Vista Ridge High School in Colorado Springs

Category	Rating	Details
College Readiness	5/10	The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Colorado Department of Education, using 2025 Average SAT score data from Colorado Department of Education, and using 2025 demographic data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Posted: July 6, 2026

Vista Ridge High School is one of the most diverse schools in district 49 but there is no representation of its teachers. Vista Ridge has a double standard of those professionals of color versus those of non-color. If you are of Hispanic, or black ethnicities, I would highly advise that you take your kid to Sand Creek High School. My child played football and witnessed his teammate physically assaulted by the coach who is still coaching. My son also played basketball where the coach was released for something that was supposedly said. There are other examples that I can share with you. However, this is the main one that gets under my skin.

Posted: July 6, 2026

Posted: April 25, 2026

The deans and disciplinary office do not do anything to protect the mental health of students and takes serious issues as a joke or at the most they do one day of ISS for very serious stuff.

Posted: April 25, 2026

Posted: February 27, 2026

If you have a straight A student then you might do fine but if you have a child that struggles with school or any difficulties then they don't care. Teachers yell at students, some have even quit because of the toxic environment among staff. No support at this school whatsoever. They do not care about students that need extra help.

Posted: February 27, 2026

Posted: September 7, 2025

in vista the kids are very well behaved and nice the teachers are really trying there best to get us kids to succeed and the teaching is straightforward and if you dont understand teachers and even other students will try to help its an overall great school and very safe

Posted: September 7, 2025

Posted: May 25, 2025

We have been very pleased with the educational opportunities offered at Vista Ridge High School!

Posted: May 25, 2025

Posted: May 12, 2025

Vista Ridge is a great school where students can explore so many different extra curricular activities and learn what they are most passionate about. Everything from AP, College, CTE and PTLW classes are available to help launch a student into success post high school. The arts program is off the charts amazing with State Championship Show Choir, state recognized Theater program getting to perform at Thescon for over 5K people. AFJROTC is top notch with most of the 2025 graduating seniors enlisting or doing ROTC at a college. Broadcasting has some top notch equipment to work and the new CTE wing is a first of its kind for the district.

The principal knows his staff and his students. He actually gets out of his office unlike his past 3 predecessors. He has brought so much school spirit into the school it makes all the kids want to participate in something! They have a student committee who talks with admin and works to find ways to make Vista Ridge a better school for those who attend.

I have 3 students so far attend Vista and there is no other school we would rather attend. Even when we moved out of the boundary line, we choose to Choice in because of the support and the programs that are available at the school. Even my shy introverted child has come out of his shell and found his place at Vista Ridge. My students are challenged and held to a higher standard.

Safety wise like any high school has its share of incidents, but knowing that there is a SRO on site daily and almost 10 people on security makes me feel safe sending my kids to school each day. The teachers engage their students and make learning enjoyable at Vista Ridge.

There is no where else in town that I would send my kids to.

Posted: May 12, 2025

My son graduated in 2024, and Vista helped him explore new things. He was able to take a rock climbing class, competed in Show Choir, he took Bio-Med, and is now interested in pursuing a degree in the medical field, and he was also able to graduate with 12 college credits, giving him a little head start into college.

Starting as a Covid freshman was a little hard to get into the rhythm of high school by the teachers and staff did a great job guiding through 4 the years.

I have a couple other kids moving towards high school and the plan is for them to attend Vista Ridge.

Posted: May 12, 2025

Vista Ridge High School is an incredible high school. The school has handsdown the BEST principal in all of Colorado Springs. Mr. Payne is a ray of sunshine and strives to provide each and every student within the building the very best high school experience. Students are encouraged to 'Join the Hunt' and get involved. There are SO many activities, sports, and clubs for the students to participate in. Vista offers a variety of educational paths to help the students get prepared for when they are adults heading to college, military, trade schools, or jobs. There are many classes that are taught at an AP level, honors, or regular education to accommodate all student's levels. There are also a ton of electives to allow your student to dibble dabble in some different class to help them find their true passions. Mr. Payne has done a wonderful job in making the school a fun enviroment with several pep rallies that celebrate all the wonderful students that attend Vista. You will see him at all the sporting events, choir and theater performances, sitting in at club meetings, and being the student's #1 cheerleader as they strive to reach for their individual goals. Vista Ridge is the place to be if you want your child to get a high quality education taught by teachers that are highly qualified, love their jobs, and have access to so many incredible opportunities to finish up their childhood education.

Posted: May 10, 2025

Vista Ridge High School offers award-winning programming in academics, athletics, arts, and CTE. There are options for all interests! Students often thrive in multiple pathways i.e. there are football players in show choir! I love the diversity.

