Vista Academy Of Visual And Performing Arts

Posted: March 17, 2025

I love VAPA and my children love it as well. The teachers are great, it's family-oriented they have a lot of fun nights for families at the school. From camping out to International Day, and so much more. The staff is amazing and helpful. My kids love attending and I recommend it to parents.

Posted: March 17, 2025

Posted: March 17, 2025

Posted: March 17, 2025

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Posted: August 9, 2019

Although, the options of extra curricular activities is a bonus and will do many children well, I was disappointed with the treatment of my 2nd grader. He was told he had more expectations put on his behavior (wiggling in class) because of his strong academics. He was above in his class academically but was too wiggly. We did have a great experience with the principal when he was faced with being bullied. It was taken care of swiftly.

Posted: August 9, 2019

strong emphasis on reading and we enjoyed having a packet to bring home each week

Posted: August 9, 2019

We only attended for one year and unfortunately left because of a teacher and family logistics. I know one teacher cannot be the reason for a poor review of all teachers. They are probably mostly great!

Posted: August 9, 2019

IB program is great for children to learn

Posted: August 9, 2019

Posted: August 9, 2019

My son attended for 1 year and his 'active' behavior was too much for his teacher. There were no classroom options for him other than sit still or sit alone and I was not allowed to offer suggestions. We were being called almost every day because this specific teacher was extremely anxious ( i have never had this feedback from other classroom settings).

Posted: August 9, 2019

Posted: July 3, 2019

Posted: July 3, 2019

The teachers integrate IB curriculum to the common core requirements.

Posted: July 3, 2019

The IB curriculum addresses character traits listed as well as, being principled and caring. Also addressed are making good choices and community action.

Posted: July 3, 2019

Posted: July 3, 2019

There are plenty of pull out resources as well as in class support. The Library is well stocked and open to Parents and Families.

Posted: July 3, 2019

The staff is super involved with the 'whole' student, making sure ALL needs are being met. I am happy my grandson has attended this school.

Posted: August 10, 2018

They are positive and enthusiastic and think outside the box

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: August 10, 2018

Amazing. I am so happy my daughter finally got to get into this school. It meets her needs and she has learned more in this one year than i have seen at her prior school.

Posted: August 10, 2018

Posted: December 16, 2013

I am so excited that Vista Academy once again offers weekly specialty classes in Art, Drama, Dance, and Music. Additionally, the staff collaborates with the specialists to provide arts integrated lessons regularly. This year, the entire teaching staff has begun rigorous training so that VAVPA will become an IB Primary Years Program School. I love this school! All three of my children attended VAVPA. Two are college grads and the youngest will graduate this year. I am proud to be a part of the VAVPA faculty and work with such wonderful students and families where the ARTS and Inquiry are the basis for learning.

Posted: September 14, 2013

My daughter has been attending VAPA for a few years and she LOVES it. The teachers truly do care about the students and their learning. The new principal, Mrs Hancock, has done wonders for the school and seems to be always thinking of ways to make the school better for all students. The teachers are good about using their email to communicate as well as notes home if necessary. Currently there is a massive amount of construction going on "next door" which can me for a "dusty campus" however the plan of action for after completion seems to be one that will benefit the school as a whole and for that, my family is very excited to see what the future holds. One improvement I would suggest is more parent involvement. Sadly I am not able to be as available for volunteering, but I help out when I can, I wish that those parents who can help out during the day because they don't have a job to report do on a daily basis would take the step to volunteer on campus more, just my 2 cents from conversations I've overheard during drop off and/or pick ups. I am very happy that my daughter goes to this school and to be involved in her education.

Posted: May 8, 2012

This is an excellent school and the way the teachers collaborate with one another to create specialized learning enviroments for all types of learns is what makes the school special. There is a diverse group of students which of course gives the teachers some challenges with english learning students. But research proves that these students also benefit from the arts integration programs and this school scores high with these students despite the budget cuts that have happened in the past. This school pulls many parents into the district due to its programs. If this magnet schools funding is cut there will be no reason to parents to keep their kids in this district.

Posted: May 26, 2011

AMAZING AMAZING VAPA is like no other school in Vista. The teachers are wonderful and the ARTS are everywhere!

Posted: May 26, 2011

LOVE THIS SCHOOL Our daughter is just finishing her Kindergarten year at VAPA. The school has been amazing, this is not a cookie cutter school. No where else in the district will you find and Arts program like this school has.The teachers, staff, parents and students are top notch. I look forward to anther year at this school.

Posted: January 6, 2011

Amazing school, The API score doesn t fully reflect this school. Yes, there are English learners but this in no way effects the teaching. The school scores one of the highest score in the district (API 925). The arts are amazing, one day they are in dance class, the next art, than drama and computer lab. You don t get this at any other school in the district!

