St. Francis of Assisi School

Posted: January 11, 2026

I love St. Francis School! The faith formation, excellent academic programs, and diversity are the main reasons why I love this school. They offer learning support for students with mild to moderate learning differences and provide tuition assistance to families who need it. You should visit www.sfs-vista.org or call (760) 630-7960 to schedule a tour. This is the best gift you can give your child or your grandchild.

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: January 11, 2026

Posted: February 20, 2025

Our children have attended SFS for the past four years and we are extremely happy with our decision. We are both public school teachers so we can say in a more objective way that the children who attend this school are different and we believe that comes from the positive values that are weaved into every aspect from the teaching staff to the curriculum to the community. The students are respectful and kind and very inclusive. I find my own children remind me to be generous and to help others; values they have learned at school. We have been pleased with the academic rigor and the individual attention the students receive. We have an especially bright student and her teachers have continued to push and challenge her and she is flourishing. The school collaborates well with parents and by encouraging parent participation the school forms a beautiful partnership and a solid community. We love that the student body is more diverse than some of the other local private schools and that cultural differences are celebrated. The school has completed some renovations in the past year but remains unpretentious and focused on its Catholic identity.

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: February 20, 2025

Posted: July 19, 2024

DO NOT GO TO THIS SCHOOL

I am a former student from SFS and I have attended the school for 9 years. If you want a REAL review then listen up. The recent condition of the school is HORRIBLE. They don't prioritize the children's' BASIC NEEDS. For example, the girls bathroom has several broken toilets that have not been fixed for YEARS (including a leaking one that isn't closed off to students). Additionally, several of the sinks are broken and they fail to replace the soap in the soap dispensers frequently. When asked the question "Why aren't the toilets fixed?" to the principal, she simply responds that its too costly yet she spends money on giving the school a paint job and other unreasonable cosmetic things. The filter for the water fountains are also rarely replaced too. One specific fountain always has the filter light on RED for the entire school year. Every time I drank from that fountain it always gave me a sore throat. The water dispensers in the teacher's lounge and office are MUCH BETTER which shows how much they put themselves FIRST over their STUDENTS.

Another thing to note is that SFS has become a dumpster for expelled kids from different schools. I've met some of these kids and also had a couple in my own class from time to time. They are a horrible influence to other students because they promote delinquent activity and drag other students in with them. There are so many other things that I could say about this place but to sum it up: parents, DON'T SEND YOUR CHILD TO THIS SCHOOL unless you're willing to pay for your child's misery. They're better off at a public school.

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: July 19, 2024

Posted: August 17, 2022

What an exceptional school! I can’t say enough about how much we love having our kids attend SFA. We are impressed by the wonderful and caring staff, teachers, and the curriculum itself.

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: August 17, 2022

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Great education, professionals teachers and excellent community

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 16, 2021

Posted: November 3, 2019

My two sons were failing in the public school system. I had to pull them out mid-year and put them back a grade. Both boys have done a 180 at St. Francis. They are flourishing. They can't wait to go to school. My older one now has his sights set on private high schools as well. St. Francis completely changed the course of their lives. I am forever grateful. The staff is amazing, they pay such close attention to the kids they can tell you what you packed them for lunch and if they ate it all. The after school activities and sports are super, the fundraisers are such a blast!! I love this school, I love everything about it.

Posted: November 3, 2019

Posted: November 3, 2019

Posted: November 3, 2019

The kids have grace and manners. I get to see this one on one when I drive for field trips. The kids are so sweet and love each other very much.

Posted: November 3, 2019

Posted: November 3, 2019

Both my kiddos are part of the learning program at the school. Everyone is involved, including the principal. Amazing!!

Posted: November 3, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

After more than two decades of being a private school teacher, I can say that Mrs. Joseph is the prinicpal I always dreamed my own children would have in school. She is more than capable of leading her faculty as professionals, inspire kids to be the best people they can be, and respect the partnership that school and home should have.

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

Posted: October 19, 2019

We love St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. Our children started there when they were two and three years old, and we were in need of reasonably priced daycare. The school is conveniently located for us, and we liked the idea of them attending Catholic school. We thought we’d see how it went before deciding about elementary school. Well, when the time came to make a decision about Kindergarten, we really did not even contemplate moving them away from the school we had all come to love. Now, they are in 4th and 5th grades, and we still have never considered pulling them out of SFS. We love the small community, excellent and caring teachers, amazing principal, and family-value centered environment. My entire education from Kinder through Grad school was completed in small Catholic schools, and I very much appreciate my parents for that gift; I am very glad that I am doing the same for my children. Our kids have now been thriving academically, spiritually, and socially at St. Francis of Assisi for most of their lives, and we are grateful.