Posted: May 10, 2025

Posted: May 9, 2025

This is a review from both a parent and an occasional substitute at Vista Ridge High School, so it brings a few perspectives that I think are worth sharing. The school got a new principal in the fall of 2023 (Tom Paynewho many of the students affectionately call "T Payne") and I believe he truly is an ally to the students and staff and has done a lot in the last few years to build a more positive culture and work out some of the kinks the school has experienced the last several years.

As a parent of a son who graduated last year (2024) and a daughter who will graduate in 2026 (and one more who will be an incoming freshman in 2027), I feel it's only fair to speak to what my kids have been involved in at Vistanamely track, cross country, show choir, theater, and student counciland their experiences. I've heard mixed things about athletics at VRHS, but our experiences have been mostly positive. There were a few things my kids didn't love about some of the coaches, but overall, participating in sports at Vista gave them good experience trying new things and challenging themselves. The performing arts program at Vista is phenomenal. Like, actual state-winning-phenomenal. The show choir is highly competitive and won state at the 2024 CHSAA competition and runner-up in 2025with plans to keep going! The theater program is ridiculously good and was nominated for the Bobby G Awards this May (2025) for their production of Newsies. My kids have also loved being part of student council and have held leadership positions as student body officers. In these roles, they have been able to be change-makers in contributing to the positive culture and climate of Vista, and I believe these opportunities have given them an edge up in attending their colleges of choice.

Lastly, as a substitute at Vista, I hear and see a lot of things that parents aren't often privy to, and my impression is that the vibe is mostly positive. Generally speaking, kids seem to like attending Vista and I hear a lot of positive feedback about the school and many of the teachers/staff. There don't seem to be as many fights as during the Covid era and students are encouraged by admin and teachers to get involved and be part of something greator "Join the hunt." My kids have achieved 4.0+ GPAs and have felt that Vista has provided the classes they've wanted and they've received not only a great education but have gained social-emotional growth and have had some life-changing opportunities there.

Posted: May 9, 2025

Posted: April 17, 2025

The dean doesnt care for anyones safety here unless they are white, my daughter was discriminated, everytime i called about an issue regarding my daughter being bullied he didnt do anything! My daughter self harmed due to being bullied, had to call safe to tell so many times and nothing was ever done! My daughter got punched by her bully defended herself and got expelled without having any previous behavior issues, never was at the office for a problem she created, had good grades despite her having an IEP, the dean hated that I kept calling about issues and took it out on my daughter!

Posted: April 17, 2025

Posted: May 16, 2024

The Athletic department at this school is one of the worst that I have seen. Starting with the Athletic Director. The football, wrestling and baseball coaches all lack integrity. They aren't there for the kids. Beware!

Posted: May 16, 2024

Posted: September 26, 2023

Equality is out the window in this school. The Deen does not have a caring bone. Not even one metatarsal.

Posted: September 26, 2023

Posted: June 29, 2023

This school is very boring and the teachers here usually dont teach the subject well. I have token multiple AP courses here and I gotta say the teachers need to be investigated as they barely prepare for the actual exam. Not only that, but most of the students here are either depressed or something. There are almost no emotional support for students in need and that is concerning. The adults here really dont care of the students learning experience.

Posted: June 18, 2023

This school is really unsafe, my child gets bully here a ton. I have contacted the principle Becky about it, but she hasnt done anything about the situation. Not to mentions my child has also reported the incident to teachers, yet they didnt care enough to get the message. Also, the teachers here has been reported for misconduct and harassment to students. At least that what my child says.

We are now moving to another school that is safer and have better learning experience.

Posted: June 18, 2023

Posted: August 9, 2022

I think the school is great, especially the Afjrotc Team col Breedlove, and Msgt Tompson are awesome instructors I would definitely recommend Afjrotc.

Posted: July 14, 2021

Really great school. Kind of like a charter school. Very strict but awesome teachers. I love it. My child is going to Berkley and my child who graduated last year went to Stanford. Really great for college readiness

Posted: July 14, 2021

Posted: November 11, 2018

My experience was okay not the best school .

Posted: November 11, 2018

Posted: February 2, 2018

If you have a child who has any intentions of going to a high accedemic school spend the extra money and move to district 20. School doesnt have an accedemic culture as a priority. Its more for kids just hoping to graduate high school.

Posted: August 16, 2017

The teachers wouldn't even help me on my first day and they are not welcoming at all.

Posted: August 16, 2017

On my first day at a new school moving there from California, I sign up for ap european history, pre ap English 2, geomentry, chemistry, French 2, music theory and concert band. This school is so terriable! The counseling then put me in all regular classes. Can you believe this? Now I might be stuck in it for a whole year when I worked hard to be in ap at my old school and took all honors classes at my old school. The teachers are not welcoming and most can't even teach! The students are not nice to one another. Whatever you do don't send your kids here. Go to district 20 from my experience. Next year I'm going to the other school district.

