Ventura Missionary Christian

Posted: September 30, 2022

Academic Value: The school is big on educational field trips, travel and parties. They’re not free. The curriculum is a slight 25% advantage over public school. The students are exposed to group projects and collabs but the guidance from most instructors were too laid back. Students are given plenty of grace periods for turning in missed schoolwork. The school offers Music, Arts and Drama courses but the quality of the performances lacked “performance” and looked disorganized for a privately funded institution. To get P.E. credit, parents have to pay and sign up their kids to afterschool sports programs.
Socio-Emotional Support: Although they are advertise themselves as “nice”, there is an undercurrent of debauchery that pervades throughout the school. The administration is very soft, almost to the point of negligence, on their Zero-Tolerance policy on racism and especially bullying. When these types of incidents are brought up to the school’s leadership, there is unresponsiveness and inaction. It gives one the impression that either the school does not want to “rock the boat” with the parents/patrons, or that the school does not have an action plan nor have any experience dealing with these matters.
Demographics: The school is 80% Caucasian. Most of the students are from families that belong in the upper middle class and higher. If you do not belong to this group, you need to create visibility by volunteering and donating money. Although it’s a Christian School, not all students are indoctrinated. There’s plenty of Un-Christianly conduct going around coming from the students and sometimes parents; going on unchecked.
My child spent 3 months hiding out in the school’s rest room during breaks to avoid the students that were bullying. When this was brought up to the school’s administration, their only response was “We are watching your child” and there was no subsequent action.
Overall, the school met my child’s academic needs. But for the tuition you pay, you would get the same value enrolling your child in a public charter school where he/she will be exposed to diversity, practical real world experiences and alongside school officials that have more accountability and transparency than a private institution.
I’ve transferred my child to a public school. Since then, she’s having a wholesome experience and the best time of her life. If I had to do it all over again, I would have done this sooner.

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: September 30, 2022

Posted: July 4, 2020

My children have attended this school for the past 8 years. The teachers and administration are knowledgeable, professional, and caring. I could not ask for a better experience for my children than at this school. Their approach to student safety and health is terrific; well illustrated through the fires and COVID.

Posted: July 4, 2020

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Posted: July 7, 2018

My two children went to VMS from preK to eight grade. I highly recommend this school.

Posted: July 7, 2018

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Posted: March 21, 2018

We have two children in this school. Our younger child started in the PreK program and is now in third grade. Our older child is in sixth grade. The care and attention our kids get is fantastic. I have absolute confidence in the leadership and find that each year we meet a new teacher or staff member we are further affirmed in our choice to send our children to this school. We live very close to one of the best public schools in the state but still choose to send (take via long car ride each day) our kids here where they are in small classes where the learning is intense and personal. Our children cannot wait to go to school each day. They hate missing day of school whether for sickness or weather... and it's not just because they miss the social aspects of school, they miss their teachers and they genuinely want to be there, learning. As parents we are amazed at the focus both kids put on being in school as we were never that way ourselves. We do encourage our kids to do well in school but I can't say we're anything close to the "Tiger Mom" mentality. Far from it. The kids get excellent direction and structure from this school. Also, we find that they are learning generosity and a sensitivity to others' needs that is frankly challenging and inspiring my own commitment to caring for others. Our kids are thriving in this environment. This is a terrific school!

Posted: March 21, 2018

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Posted: June 4, 2016

The teachers and staff at VMS are always willing to give extra time to helping the kids and parents.

Posted: June 4, 2016

There are night where we have lots of homework. This is a private school with higher academic achievements and goals. This school is teaching our kids to be hard workers

Posted: June 4, 2016

This school is a private Christian school with strong Christian values, and a God honoring staff. The teachers and staff strive to be committed to God, and our kids and parents.
The teachers and staff strive for these kids to be God honoring kids who treat each other with respect and love as well as great citizens to our community.

Posted: June 4, 2016

This is an amazing school with amazing teachers, staff, and kids.
The teachers that my kids have had at this school since they started in kindergarten have always been loving, and nurturing.

Posted: January 28, 2016

very clicky it is obvious which students get special treatment kids are very nice though

Posted: January 28, 2016

not bad not great - probably going back to mound next year. nice church though

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: January 28, 2016

some teachers a great and some are really bad if you get lucky you get a good one

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: October 2, 2015

Posted: October 2, 2015

I've been a long time parent at VMS. Unfortunately, I have to agree with the general consensus that things have really gone downhill in the last year. The treatment lately is just as bad as being at a public school. I am not sure what has happened to cause this, but it seems like management philosophy has completely changed this year. This has caused a school that was once very special to become below average. I hope that they can fix it before the school is lost for good. Unfortunately, no one besides the parents seems to care about what is going on.

~TS

Posted: September 28, 2015

Posted: September 28, 2015

Posted: September 28, 2015

Posted: September 28, 2015

My boys have been at Missionary for several years and I loved it the whole time The teachers are great and the other kids are great. Thats the good. Unfortunately the leadership just changed and the school is really starting to suffer because of it. Its getting so bad I am looking at other schools for next year. Everyone is so sad to see this happen.

Posted: June 9, 2015

I've had 3 children attend VMS. I value the academics at both the elementary and middle school level. The teachers have instilled in my kids a hard work ethic and curiosity for learning. VMS has a unique school culture where the students truely love eachother like family. I love that my children go to a school where they learn about Jesus and how to love like he does!

Posted: May 25, 2015

Ventura Missionary School is amazing. The Teachers and Administration hold the students to high academic standards and emphasize Biblical truths throughout daily instruction and programs. Students who graduate from VMS are well prepared and even sought after by local high schools and preparatory academies. The teachers are all required to hold teaching credentials and truly care for their students. My children have thrived at VMS and look forward to learning in its safe and nurturing environment.