Posted: August 20, 2019

My children have attended St. Francis School since preschool and we've been at the school for 11 years. Helping students develop strong character to become good stewards of our community has been an integral part of our family's experience. My children serve on student council, and participate in numerous character-building community service projects.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Posted: August 20, 2019

The Learning Support Program has been very effective in allowing my children to succeed at their grade level and given them the confidence to push themselves academically.

Posted: August 20, 2019

St. Francis has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying. Our family has never had an issue.

Posted: August 20, 2019

Posted: August 20, 2019

Posted: August 20, 2019

As parents who relocated to Vista from out of state, we found St. Francis to have an exceptionally inviting and welcoming community. We set down roots here and the school and parish community has become our family. Our children thrive academically and socially, and we couldn't be happier.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Our experience here was average which to me is disappointing since I was paying over $600 a month for tuition. People send their kids here for 2 reasons it seems: because they are devout Catholics OR they have money and don’t want to send their kids to public schools. For me, who is neither catholic or interested in keeping up with Jones’ - the academics were disappointing. My daughter is getting just as good if not better learning experience at her new public school. Save that tuition money for college - your going to need it.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Posted: March 26, 2018

Posted: March 26, 2018

Posted: March 26, 2018

Posted: March 26, 2018

Posted: April 11, 2016

Posted: April 11, 2016

There is no homework in the Pre-K curriculum. Students are encouraged to practice skills at home, but there is no assigned homework.

Posted: April 11, 2016

The students learn fairness and integrity, modeled by Catholic values, in all aspects of the school community. These values are modeled by the teachers and staff.

Posted: April 11, 2016

I enrolled my daughter in Pre-K this year - and we love St. Francis! She attends the half day program and has excelled this year! She had no experience with writing before coming to the school and the teachers have worked with her and she is writing very well now. She loves to go to school! There is a good balance of Catholic values, learning play, and academics in the Pre-K curriculum. The Pre-K teachers have a long history of teaching experience and it shows in the classroom! There is a sense of community within the school and the principle is very welcoming and hands-on with the students. Looking forward to continuing on to Kindergarten next year!

Posted: June 9, 2014

I'm very pleased with the education my child has received so far at St. Francis. His teachers have all been fantastic, and I love the school environment. The current principal is great, she takes the time to interact with all the students and it's obvious she loves what she does. I highly recommend this school to anyone thinking about enrolling their children here.

Posted: May 22, 2014

We love our school. My child has been going here since preschool and he has grown tremendously in mind, body and spirit. GO FRIARS!

Posted: April 17, 2014

The school has a nurturing and loving environment that has encouraged my kids to advance academically and grow in character year after year. I appreciate the open communication between the new principle, teachers and parents. My kids have also been able to participate in some of the after school programs including: archery, art, tennis and little STEM (science, technology and math). As a minority I appreciate the diversity in the student population at St. Francis, which is usually lacking in other private/christian schools. St. Francis School has a family atmosphere for the kids as well as the parents. Our family has been at this school for 7 years and we love it! If you are looking for a new school come and visit this school. Also ask the opinion of the parents while you are there. Because of the family atmosphere there are always parents around who would be open to talking with you.

Posted: April 7, 2014

I have been with St. Francis for over 30 yrs. as a parent, grandparent and staff member. There have been many ups and downs as in any work place and some personality differences. The main thing is, the welfare of the children has always come first. We now are getting back to where we were 10-15 years ago when St. Francis was THE place to be. Pastors, principals and some teachers have been a reason for the decline but we now have a good principal administrator and a very supportive pastoral staff. Yes. we will lose a few teachers this year however those teachers have been in education for over 35 years each and they would like to retire! It is a family atmosphere and the educators get to know the kids on a more personal level. As with any family there will be disagreements but for the most part, things get resolved. If I didn't believe in this school and what it stands for, I wouldn't have sent all my children and several grandchildren here.