Posted: November 13, 2016

This is a fairly new school. They are working out kinks and adjusting where concerns are made. My son had attended this school for 3 years, 9-11, and will continue his senior year here. He has found great mentors in teachers, coaches, and admin. Mr. Gross is a beloved principle who listens to the students and respects their opinions. It has been a great experience and we love it.

Posted: October 19, 2016

I have a son who has been bullied since 3rd grade. Now he is standing up and defending himself, only to now get into trouble for doing so. So, he can't win.. gets bullied and not supposed to do anything about it. he goes to teachers and councilors and still nothing... not a good program at all.

Posted: October 19, 2016

School leaders are more concerned about financial gains from student numbers than they are about making sure the children have good instruction in a good environment.

Posted: October 19, 2016

This school rewards disrespectful behavior, they don't discipline the kids that are rude and snotty.

Posted: October 19, 2016

First of all, they took in 600 freshmen this year, through the choice in. This school cannot handle the volume. There are 80 kids in some classes, which are held in the common area's where there are too many distractions and the kids behavior is terrible and goes unchecked. The only thing the principle is concerned about here is the money he is getting, not the education of the students who are impacted. My son is in one of these classes and he is failing because he can't concentrate and can't get instruction due to the unruly behavior of the other kids. It is very clear that there are favorites by all staff, as some kids can do things and others can't. My children have been misplaced in classes that do not equal their skill level, nothing like setting kids up for failure. sports are a joke, again, if they like you, you play, if they don't, you don't, really has nothing to do with skill. My children will not be coming back next year.

Posted: August 24, 2015

This principal is clearly in the right line of work! He is enthusiastic about his job and deeply cares for the students. Also the guidance counselors are wonderful! Can't say enough great things about this wonderful school with a warm and caring staff.

Posted: July 30, 2015

Vista Ridge is the best high school in D49, however it is the best of the worst. The principal lacks leadership skills and common sense...has a view that kids should focus on what they can do well, and not be pushed at what they can't do. Frankly, I want my child to learn what he doesn't know well! Only a handful of teachers are great. The school policeman is pompous and is not kid friendly. He spends his time looking to handout as many traffic tickets as he can to parents on the street in front of the school. The school curriculum is horrible and doesn't come close to the many class choices other districts offer. The dance team coach did not care about her team last year and abruptly quit on the team before the last few games of the year, and the athletic director doesn't care about the dance team...and so, dance tryouts were held at the end of last year (for this year's team) by students and a parent, without the athletic director knowing. The parent/judge then brought her daughter in the last day of tryouts and she still made the team unfairly. It was brought to the attention of the athletic director and he let the team stay intact instead of making all the girls fairly tryout with a new staffed dance coach...many parents are upset. The counseling staff does not care about the kids or their schedules, and I could not get one of them to call me back until I threatened to call the administration building. This school is a waste of my tax dollars and is disappointing. I have moved my child to District 20 which also doesn't have nearly the fees that D49 has.

Posted: July 30, 2015

Posted: May 23, 2015

My child has joined the ranks of the functionally illiterate. Thanks Vista Ridge. Thanks Meg Meadow. Thanks Bruce Grose and your wack team!

Posted: May 23, 2015

The homework is rudimentary and is not regarded. My son never turned his in and yet his still graduated.

Posted: May 23, 2015

Horrible school. If your kid is bright, don't dump them here. If your kid has special needs don't dump them here. Average just get by kids...this is your spot!

Posted: May 23, 2015

This district D49 & school pass kids onto the next grade regardless of if they pass their core courses. My son has graduated by the skin of his teeth yet he doesn't deserve to. The administration does not care. Since the 9th grade, I've been advocating for extra help, I got nothing. Finally, last year he began seeing a therapist and with a bipolar diagnosis, they made no mention that he was eligible for special needs accommodations.

If I had it to do again he would have choices into D20. I am so disgusted with the principal and counselors. They are truly worthless to special needs kids and their parents. Vista Ridge High School was a waste of my tax dollars. I hope to change the district border so my neighborhood, which can go either way, definitely goes toward Academy School district 20! Meg Meadow should be released, principal Grose needs to be retrained. Horrible representation of educators. No wonder Coloradand are sooooo..... #dameshame!!!!

Posted: October 9, 2014

The counseling department has helped my son and daughter so very much. Every time one of them goes into counseling they are friendly, very responsive and always willing to help in any way. My daughter has dealt with issues in the past and since we have moved schools she feels so comfortable in their environment. My daughter goes in and can speak with the secretary and does not feel judged or like she has to be embarrassed because she is there and she feels better after she leaves. I am very pleased with the way they handle the students.

