July 14, 2020

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Posted: March 3, 2020

Initially I was excited and my child as well, but in middle school things changed. Read my previous comments. Exposure to inappropriate language, sexual comments, etc. Not addressed as part of anti-bullying policy. Other schools give good internet citizenship workshops and healthy text communication. This school still lacks that emphasis on these issues. Also, with all the money they raise and rich parents in the area, you would think kids had a state of the art gym by now to do PE on hot or rainy days or some lockers in middle school so they don’t have to carry super heavy backpacks plus their instruments daily!! These are children! Leadership is poor in putting emphasis in these areas. I am considering moving again precisely because the leadership is not settling a good example.

Posted: March 3, 2020

Kids feel stressed in the middle school program. Too much homework in 6th grade for kids that are barely transitioning from elementary, the changing of classrooms, different teachers with different rules and the students and parents must keep up daily with the Aries portal, canvas, Google classroom, especially for kids with IEPs and special needs. I feel they should do more like new k-8 schools in Irvine where they do more during school and less homework after school. The children are only 11 and even tough for me to keep up, as a single parent of only one child; I can only imagine how other parents feel with two or more kids. Stressful!

Posted: March 3, 2020

I did not give the top rating only because teachers need to know how to advocate better for kids with IEPs and be honest and truthful in their ratings and during IEPs and nor let the principal sway their answers and minimize the situations that are critical. Also, teachers should not be asking kids “if they brought the money” for classroom teacher events (class parents). This makes children uncomfortable especially in front of others if the parents cannot afford it. These type of questions should be asked to the parents, not the kids. In addition, teachers should reply to parents’ emails about their children behavior incidents, or when 8th grade teachers are being mean to 6th graders who have special needs. The teachers are good at the subjects they teach, but the above information needs to be addressed and brought up in teacher trainings.

Posted: March 3, 2020

My child already has been exposed to kids speaking fowl language and other inappropriate language by peers in middle school. Certainly this is not showing the leadership focuses on integrity, compassion, or respect! Oh, and did I mention my child was bullied, name called, and made fun of?

Posted: March 3, 2020

Principal is not friendly. Seems to only befriend high-paying PTA parents. He never replies to emails pertaining to my child’s incidents or being mistreated ny teacher. Even when CC’d he said he is “not required to answer the emails” and won’t give feedback. This is definitely not good leadership since I study Organizational Change and Human Capital, where great leadership is key to make organizations succeed. He is not inclusive, again, a lack of leadership skill especially in an educational setting. He also needs to stop disrespecting patents during IEP meetings and interrupting while parents are interviewing teachers and he minimizes the children’s special needs.

Posted: March 3, 2020

Read my above comments on how my child’s needs were minimized at IEPs, and how 8th grade teacher was rude to him while he has lack of self advocacy skills! School psychologist is new and manipulated by principal to minimize ratings on the Triennial for special needs. Child needs more therapies and they (principal, school psych, and SPL along with district staff) keep generalizing my child’s needs as “normal for all middle schoolers.” They minimize everything and want to take away his services knowing my child’s special needs!

Posted: March 3, 2020

Posted: August 11, 2019

Do not be swayed by those with negative experiences. There are some parents who will never be happy and think their child can do no wrong. The overwhelming majority of kids and parents have nothing but positive things to say about the school. Having grown up in Irvine myself, I am very familiar with most of the schools in district. We specifically chose Vista Verde because we felt it offered the best balance of all the district schools. Irvine is known for academics and every school in the district will provide an excellent education. What separates Vista Verde beyond the excellent academics is the student body are also encouraged to explore other interests, athletics, art, music, etc. The diversity of the student body also creates a great atmosphere for the kids to meet all kinds of people and explore different viewpoints than they may otherwise be exposed to. If you are looking for school that not only offers excellent academics but also a well rounded environment for you children Vista Verde is a great choice.

Posted: August 11, 2019

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Posted: March 21, 2019

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Posted: March 21, 2019

Loved this school! All the the teacher and students are so respectful!

Posted: March 1, 2018

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Posted: March 1, 2018

I don't think there is a better school in the area. Great environment and awesome staff. Both my kids have shown significant improvement in their academics and behaviors. Lots of blood and sweat have been put to make this school so great. Thank you Vista Verde!