Posted: March 13, 2014

My school is a five star school! We have had an amazing experience at St. Francis. I wouldn't change much at all and the new principal is wonderful and supportive of all.

Posted: February 19, 2014

From outward appearances the new administration seems to be getting St. Francis back on track. There are more after school programs being offered and some of the new teacher seem more qualified than teachers in the past. However, the deeper issue at this school is the culture of the parents and staff. Something about the culture here is just amiss. Until the new administration is able to recognize and change the culture at this school, the conditions here will not improve.

Posted: February 13, 2014

Our children both started at St. Francis in the preschool program. We've been enrolled now for five years, and remain very active in our children's classrooms, as well as on the Parent Teacher Group Board. We love this community of administrators, faculty, parents and children, and appreciate the common goal of helping our children thrive academically, socially and spiritually. We are a Catholic family, but there are many non-Catholic families at St. Francis who share our goals for academic excellence, and I encourage parents of all faiths to consider our school. Our curriculum is broadening with an array of after-school clubs and programs, as is our school's technology program. There is also a great camaraderie among parents and administration that makes us feel secure in our choice for our kids' education. We really do love St. Francis school.

Posted: November 20, 2013

This is a great school and I highly recommend it. My son started out in preschool and is now in an upper grade. I like the fact that my son can learn in a safe and caring environment, All the children get along and because of the smaller classes no child is left behind,

Posted: November 4, 2013

We haven't had any complaints during the parent drama of the past Few years. Everything that went down with staff and admin has a direct Result of one priest . We Didn't mind the priest, the previous principal, the principal Before that, or the current administrator. Most of the previous complaints Are style issues-not actual educational content. People Get emotional and try to lump it all together. We now have after school clubs Sports, homework club, a resource teacher, extra math help, am basically excellent Iowa basic test scores. Aftercare has greatly improved, teachers are competent and caring since a few bad eggs have been flushed out. We have been Satisfied w our children's education and just as important, social Development . My only gripe is w the office staff. The "keeper of the keys" Takes her job very seriously. If she decides she doesn't like you she will Make you life miserable. One of the complaints of favoritism Stems from the front office . She has her rigid ways, if she decides You don't belong in the inner sanctum she will ensure you don't get there. The only bully Problem at this school is in the office.

Posted: August 13, 2013

We've decided not to return next year. The teacher/principal turn-over rate is too high and the academics are too low, particularly in math. Due to an ever-shrinking enrollment, resources seem stretched thin. Books and equipment are out-dated. Also, I found the gossip at this school to be intense, creating an environment where people just seem to know your business. Maybe the new principal can turn things around, but for us enough is enough!

Posted: May 20, 2013

The previous poster for March 2013 has misidentified our school in her post. Specifically, our school does not have a gymnasium of any sort. All PE classes take place outside. We also have no one on staff that is a swim coach, nor do we have a pool/team for such. Our staff members do not meet the descriptions as portrayed by this poster. We invite all families interested in enrolling their child in a quality preschool (2 year olds) through 8th grade program to contact us directly and see what our school has to offer in our Christ centered environment.

Posted: February 2, 2013

Contrary to the parent post dated 12/9/12, the teachers who left (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, MS math, Spanish, and Art) did so because of poor leadership from the new principal. These were professional, experienced, credentialed teachers, most of whom had been with the school for many years. I have spoken with all of them, and all left with a heavy heart. The same is true of the families who have left the school. When that many teachers and families leave a school in one year, there has to be a reason. In this case, the buck stops with the principal.

Posted: December 20, 2012

We left St. Francis last year after increasing tuition and fundraising became too much a burden for our family. In three years the tuition went up 15%, and the mandatory fundraisers like Scrip also increased. We decided to try the public schools, and surprisingly, it has been the best decision we ever made! Even though our kids had A s and B s at St. Francis (and scored very well on Iowa tests), they were assessed below grade level in reading comprehension and they all struggled to catch up in math. This was very disappointing considering we had spent tens of thousands on tuition. We are amazed at the resources available at public schools: indoor gym, theater, band, multiple playgrounds and athletic fields, computers, library and so much more. Furthermore, the academic standards seem higher: All classes are taught every day and classes like Spanish count for high school credit. It is refreshing to finally belong to a school that releases test scores and post where fundraising money is allocated. Asking too many of these questions at St. Francis will label you a trouble-maker, as the previous post mentioned...and who wants to pay tuition for that?