Posted: January 6, 2011

This school rocks, there is so much going on here all the time. The parents are very involved. My daughter is in kindergarten and there is a teacher helper 5 days a week in the class and she is amazing! I m so happy we chose to send her to this school. Many parents over look this school only to send their child to a school with a different ratio, I really don t get that. The teachers are amazing I can t say enough about them. There are book fairs, pep rallies, art shows, talent shows, musicals, drama/dance productions, fall festivals, Haunted house and more! My daughter is already reading, adding and subtracting all with comprehension.

Posted: January 6, 2011

Love this school can t say enough good things about it. The students and teachers are the best I have ever seen. If you are thinking about sending your child here you won t be disappointed. The academics are spot on and the arts program is out of this world. It might not be the newest facility but that doesn t stop the teachers from doing an amazing job.

Posted: January 6, 2011

Arts Arts Arts This school has it all, excellent teachers and staff. An amazing involved and informative principal. The principal has monthly tea and coffee sit downs with the parents. She wants to hear what they have to say face to face and improve the school any way she can. With so many budget cuts and the arts and music being taken out of the schools this is one of the few gems left where that doesn t happen. I am so pleased with this school. The teaching is amazing and our son is excelling in all subjects.

Posted: January 6, 2011

LOVE THIS SCHOOL The reviews speak for themselves. If you are in the Vista district look at the other elementary school reviews on this site. VAPA has 90+ all other schools have around 20 or less. That tells you how involved the parents are and how much they love this school. It is truly an amazing school. I have heard so many people say they are sending their child to a school because the buildings are newer or the ratio is more even. That doesn t mean you are going to get a better education. The staff and teachers are the cream of the crop at this school. If you want a well round education than VAPA is a good choice.

Posted: September 16, 2010

My child just starting going to Kindergarten at VAPA this year. There are way too many students per teacher ratio. With there being so many students the school had to create a kindergarten class room outside the kindergarten compound . This class doesn t not even have a bathroom, so the kids have to walk across campus to go to the bathroom. This school is lacking safety, I never see a security guard on campus and the parking lot is the Indy 500 most the times. It seems the students going to the school are only going there because it is close to their home and not for the arts! This is really not a magnet

Posted: September 16, 2010

We ARE an arts magnet school. Go to any other elementary school in the district and you will immediately see/hear/notice the difference. None of the other elementary schools has a dance teacher, an instrumental music teacher, a visual artist and a drama teacher for all grades. Some of our students do come from the neighborhood but just because they live close by does not mean they are not here for the arts. We have a campus supervisor, which no other elementary school in the district has. We are an old campus - but the bathroom is just around the corner for the kindergarten students and not across the campus. And yes the parking lot is an issue which is more about the parents who are driving than about the school itself.

Posted: May 24, 2010

This schools teaches not just regular subjects but integrated all of the arts into its curriculum and that makes the difference in how students view learning. Not just as something they have to do but as something to look forward to learning is fun once again and students get to be kids too!!!

Posted: May 14, 2010

I love that my 5 yr old has been introduced to an arts based curriculum. It allows for so much creativity & thought into everything he does! Great teachers who truly care about the kids!

Posted: May 13, 2010

I love the teachers who truly care about their students' success!

Posted: May 13, 2010

I have been to all the school sites, and this one has teachers and staff that have an interest in the arts on a personal level and wish to share their knowledge with students far above the average Reading, Writing, & 'Rithmatic. FIVE STARS

Posted: May 13, 2010

This school has a pep rally every Friday for the elementary students to celebrate their successes and then they all do a line dance called the Bull Dog Boogie! The teachers and Principal have great school spirit and really get envolved. I love that they are keeping the arts alive in this school!

Posted: May 12, 2010

they have a good educational program and great teachers. The special education program is spectacular.

Posted: May 12, 2010

I am aware of the beneficial Acedemic Achievement of this facility,and (especially Debra Hogue) and the knowledge, and compassion of the staff to teach, and prepare 'our' children to live a productive life, that contributes to the well being of our world.

Posted: May 11, 2010

Sadly, the vital arts programs are fast disappearing in our schools but Vista Academy (VAPA) is working hard to keep them alive! VAPA teachers consistently encourage their students to be curious, to ask questions, to seek out their hidden talents. One of the ways the exemplary quality of this school can measured is by the length of the list of students hoping to gain admission.

Posted: May 11, 2010

Vista Academy is an amazing school - using arts to teach. Kids who graduate from VAPA do really well in highschool. They feel comfortable in front of an audience and this helps through their highschool years and college.

