Monte Vista Middle School

Posted: July 20, 2026

I went to this school from 2021 - 2024 and, from experience, this is the absolute worst school in the area that you could possibly send your kids to. To begin with, I had always felt incredibly unsafe at that school and it wasn't until I had got to highschool that I realized that should not have been a normal feeling, no kid should ever feel unsafe in their own school yet here I was along with so many other kids feeling that exact way everyday when we walked on campus, and I don't remember a single staff member doing really anything about it. I still remember in freshman year of highschool being so shocked that I actually could feel safe in my own school, I genuinely didn't think that was going to be a possibility because how poorly this middle school was run. Still to this day when I meet a new person I highschool and I share that I had gone to Monte Vista they almost always react with telling me they are sorry I had to go through that, I didn't realize how drastically different quite literally every other middle school in the area is in comparison to Monte Vista until others starting reacting that way. The only good thing that I remember about this school were the few good teachers who actually did their job, I will never forget those few teachers as their classes were the only little bits of joy I had throughout the days. The reason I had decided to leave this review is because every now and then I think back on my middle school days and realize how unhappy I was. I know no middle school is going to be perfect but I do really feel that I would've been a much happier kid if I had gone to any other school in the area. While I still have so much more to say I don't want this review to be too long, so in conclusion if any parent ever ends up reading all this and you are considering taking your kid to Monte Vista, please spare them the pain and find a different middle school.

Posted: July 20, 2026

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Posted: October 6, 2025

I taught at this school from 2023-24. It was one of the worst experiences of my entire life. As a teacher, I'm not one to complain about student's behavior. I think these problems are complex and nuanced and treated as such. However, the behavior I experienced by the students was abusive. Students would bully me daily. Teachers told me how they ended up going to HR begging to be transferred. The administration did absolutely nothing. They were very much aware of the problems and failed to protect the teachers. Students were also bullied routinely. It was an epidemic. Special education laws were not followed. Students were not given support. Accommodations were not followed. Procedural issues were not followed. I literally walked out of the job. I just couldn't take it anymore. Never have done that my entire life. Please don't send your children to this school. Not only will they fail to receive an education, but I believe it's legitimately not safe.

Posted: October 6, 2025

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Posted: May 31, 2023

Monte Vista is one of the worst middle schools that I know of it was a mistake to send my kid to Monte Vista from the beginning of school year. His first school experience was very poor and escalate it from teachers to bullies to behavior health, or they will file and go to a judge and make your life really rough that they already have done to my family. I cannot stand Pleasant Valley school, Districk head of program Donna she is very vile. Nice to your face same for majority of the teachers. They’re their students from other cities that are at Monte Vista and that’s what makes it hard for the kids that are raised in Camarillo once you’re there because they are such a structure school they team up against you don’t allow your student out of the school because they don’t have any other programs at any other middle school. They team up on you once they don’t like a student they don’t like the student make it very rough for that student push parents into a corner where they don’t have a choice the school over exaggerates because they don’t want to deal with their students .

Posted: May 31, 2023

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Posted: April 29, 2022

Do not devalue your child by letting him/her attend here.

Posted: April 29, 2022

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Posted: March 14, 2019

We get examples sent home of the homework which is a huge help. There is also a Homework Club after school 4 days a week for 1 1/2 hours.

Posted: March 14, 2019

My son's teacher is very helpful. They go above and beyond here at MVMS. Who knew my son could "code".

Posted: March 14, 2019

Posted: March 14, 2019

Love everyone at the school from the custodians to the principal. Office staff is extremely helpful. I love that they know the students by name and interact with them in the morning greeting them. We feel like part of the family.

Posted: March 14, 2019

My child is one of these students and there is no better place for him then here at MVMS.

Posted: March 14, 2019

Posted: March 14, 2019

I love this school. This is our last year here and it makes me sad. My son has grown tremendously over his 3 years here. There is something here for everyone, clubs, sports and academics. Middle school can be difficult for some, but you can make it great if you get involved.

Posted: September 29, 2018

Monte Vista is awesome. Caring and supportive staff, effective leadership, and multiple opportunities for students.