Posted: December 8, 2012

It is funny when people write a review and leave off lots of information, just so that they can justify making the school sound bad. The teachers leaving, IN ALL CASES, had nothing to do with the principal. The new principal is willing to listen to you, even if he does not agree. The old principal would put you on her "I will not talk to you" list if you disagreed with her. Those good families that decided to leave, many of them liked to stir up trouble for the school and not help our children! Our family has been at the school for 8 years, and we are finally happy with the direction it is going under the new principal. The school is looking at each child as an individual, and does not expect them to fit into the "Catholic Mold" like what was required under the the old principal. I know it is hard to find a good school for your children, and I really feel like this school is doing its best for the children. Instead of talking about all the "angry birds" that left, you need to see all the quality teachers that the school has. Trust me, some of the teachers that left we are better off without!!!!!

Posted: November 15, 2012

Too many teachers, and good families left. The common factor was the leadership from the principal. Previous posts about his lack of experience are accurate. In addition, he has been very confrontational with parents and students. He demonstrates his lack of leadership qualities daily. It's too bad, this was a very good school not that long ago

Posted: January 23, 2012

St. Francis has been through it's ups and downs over the years but I can honestly say my children have received an excellent education and they go to school with quality children and involved families. I love the fact that my children are learning about their faith and are able to live that faith daily with their friends at school. It is so refreshing to have a new principal. It was time for fresh ideas and innovative approaches to running a school. I like the fact that the principal goes into the classrooms and observes the teachers to make sure their teaching techniques are solid. That did not happen with the previous principal. I look forward to the changes that are coming and to see the school continue to grow and be innovative in it's approach to teaching and learning.

Posted: January 12, 2012

I am amazed at how people can review a school by their perception of one individual's actions. If your expectations are that administrators make or break a school based on their presence alone, and accusations of negligence in timely responses, then perhaps the poster should find the the principal of their dreams and send their child to THAT school. That being said, St. Francis School continues to produce a great education in our children. National test scores shows that our classes excel in academics. The school has a full time resource teacher for those who struggle. Spanish is included as part of the curriculum. We have an active parent base that supports the school's needs. The school has SmartBoards in every classroom and I hear iPads are on the way. The P.E. program is great. Children learn in a safe and loving environment from preschool through 8th grade. I have never had a phone call, email or meeting request denied. And if I did, I would certainly confront the problem, not degrade an organization anonymously. You're hurting your own school in a public forum when your best form of action should be to address your concerns directly with the administrator or even the pastor.

Posted: September 19, 2011

It is incredible how some people use the internet and e-mail as a platform to complain. Perhaps the parent who wrote such a hot tempered post below would have considered the facts, it would have never been posted. We send our children to a Catholic school for a variety of reasons. Catholic values is one of them. Apparently, there are some who feel the church and school should do what they want, rather than what is the policy of our diocese. Personally, if I were that unhappy with the way things are, I would leave. Anyone who looks at the community of St. Francis will realize how wonderful it is in its entirety.

Posted: September 14, 2011

I wrote a 5-star review last year and I'm taking it back! PLEASE think twice before enrolling your child in this school, because at some point you will be unhappy and leave. The problem is the administration. The new pastor, Fr. Bud, is keen on using the children to promote his agenda of social justice and integration. Last year, he was attracting the homeless to the campus with his lunch program. This year, he is revamping the First Communion program for the students so that the students of St. Francis School will not receive the sacrament together, but in small groups who will be mixed in at the regular masses in May. I don't know of any Catholic school in the Diocese (except for St. Peters - Fr. Bud's old parish) that doesn't allow the 2nd grade students to celebrate First Communion together! Further, some of the students will have to have 1st Communion at the Spanish and Vietnamese masses if there is no room at the English masses. It doesn't make any sense! Two years ago, Fr. Bud changed the Kindergarten program from half-day to full-day in the middle of the year! They even have an online ad inviting families to try St. Francis for a few months for free. Not joking.

Posted: August 20, 2011

Horrible school. The management and teachers are terrible. We left after 4 years due to new managment and bad teachers.

Posted: June 15, 2011

I love the way they teach the kids. My child just finished kindergarten and he has grown so much in a span of one year. Their key strategy is "learning through play". I totally agree with it as 5 years old is still a child. Teacher turnover is very low - my son's teacher has been there for 17 years!