Posted: May 6, 2010

I love Vista Academy because the blend of core academics and the arts allows the students to SHINE in multiple areas!

Posted: May 6, 2010

It has a wonderful arts program which allows the children to be creative. The teachers really care and it shows.

Posted: May 4, 2010

Vista Academy has some truly caring and outstanding teachers.

Posted: May 3, 2010

My son loves this school, the teachers and staff are great and the after school program is also great. I like the fact that he is able to learn more of the arts.

Posted: May 2, 2010

My daughter who attended half of third grade here experienced a lot of intolerance from the population at VAPA since she does not speak spanish. As well the one-sided arts approach did not stimulate her mind mathematically. The staff seamed to be overwhelmed from lack of parent involvement as well.

Posted: May 2, 2010

Their is a high level of enthusiasm and dedication from the Principal, Mary Contreras. She focuses on what is best for the students and works endless hours to make sure of it. The students are getting a well rounded education with the focus on the arts. This school is unique and special.

Posted: May 1, 2010

The difference between most schools and Vista Academy is that the teachers truly have a passion in developing their students. The days of rote learning does not work in today s world of problem solving. Having an education that is integrated with the arts has helped prepare my daughters for the complex society we that we now live in. Vista Academy opens the eyes of their students each every day through the use of art.

Posted: May 1, 2010

I am a teacher in Vista Unified School District, but I am also a parent of three children, all of whom attended Vista Academy. We feel that the arts that our children have received in their education in their formative years at Vista Academy has broadened their emotional and intellectual potentials beyond what we never dreamed possible. What a gift for a public school program and staff to deliver!

Posted: April 30, 2010

At Vista Academy the love for the arts is palpable. On an average day, there is music coming from the dance studio, there is drama rehersals occuring on the lawns, there are artists creating in the art classrooms and voices raised in harmony can be heard from the music room. My children have thrived in a school where dance, drama, music and art is just as important as math and language arts. Our principal is fully committed to an integrated arts education.

Posted: April 29, 2010

It is a wonderful that offers an immersion in the visual and performing arts!

Posted: April 29, 2010

My grandaughter loves this school. The opportunities are endless!

Posted: April 29, 2010

The Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts educates and trains our young people to not only in academics, but also to recognize and participate in the beauty of this life as expressed in the arts. This gives the student a passion and compassion for life.

Posted: April 29, 2010

I love Vista Academy of Performing Arts because of the excellent education my grandsons are receiving there.

Posted: April 29, 2010

Great school, teachers, progams best school in vista

Posted: April 29, 2010

Simply said ..A rare educational experience in this day and time

Posted: April 29, 2010

The staff is doing a great job bringing the arts to the students. Arts are so important and often forgotten at most schools.

Posted: April 28, 2010

This school offers great diversity and a wonderful education opportunity to the kids.

Posted: April 28, 2010

I love the principal of VAVAPA. The arts add a wonderfultouch to the school. It allows the children to discover their true self!

Posted: April 28, 2010

They are wonderful!!I love how much my daughter has grown through creative arts

Posted: April 28, 2010

The Arts are vital to a well rounded education. The Vista Academy offers an amazing program!

Posted: April 28, 2010

This school is so amazing. The first time I walked on the campus there were kids walking around getting ready for a dance recital, parents helping out everywhere and an office staff that went out of the way to make students, parents and future students feel like part of their family. The arts are incorporated in every way possible and I feel lucky to be a part of such an amazing school!

Posted: April 28, 2010

Vista Academy has changed the lives of my children by giving them opportunities to learn unique skills as well as introduce them to new and better ways of learning!

Posted: April 28, 2010

The arts are such an important part of our education and our culture as a whole. This school provides both academic and cultural enlightenment.

Posted: April 28, 2010

I love the fact that arts are held in as great esteem as other forms of learning. This type of education develops and enhances a fully formed individual.

Posted: April 28, 2010

They give the children a great education.

Posted: April 28, 2010

It provides a place where children can learn through artistic expression. When the arts are being cut from most schools, this is a very important school because when the arts disappear from a society, the whole society loses.

Posted: April 28, 2010

Because they are helping to keep the arts alive - a critical component of any childs education

Posted: April 28, 2010

It gives a great mix of art and education so students are well rounded.

Posted: April 28, 2010

VAVPA has really gone the extra mile to ensure that the students have a great artistic place to call their school. Having vast dedication from all faculty really shows how a community can come together and make sure their school doesn't show any suffering from all the economic issues! Thank you VAVPA staff!

Posted: April 28, 2010

The first time I stepped on VAPA'S campus I fell in love with it every where you look there is art and creativity.The staff are all so nice and caring.I am so blessed that my son is a part of this awesome school!