Posted: September 29, 2018

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Posted: May 28, 2018

awesome kids are awesome in spite of (not because of) the school or district- thanks should be given to the family. You're welcome.

Posted: May 28, 2018

Let's get rid of the powerful discriminating source in the district directing things to go a certain way and misusing school/district resources to serve their racist/biased agenda- all to the detriment of our students, who are already awesome thanks to their parents in spite of the school/district or its teachers

Posted: May 28, 2018

ugg. what am I supposed to say here. they have all the resources. maybe if I can 'a la carte' this school- take some, leave some. I mean they are taking all the federal money and they offer activities...
Overall this district needs an overhaul- someone to come in and clean house and 'mix it up'

Posted: May 28, 2018

Posted: November 13, 2016

Posted: November 13, 2016

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Posted: November 13, 2016

This really varies by individual but there are so many outstanding teachers they certainly bring up the average for the just plain good ones.

Posted: November 13, 2016

A lot of the homework is NOT busy work! Yes, they assign homework, but I do not feel like teachers assign homework just to say they do.

Posted: November 13, 2016

Momte Vista is an amazing school with a faculty and staff that go above and beyond every day! There is so much that they offer that no other middle school I have heard of does. They are undergoing an elective Renaissance to offer students opportunities to explore their passions: 21st century writing, ASB, art, coding and robotics, broadcast journalism, and even a junior college level marine biology course for 8th graders! Additionally, they have an agriculture pathway that connects with ACHS ("Cam High")!
Teachers give up their lunches to host lunch time clubs giving students a sense of community and belonging. They have an active CJSF chapter and many sports programs!
This school does an excellent job of transitioning 5th graders into middle school, and prepping 8th graders for high school! With some many elementary schools adding 6-8 the temptation is to keep them at their k-5 school, but don't do it! Monte Vista is a wonderful place for students! Don't let a few people's sour grapes spoil your opinion of a gem of a school!
If you're on the fence, call and schedule a tour. You'll be blown away! Oh, and stop by Mrs. Collins class to see the fish and the farm.
I am so thankful Monte Vista is my kid's school!

Posted: September 13, 2016

My oldest son attended Monte Vista Middle for 3 years and he had a great experience here. The teachers are nice and very supportive of the students. As a parent, whenever I have a question or concern, I would just them send an email and they do respond right away. We worked together as a team to help my student in fulfilling his goals. Every year, we anticipate on the school's Chalk Festival. Monte Vista students are very artistic and creative. Currently, my youngest son attends Monte Vista as a 6th grader.

Posted: September 13, 2016

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Posted: September 6, 2016

My daughter has had a good middle school experience at Monte Vista. I believe that the teachers do really care about studentts and do their best to meet each of them where they are individually. My daughter has definitely benefitted from the military teen club on campus. It has given her a sense of belonging and support.

Posted: June 18, 2016

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Posted: June 18, 2016

Monte Vista is a great place for students to learn. I have had four sons go through Monte Vista and the friendships they have made their have been never ending. The teachers at engaged and love interacting with the students.

Posted: June 15, 2016

My daughter just finished her 6th grade year at Monte Vista and had a terrific year. I could not be more pleased. As an involved parent, PTA member & volunteer, I had done a lot of research on middle schools in my area and surrounding areas. I met with the school counselor, Mrs. Barrish (WONDERFUL WOMAN!) before the school year started to get feel for the school and its programs, etc. I was pleasantly surprised at how at ease I felt after meeting with her and getting such a great vibe. Monte Vista excels in transitioning 5th graders into the middle school atmosphere. The block scheduling is, by far, one of the best things this school does. I wish every other school did this too. I feel it enhances the educational experience and learning for the students given that each class is long enough to learn a lesson, do a lab, work on projects, get a real "hands on" feel to the lessons, etc. I was thrilled my daughter worked on so many projects in class with other students too. Another bonus is that each student receives his/her own chrome book for the duration of middle school. The education, diversity, and experiences at Monte Vista surpassed my expectations and I would absolutely recommend this school to others.

