Mission
New Vista School is a 501(c)(3), WASC accredited independent school serving the needs of Orange County students with ASD in grades 6-12 and beyond. Our mission is to provide a structured, safe environment of academic, social, and transition skills instruction for students within the autism community. Our school community is guided by the following values: Respect, Responsibility, Initiative, Problem Solving, and Resiliency. Through these values, we demonstrate care, support, and high expectations for our students.
What Makes Us Unique
In southern California, New Vista School is the only school of its kind designed specifically for students with high functioning autism. New Vista School provides:
- a welcoming and supportive environment with teachers and other specialized staff members prepared to address the special needs that go along with an ASD diagnosis
- programs that maximize the personal achievement and independence of our students
- small class sizes, research-based programs, and integrated learning environments
- a social skills program that is integrated into every aspect of our students’ educational experience
- additional support to bridge the gap between high school and adult life
History
The New Vista School™ (NVS) is a small independent institution that was established forty years ago as La Monte Academie with the goal of serving students with special needs in the Orange County area. The name was changed to New Vista School in 2006 and the mission narrowed to serve students who are diagnosed with high functioning Autism, and similar learning disabilities.
Le Monte Academy Founded
Predecessor school was founded and operated in Aliso Viejo
New Location Acquired
La Monte Academy acquired the current location to serve children with “different learning styles” 
School Transformation
Le Monte Academy is transformed into New Vista School with its present focus on high functioning Autism and related disorders. 
New Executive Director
Nancy Donnelly joins as the Executive Director 
Curriculum Restructured
Restructured of curriculum and student support to align with research-based best practices 
1st Annual Golf Tournament
The New Vista School Golf Tournament began to support continuing school development 
Transition Class Established
The Adult Transition Class was established for 11th and 12th graders 
Social Skills Integration
Social Skills based on PEERS research at UCLA was integrated in classrooms and curriculum 
WASC Accreditation
Awarded full WASC accreditation with 11 commendations for areas of excellence 1st Annual Spring Dance
Spring Dance was established at a local hotel with families included in a separate event 
TACLE Program Started
2013 The Adult Transition Program was established with five off-site job training settings in Orange County. 
Drama Club Transformed
Drama Club was transformed to teach film and digital media 
1st Annual Film Festival
Annual Film Festival was founded to exhibit work of students in a professional community setting. 6-Year WASC Accreditation
New Vista School received a 6 year WASC accreditation with areas of expertise noted 
TACLE becomes Level-Up
TACLE was changed to Level-Up, continuing to support students beyond high school 
Pathways Grant Received
New Vista Tech Academy receives a Pathways Grant fromCA Department of Education – the only such grant to a non-public school statewide 
Urban Workshop Partnership
The Urban Workshop experience was added to the Level-Up program Our Students
Students enter New Vista School from a wide range of educational backgrounds including public, private and home schooling programs. Our students come from all over southern California, with the majority being residents of Orange County. The ethnic make-up of the student population is predominately Caucasian (70%) with Asian, Hispanic, and African-American students accounting for the remaining 30%. The gender make-up is 2/3 male and 1/3 female. Students range in age from 11-18 and have a primary diagnose of high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome. A significant number of our students have been diagnosed with more than one disability.
Our Facility
New Vista School resides in an 11,000 square foot building in Laguna Hills, CA. CLICK HERE for our online Campus Tour. CLICK HERE for map and directions.