Posted: May 25, 2015

Posted: May 25, 2015

Posted: May 25, 2015

Posted: May 1, 2015

Ventura Missionary has disappointed us within the past few years. First, they are a very liberal christian school. They have a dress code but NEVER enforce it. They are very open to non Christian music at their talent shows etc. They DO NOT use an all Christian based curriculum. They use the common core books that all the public school uses. If we are sending our kids to a Christian school shouldn't God be in history, science etc. My daughter says her teacher goes days without praying or mentioning God. I am extremely saddened right now that they adopted Common Core. The math is ridiculous. The history and science is the opposite of a Christian view. My daughter lost a few friends last year to College Heights Christian School that does Abeka (an all Christian curriculum) and some have even started to homeschool. Sadly this may be our last year.

Posted: October 12, 2014

Superb academics and amazing teachers at the elementary school. Kids are engaged, learn how to set high standards for themselves, and are taught how to be responsible for their own education. Teachers teach to the top of the class and work outside of the classroom to bring those at a lower level up to par ... a completely different philosophy than local public schools where they teach to the bottom of the class and completely ignore children who excel. This school sets the standard for parent participation which is, obviously, also one of its keys to success ... and is a must if you want your children to realize the full potential of this school. It is a Christian institution so expect some religion to be mixed in with the course load. However, if you are not religious and are considering this school purely for its academics, although a part of the curriculum, religion is not pushed on anyone ... it is simply there if you want it. We auditioned most of the private schools in Ventura and Ojai before deciding on Missionary ... and have been absolutely thrilled with our choice.

Posted: April 26, 2014

This is my review about the school! The school teachers and staff is great, their doing the job that assigned to them and more. This is our first year and so far everything we're looking for is there. I love the extra curriculum, art & music. The parents that we've meet so far are all nice opposite to the one parents review, they always say "Hi" and say "Good Morning" every time my husband and I drop off our daughter to school. The school facility is clean and they have staff watching the kids in the morning before school starts and recess time. Also, I want to mention that "GreatSchools.Org" is a site review about the school not the parents of the kids who goes there. Sorry no offends!

Posted: April 16, 2014

I can't say enough about this school. We moved here from another country and the most important thing to us as parents were our children. Namely, the education that they would be getting and being in a supportive and safe environment. We could not be happier with this school. VMS has really provided our children with a well rounded education in terms of academics, arts, sports and upholding strong values, morals and standards. We have come to see these same standards being upheld in not only the staff and teachers but the parents and their children. We were really impressed with the dedication of these teachers, they really care about their students.

Posted: March 4, 2014

My son attends Ventura Missionary school. This is his second year and I am hoping that it will be his last. The teachers he has had so far are awesome! As far as academics go I am very pleased with the school. The reason we are trying to leave, and by that I mean by doing the school of choice or even moving to be able to attend a better public school......is due to the parents. I have never experienced such coldness, and stuffiness in my life. I have been there for two years and I can count on one hand how many parents have actually said hi or smiled back at me me when I wave or try to say hi.......most of them are women and I know they are clicky, and can be extremely jealous but these woman are ridiculous. It breaks my heart that we spend so much money to give our son the best education possible and we, and by that I should say I feel so unwanted being there, so since that is the case I will take my money else where, these parents there are really missing out, and ruining the reputation of that school....sounds very "Christian" right? Saddens me deeply.......the teachers on the other hand, and this is just my experience from 1st and 2nd grade have been amazing!

Posted: February 28, 2014

My children attend Ventura Missionary School. This school has been a complete blessing in our lives! We love the caring faculty, the focus on the Arts, and particularly the Christian way of life the school offers with Bible lessons every day and throughout the day, across the curriculum. All of the teachers are credentialed, and select the grade level curriculum which is based on CA STATE STANDARDS (not Common Core). Although the curriculum is riguous, my children are learning, engaged, and very happy! We are thankful for this school and plan to remain at VMS for many years. If you are a parent looking for an exceptional school, I recommend Ventura Missionary School.

Posted: December 27, 2013

Very good school. I have two daughters who have attended this school since preschool. The thing I like is that every teacher they have had so far truly loves them and is glad to see them. My daughters love it here. The academics are pretty rigorous but I feel they will help prepare them for their future. They have great art, Spanish, and music programs. The few things I wish would be different is that they would have a playground available for 4th graders and up, also a grassy area for kids to play on. I also think since we pay that our voices should be heard a little more. Finally, my daughters have struggled a little with making friends, I think because it is such a small atmosphere with some exclusive parents.

Posted: September 3, 2013

We're new to VMS and so far we can't say anything but we noticed that our daughter is happy and eager to go to school every morning. She's willing to be challenge and enjoing her new school. We also like that the teacher give specifics to make it easier for the kids (and for the parents too) to do their homework. The teacher is teaching the kids how to be independent and always try their best to do their school/home work. We like that they offered extra curriculum to the students to make it fun for their learning. We're looking forward for more years in VMS and thank you for welcoming our daughter.

Posted: June 8, 2013

There is nothing but positive things I can say about this school. It's so refreshing after being in the public school system with oversides classrooms and low standards for years. The programs here are amazing which include art, spanish, computers, music, etc. The teachers are very caring and if your child is behind they will spend the special attention needed to get your child caught up. Coming from public school we were a little behind. Even though my kids were in GATE and got straight A's in public school we were still behind. This school is very academic and they really hold each child to very high standards. Mrs. Baker also is one of the best leaders I have ever met. This is certainly her calling! We couldn't be happier!