Posted: August 11, 2014

The school in new and beautiful inside but lacking in leadership. When my girls went here a few years ago they hated it! One of my daughters loves school so I know something was off. After the leadership issues many of the good teachers left. We ended up leaving the school as well. I'd rather drive my kids to a D20 school. I was happy with my choice to move them. I wish I would of done it sooner. One thing that shocked me is at parent info night we were required to pay additional fees based on the classes my daughters were in. One year it was close to $200! That's not counting the yearbooks and activity passes.

Posted: May 20, 2014

Can't contact counselling, can't contact attendance, the teachers are rude. I've only heard good things about a future teachers, namely Mr. Hill. My daughter's intelligence is wasted here.

Posted: May 7, 2014

Can't get a hold of the guidance counselors Ever They don't return calls or emails.

Posted: November 15, 2013

I am so disappointed in Vista Ridge. I have contacted the 9th grade guidance counselor 15 times and still have unresolved issues. Currently they are only grading based upon test scores, so if your child is a great "tester" they will do GREAT at this school. However, if tests are hard for your child they will fall between all of the cracks. We are currently looking for a new school for my son. I cannot wait to get out of Vista!

Posted: August 20, 2013

My children attend this school and they love it. Everything is brand new, and is up to date with technology. The teachers are absolutely wonderful. They care and want the kids to learn. This is an amazing school!

Posted: June 25, 2013

Honestly i started attending this school after moving from a dodds school in europe & i must say the adapting to the "public" school environment is tough. most of the teachers seem to be bored of their jobs so they teach very boringly. The best teachers who actually show excitement in teaching are Mr. Hites (spell check); Mr. Ockvirk; and Mr. Hill. Most of the teachers don't communicate with their students at all if they're confused about something. All they care about is their paycheck at the end of the day. The school has been nothing but drama hence the news & sometimes honestly i didn't want to go to school because it was just so boring. i mean seriously who just teaches by telling their students to write notes & then having a quiz the next day. it's stupid. anyways the positives. the students are pretty chill. some classes are fun & interesting. sports are alright. & the late starts on wednesdays.

Posted: August 11, 2012

It's been good so far. It was nice to have the first day of school exclusively for 9th graders and to be greeted at the door with a "welcome to Vista Ridge" upon entering that first day!

Posted: July 30, 2012

Vista Ridge is a great school with so many enrichments, and academic quality. They really have quality teachers, and have after school study sessions for those who need it, a wonderful library, and a wonderful classroom enviorment. By going to this school, I have gained plenty scholarships from universities, and many opportunities to enhance my future. Through all the hard work I have put in to my education, and from the help of my outstanding teachers, I plan to graduate this year with a very successful future a head of me. I couldn't have done it without being a proud Vista Ridge Wolf!

Posted: July 23, 2012

When this school opened, my son was in the first graduating class..this was the best high school that my kids have been in. My other two kids hated leaving but when we were there we were really happy when they attended. The teachers are great and very helpful.

Posted: July 8, 2012

I am currently a Junior at Vista Ridge High School. I am also a Varsity Cheerleader, in Student Council, NHS, and AP/Honors student. I absolutely love Vista Ridge. Obviously it has its flaws but all schools do. Even though there are flaws most of the teachers are great teachers who really care. I am proud to be a Vista Ridge Wolf.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Stetson Hills	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	1.4 mi
2	Briargate - Fairfax	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	1.9 mi
3	Wolf Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	1.9 mi
4	Dakota Ridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	2.3 mi
5	Wolf Ranch (Briargate)	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	2.5 mi
6	Pronghorn Meadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3 mi
7	Cordera	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	3.1 mi
8	Falcon	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	4.1 mi
9	Meridian Ranch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Peyton	CO	6.4 mi
10	Flying Horse	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	7.6 mi
11	Windmill Apartments	Apartment Complex	Colorado Springs	CO	7.9 mi
12	Mountain Shadows	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	9.3 mi
13	Security Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	12 mi
14	Cheyenne Mountain	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	13.3 mi
15	Forest Lakes	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Monument	CO	13.4 mi
16	Comanche Village	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fort carson	CO	13.7 mi
17	Fountain Valley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Colorado Springs	CO	14.1 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	North Gate Blvd	Colorado Springs	CO	8.3 mi
2	Colorado Springs Co	Colorado Springs	CO	9.2 mi
3	North Cheyenne Canyon	Colorado Springs	CO	14.6 mi
4	Manitou Springs	Colorado Springs	CO	16.2 mi

Base	Distance
Peterson AFB	7.6 mi.
US Air Force Academy	10.2 mi.
Schriever AFB	12.5 mi.
Fort Carson	14.1 mi.
Cheyenne Mountain Air Station	15 mi.

Vista Ridge High School

Colorado Springs, CO 80923

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Vista Ridge High School

Colorado Springs, CO 80923

School Ratings

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