Posted: June 15, 2016

My kids have received a great education at Monte Vista. My child just graduated as one of the Valedictorians and had great teachers and administration throughout. My youngest just finished 6th grade and is thriving at Monte Vista.
As a teacher, myself, I know that test scores are only one piece of a picture and that there is so much more to a school. At Monte Vista, there are so many opportunities for music, the arts, academic teams, leadership, extracurricular sports (cross country, basketball, soccer, field hockey) and field trips. I feel that this school is nicely diverse and has given my kids a very well-rounded education and taste of life in measurable, age-appropriate doses. In addition to regular core classes, there are some really amazing electives like 21st Century Writing and Marine Biology and Yearbook - all taught by fantastic teachers. The teachers of the core classes have also been really great! We couldn't be happier with our experience here.

Posted: June 15, 2016

Posted: June 15, 2016

We have really had good experiences with every teacher we have had in the 4 collective years of Middle school (between my two kids)

Posted: June 15, 2016

When I saw the kids that were honored at graduation, I felt they were kids that embodied the spirit of honesty, integrity and fairness. The school put these students forward as models of these virtues. What better way is there to help guide what our kids should look up to than by showing good examples?

Posted: June 15, 2016

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Posted: June 15, 2016

Yes, it is ingrained in the classroom code and the expectations that the teachers have.

Posted: June 15, 2016

The teachers are great. The administration is very responsive. The office staff is helpful. I like the sense of community. The elective choices are broad and interesting. Both of my children had positive experiences at Monte Vista.

Posted: June 15, 2016

Posted: June 10, 2016

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Posted: June 10, 2016

My youngest daughter just graduated, with Honors, and received a top notch education thanks to the diligent work of the faculty and staff. My daughter is thoroughly prepared for the challenges that high school will bring.
Also, 6 years ago nearly to the day, my oldest daughter graduated with Honors from MVMS. She just finished her sophomore year at California State University Channel Islands majoring in Biology.
Thank you MVMS family for your help in guiding my daughters academic careers.
Go Toros!

Posted: May 27, 2016

I moved my son from a small K-8 school in the 7th grade and this school was nothing but a horrible experience. From the way the administration bullies children in cooperation, through negative reinforcement, to the teacher's "include all" communication style with each other so that they can label students whom they like or don't like. There is no adherence to any standard policy and they seem to have a knee jerk reaction to dealing with issues rather than finding solutions. I don't know how any student can academically excel in this environment.

DO NOT ALLOW YOUR ACHIEVING CHILD TO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL. Biggest mistake of my life.

Posted: November 13, 2015

It depends on who is the teacher. I have seen a very mean one, but I think most of them are nice and knowledgeable.

Posted: November 13, 2015

Posted: November 13, 2015

I am not sure about fairness. The person who beat up my son was not punished, so it happened again!

Posted: November 13, 2015

The authorities don't have any supervision on the students. My child was bullied and beaten up twice. The dean said it was his fault!!!! Left a lunch for him 30 minutes before his lunch time. They forgot to give it to him until 4 pm when I went to pick him up. No apology to my son or me what so ever! My son is above average student still I regret for sending him to this school.

Posted: August 23, 2014

This is a great school. I am a student here and it will be the best memories I will ever have. And it is better than Los colinas because we have a block schedule so it will be less stressful. And the teachers are so helpful when u don't understand something.

Posted: July 19, 2014

We live in another District but had to move my kids due to problems at their school that the Principal could not fix. We found Monte Vista and my kids had a great year. They met some new nice friends and did very well academically. The Principal is great and so are all the staff. The school Counselor is amazing! We are looking forward to another great school year.

Posted: June 24, 2014

My child just finished 8th grade at Monte Vista. He had a great time the three years he was there. We never had any problems with other students and it was easy for me to contact all of the teachers.

Posted: August 28, 2013

Students at this school should be doing better. Are they getting the education they deserve? Similar schools seem to be doing a better job.

Posted: August 20, 2013

hi i go to this school and i like it. some of the teachers are good some are great and some are uh not so great. i rated it 4 but its more like a 3 in a half.

Posted: May 8, 2013

Monte Vista, while not perfect, is an extraordinary school. Almost all of the teachers want to help and guide you to a good future. The programs there are amazing, and some, like the ASB and the Art program, really let the students shine through and show their full potential. I would recommend it to anyone looking for possible options in education.