Posted: April 28, 2010

The Arts are vital to education Tyler is in 1st Grade and he has done very well at Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. They have the best Opportunities for the best education with the Arts.

Posted: April 28, 2010

Dedicated staffs to help children excell in not only academic skills but to nurture his/her potentials.

Posted: April 28, 2010

Great programs. There needs to be a better mixture of area students.

Posted: April 28, 2010

We need well rounded children that includes blending the arts with education. VAPA is a valuable community resource.

Posted: April 28, 2010

the staff and parent involvement make all the difference in the world

Posted: April 28, 2010

This school is all about building America's next wave of leaders. They instill confidence, pride in ownership, creativity, and good citizenship.

Posted: April 27, 2010

I love all of the amazing programs Vista Academy has to offer ~ art, music, dance and drama! I am so amazed by the collaboration of the staff and their ability to use the arts to teach and enhance academic standards.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Vista Academy has a wonderful Principle now who cares about the arts so much you can hear it in her voice. Mrs. Contreras has turned VAVPA around this year. There are arts everywhere. From the murals on the buildings to the new landscaping (done by volunteers) to the amazing all school production of Music Man Jr. Principle Contreras even had a part in the musical. She comes to the Vista Academy Foundation meetings and helps the Foundation meet our fundraising goals to keep the arts in our school. Yes VAVPA could be more diverse. We need students who are there because they want to learn about the arts and play music. Not just because they live down the street. Tolerance must be taught in all schools but in a Magnet K-8 I think it is even more important. We also need more parent involvement.

Posted: April 27, 2010

I love the staff at VAPA! They are always helpful, its easy to get a hold of a teacher or faculty member. They listen to the concerns of parents. The parents are very involved and want the best for our children and teachers. I am so thankful that there is a school for the arts minded child, it has been so enriching attending there this year!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Amazing school with awesome administration and staff. They engage all students through their infusion of the arts

Posted: April 27, 2010

Vista Academy teachers to the whole child. With the emphasis on test scores, VAPA continues to increase test scores, while incorporating all modalities in order to reach ALL children.

Posted: April 27, 2010

The teachers really are committed to immersing the curriculum in art and music. The students really enjoy and retain so much more this way.

Posted: April 27, 2010

The staff is dedicated to student learning and well-being. The arts add to the overall child's development.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Academics are taught through the visual and performing arts. Students internalize and assimilate content standards with a variety of learning modalities to suit their style. school is more fun when taught through the arts!

Posted: April 27, 2010

VAVPA teachers, staff, and parents work together as a community to teach our children how to believe in themselves, dream big, and build character through the arts and ongoing schoolwide events!!

Posted: April 27, 2010

So thankful or the arts education provided to my family by Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Lucky to be a music teacher at a school where the arts are appreciated and supported.

Posted: April 27, 2010

My child is incredibly happy in school, and it is because he has a challenging curriculum taught to him through the usual methods and enhanced with music, art, dance, and drama.

Posted: April 27, 2010

I love VAVPA. My kids have been going there for 9 years now (I have a 9th grader and a 6th grader). It is a fabulous school with fabulous teachers and our principal works tirelessly to make sure the arts remain alive at VAVPA. That is what we are all about, so it is important to the kids, teachers and parents. VAVPA is a special place, where equality and tolerance is taught at every turn and kids get to express themselves and learn at the same time.

Posted: April 27, 2010

VAVPA is a hidden gem in the Vista Unified School District. It's the only K-8 school in the District, which makes for a wonderful community. But moreso, the arts-integration aspect, and the passion that our Principal and teachers have for teaching about, with, and through visual and performing arts is an inspired approach.

Posted: April 27, 2010

My family loves VAVPA! I have a 3rd grader and 6th grader who just entered the school this year, and both of them tell everyone how much they love their school. They say it's fun, the days go by fast, they love participating in the arts, and they feel they're learning more too. As a parent, seeing my kids enjoy going to school each day brings me so much joy. Thank you to all teachers, administrators, staff & parents at VAVPA for all you do!

Posted: April 27, 2010

Amazing, creative, generous principal who treats all students as creative learners.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Our school supports the arts and students perform on stage each year. The principal is very enthusiastic and positive. The staff is caring and commited to students being successful.

Posted: April 27, 2010

Great teachers, passionate principal, active parents and PTA, and a truly unique arts-based curriculum that teaches knowledge and fosters creativity.

Posted: April 27, 2010

I've volunteered at this school and have seen it working from the inside. The principal and teachers are awesome and work hard to inspire children to reach for their dreams! This is a very positive environment.

Posted: October 8, 2009