Posted: December 1, 2017

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Posted: December 1, 2017

My kids love this school. The school is clean, organized, and have good system. The teachers are supportive, encouraging, demonstrate good leadership. The school prepare the kids for real world. They enjoyed working on many projects, researches, presentation, team collaboration, real world math problem solving. We had tried many schools to find a good school for my kids. When my kids go to this school, I have no more worries. The school is challenging enough for them, I'm not afraid of them getting bullied, many kids here are friendly, respectful, and giving.

Posted: June 1, 2017

My kids have been at VV for 2 years now and we are very pleased with the school environment on the whole and the academics. The school teachers and staff are supportive of all children, and other than some issues with inexperienced substitute teachers due to pregnancy leave, we've been very pleased with VV.

Posted: June 1, 2017

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Posted: May 9, 2017

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Posted: May 9, 2017

This school shines on the outside but smells from the inside. Social atmosphere at this school is not healthy. You will realize once you spend significantly more time volunteering at the school. Don't be lured by the strong academics and what they seemingly have to offer.

Posted: April 14, 2017

We are going to vv this July, and all my family members are exciting about new school. I heard from my friend that this school is really good, so we moved to there. You know move is very hard but I hope it is worth to do that.

Is there any parent know how to prepare for K? I searched one supply list from school , does that means I have to buy all the staff to donate the class?
Hope someone is answering me, and it is the first time my kid go to school.
Thank you!

Posted: April 14, 2017

Posted: December 1, 2015

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Posted: December 1, 2015

I have twins and they both go to Vista Verde. This is their 6th year @ Vista Verde and we did'nt have one single problem within the last 5-6 years. We love the teachers, staff and their approach. We have moved to another neighborhood in Irvine far away from Vista Verde but still and rather to drive 20-30 minutes each way and my kids stay @ Vista Verde

Posted: October 15, 2015

Posted: October 15, 2015

Posted: October 15, 2015

Posted: October 15, 2015

Do not be swayed by the lunatic parents who say they "visit their kids during break" or "come into class to watch how the teachers treat the kids" because those are the types of parents that will never be satisfied, no matter where their kids go to school. The truth is that Vista Verde has a long waiting list and it is for a reason. Every teacher is not perfect. Every employee is not perfect. BUT, if you find yourself complaining about any FREE school in Irvine, then you need to double-think what you are doing. Go try San Bernardino or Los Angeles and then come back and complain about the best free education system in the United States. 97% of the students at Vista Verde love the school and so do their parents. There will always be the nutburger fringe of parents who don't get what they want and then obsessively scour the internet to find ways to get revenge for how they have been "wronged". Vista Verde is in the upper 1% of all schools in the U.S. and people flock to this area for that reason. They prepare the students wonderfully for Uni and any other high-level high school in the area. The biggest problem at the school is BY FAR the few borderline-insane parents who think the rules don't apply to them and think that their child should get more attention than everyone else's. Again, not every teacher is wonderful. This is true at EVERY school in the country. 90% of the teachers are wonderful and I can promise your child will thrive here. My children have gone here for a cumulative 14 years and, yes, they have had a few issues with teachers, but that is life. There are tough events in all facets of life. If you are a helicopter parent who tries to guide your children away from any tiny bit of strife or anything challenging, then you are not preparing your child for the real world in any way. Learning to deal with when things are not perfect is one of the best lessons you can teach them. No school is perfect but you will find Vista Verde is close to it. If you are a "normal", non-insane parent, you will love Vista Verde and so will your children.

Posted: February 7, 2014

It is obvious that the last two reviews (posted on Feb 7, 2014) were written by the same parent.

Posted: February 7, 2014

We drive across Irvine to have our kids attend Vista Verde. Our kids have varying degrees of special needs. The staff is really trying to help my kids succeed, which has not been the case at other schools private and public in multiple school districts. We have great relationships with the principal, school psychologist, teachers, nurse, health clerk, and speech teacher. The other staff is also very nice and supportive. With the high standards of education at this school I don't worry as much about extra academics, and focus on extra curricular activities to target other areas. The main suggestion for this school is to reprogram language arts to be accessible to the dyslexic population at the school. We are so pleased with Vista Verde.

Posted: February 6, 2014

After reading some recent reviews, it obvious nothing had changed at Vista Verde. This school is a disaster. If you are a busy body with nothing better to do than follow your kid to school and play politics, it ismost llikely a good fit. If you have an average kid (not too smart) that likes busy work this is the perfect school. However, if you ate familiar with education law and have a high functioning kid, or a disabled kid or both you really have three choices. Run! Get a lawyer and sue (please pick this one) or be miserable and buy all their lies. I had hopes that when the former principal left some miracle would happen but it is still in IUSD so I guess not. You are not crazy they are. Teachers are so spoiled with parent helpers they don't know what's up with any kid. They don't grade or record the papers....hod knows there are a lot of dead trees because of VV.

