Monte Vista Elementary School

Posted: January 29, 2026

My daughter loves this school!! It’s supercute set in the Vista foothills. Great teachers, friendly environment and fun drama program. Not five stars due to the principal(not the friendliest) and cranky noon duties.

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: January 29, 2026

Posted: June 24, 2023

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

Posted: June 24, 2023

Posted: June 24, 2023

Posted: June 24, 2023

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Posted: June 24, 2023

Posted: April 3, 2022

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

Posted: April 3, 2022

Posted: April 3, 2022

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Posted: January 23, 2020

Amazing staff. They function like a family and create a loving atmosphere.

Posted: January 23, 2020

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Posted: January 23, 2020

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Posted: January 29, 2019

Nothing but impressed with this school! My child loves it and is learning so much compared to his other school.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Monte Vista has excellent teachers! It is a great family school.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: September 17, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

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

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

My 2 children have been taught by some of the best and most caring teachers I have seen. My son is just ending 1st grade and because of his teacher Mrs fries , he is near 3rd grade reading level. She is an amazing teacher! My daughter is ending kindergarten and Mrs Doyle has worked with her all year and she has came so far in her education . Mrs Doyle really put her time into my daughter (youngest k student in the school) because of her my daughter has more confidence and,loves going to school

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: June 5, 2018

Posted: May 22, 2018

Posted: May 22, 2018

Monte Vista Elementary is an amazing school. Principal Charlene Smith cares deeply about each and every single child, and their safety and educational excellence beyond elementary school.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Posted: May 22, 2018

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

Posted: May 22, 2018

The teachers and staff are fantastic. They care about kids.

Posted: May 20, 2018

Posted: May 20, 2018

The teachers are awesome and love their students and families.

Posted: May 20, 2018

Could not ask for a better Principal and Staff.

Posted: May 20, 2018

Posted: May 20, 2018

Posted: May 20, 2018

Love this school. The Principal and Teachers go out of their way to support and nurture their students in a loving and supportive environment.

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

My daughter is happy, learning and confident. We are very pleased with our experience

Posted: May 11, 2018

Teaching leadership building confidence at a young age

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 11, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

Posted: May 2, 2018

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

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

Posted: June 16, 2017

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

Posted: August 9, 2016

I would say that the majority of teachers at our school are fantastic. The problem is that they have so little time to teach kids and they have so many subjects to cover and not enough time to do it.

Posted: August 9, 2016

We've had some years of heavy homework to the point that my kids are stressed, I'm stressed and its a bad situation- we all end up freaking out and being mad at each other. I've heard that this year they are reducing homework and we are looking forward to that.

Posted: August 9, 2016

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

Posted: April 11, 2016

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

Posted: April 11, 2016

Posted: April 11, 2016

Posted: April 11, 2016

Monte Vista has a strong "No Excuses" mission to keep kids accountable for their actions, their words, and their treatment of others.

Posted: September 29, 2015

I have 2 kids at Monte Vista, and we have been very happy.

The children have had committed teachers, the PTA is extremely active, there is lots of parent involvement, and volunteering at events & in the classrooms is really stressed.

There are many extracurricular offerings such as running club, safety patrol, student council, and dance clubs. We have also had our kids take the enrichment programs that are offered after school through Kids College, and they have been great.

The Principal is hands on & willing to jump right in and help with the kids & parents.

The school has a real "family" feel to it - everyone you meet is friendly and welcoming.

Great experience so far!

Posted: September 29, 2015

Our children have had excellent teachers at Monte Vista. They have been involved, caring, encourage kids to do their personal best, and are nice people.

Posted: September 29, 2015

This varies by teacher and year. This year (2015-2016), my children are receiving an appropriate amount. They have never received to little, but there have been years when I thought the homework volume was too high.

Posted: September 29, 2015

This school actively promotes character education via classes, mission, and behavior modeling. They also have an active anti-bullying program.

Posted: December 20, 2013

i love this school < i have 4 kids at monte vista !! its awesome school

Posted: February 27, 2013

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

Posted: August 22, 2012

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

Posted: August 20, 2012

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

Posted: August 20, 2012

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

Posted: August 16, 2012

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

Posted: May 26, 2012

I have 2 kids at Monte Vista Elementary, and both are getting excellent educations. There has been a lot of change at MVE this year (large enrollment increase, multiple principals, multiple PTA presidents), and we are looking forward to things calming down the coming school year. These things are largely invisible to our children, though, who are safe and happy. They enjoy school and learning, have had excellent teachers, and are turning into confident people. The PTA is very active, and offers lots of extras including art & music education. I recommend the school.

Posted: April 30, 2012

I hate the staff! made me feel very unwelcomed when we transferred in late in the year. I have no desire to step foot in the classroom which is sad for my child. I sincerely want nothing to do with this school.

Posted: September 19, 2010

My daughter first 3 years of her education went well. Not until her 4th and 5th grade did her education went down Hill. The teacher lacked in support unless it was a certain student. She lacked integrity. The TA's at best are jokes. When cuts are manditory she would be first on my list. Everything my daughter learned over summer and winter breaks was lost while attending this teachers class. I think she was probably more concern over her tenure . When a new principal was moved into the position as acting proncipal the school did not even have the common courtesy to inform families. I had to find out the hard way.

Posted: September 13, 2010

We now have 3 children in Monte Vista grades K, 2nd and 5th and we have been extremely pleased with the staff and teachers. They do a great job at keeping kids accountable and our kids have done very well in all areas. Everyone is very friendly, caring and genuinely interested in the well being and safety of each child. While we are disappointed that the GATE program is cancelled or on hold, we know that is not a school decision but a district one. And the teacher for our 5th grader offers additional challenges for the GATE children which shows even more great care! The PTA is extremely strong and involved. Without them and the parental support we would not have the Music and Arts programs! Monte Vista is a great, awesome school.

Posted: July 27, 2008