Posted: February 6, 2014

teacher do not teach, being spoiled by volunteers. if they have to compile 2 pages, they are already overworked and they will inform you about it ;) the staff would try to sell lies to parents 24/7. hostile atmosphere. if you contribute some good money then you can have some kind of feeling of private school for public money and all families are aware of it. definitely they do not work for the best of students. ask parents and they will tell you: "average". you might stay but you'd better RUN.

Posted: August 2, 2013

I love Vista Verde School and hope everyone who went there loved it. It has more than 1,000 children that all appreciate the school. Vista Verde is a school that has a very high API score and has many gifted and talented students. Don't worry, if you go to Vista Verde, you will not be bullied at all! Be sure to listen to the instructions to all teachers, or else they can give you an F. If you decide you want to go there, make sure that you are okay with year round schools. In the whole city of Irvine, there are only two schools that are year round. All others are traditional schools that start in September. Vista Verde is a school K-8, so if you go there starting Kindergarten, you will stay there for nine years! Vista Verde is different from other schools by loving all students, advantaged or disadvantaged. I have been in Vista Verde from Kindergarten to eighth grade and have loved it throughout all nine school years! You would never even think about how much I cared for all the teachers, gave them handmade presents and happiness. In Vista Verde all the teachers make children learn very well. I don't know any school other than Vista Verde which I appreciate as much as this school.

Posted: July 31, 2013

In a few words, we sold our home that we built and meant the world to us just so our children can be part of Vista Verde. This is day 4 of school and we can see the pride & love that the Principle & Staff ( Team ) has for our school and children. We have all become a family and we are all motivated to better the lives of our children by providing them with all and more that is expected of a public school. We are privileged to becomes Vikings of Vista Verde School in Irvine, Ca. The Sender Family

Posted: June 5, 2013

There are some amazing teachers in this school like a husband and wife couple who are great role models as well as fantastic teachers. I can't say anything bad about this school other than one thing.There is a fifth grade bully teacher in this school. She definitely has some kind of problem and is not fit to be a teacher. Certain kids always get punished in her class no matter who did the wrong doing. Her favorite students never get bothered even if they do something wrong. She acts more like an angry teenager than an adult teacher. I don't know why the principal doesn't do anything about her in spite of all the complains from the unfortunate parents. I wish the principal could see or hear the way she treats the kids through some kind of hidden camera.

Posted: June 1, 2013

The recess teachers and volunteers are the worse. I often visit my child during breaks, and I see how horrible they treat the students, and the parents as well. They shouldn't be working with kids if they don't know how to talk or treat children. They demand and bark, rather than speaking normal. JUST BECAUSE CHILDREN ARE YOUNG DOESn't MEAN THAT THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND. Hopefully, a miracle happens and these teachers/volunteers get trained how to treat children or get prohibited working here. (Btw, third recess is a waste of time; it should be taken away, and let out 20 minutes earlier. Long day for kids:). Praying the right person reads this, and actions occurs. Thanks.

Posted: February 15, 2013

We were not impressed with the quality of staff or teachers, although there were a few exceptions. For a public school, the facilities were new and well-maintained, and it was close to home - those are the most positive things I can say about the school. Although some previous reviewers felt the school catered to high-achieving or "gifted" students, we did not fell this was the case. Our daughter had a comprehensive private evaluation and was diagnosed as "profoundly or exceptionally gifted." Her needs were completely unrecognized and unmet in the huge classroom she attended where the teacher didn't seem to know anything about our child. To make things worse, our child was bullied and teased for having principles and values. We moved her to a private school and all of us are happier than ever. Her abilities were not recognized in a system that processed children like robots on an assembly line, though the assembly line was spotless and shiny. We know at least four highly intelligent successful families that have left this school in the last few months. We only wish we'd started with private school, but at least we got out early enough to save our daughter's childhood.

Posted: December 31, 2012

I had a very similar experience with the (ex)principal. When I talked to her about how to improve math education, she said "my son never did anything like that, and he went on to Berkley!" What an educator. Vista Verde has the highest parent participation, parents are grading the homework & tests. And teachers are seen tutoring in the local library after school!