New Vista School creates 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. The programs offered by New Vista School maximize the personal achievement and independence of our students, providing them with integrated and comprehensive services. These programs include:
Academic Skills
Through small class sizes, research-based programs, and integrated learning environments, New Vista School develops our students’ academic achievement and independence. We offer a diploma for students who can work at grade-level and a Certificate of Completion for those who cannot.
Regardless of ability level, all students receive rigorous academic instruction with a curriculum based on the California Content Standards and the Common Core States Standards at every level. Curriculum is geared towards strengthening our students’ communication, problem solving, and decision making skills so they can successfully navigate through life.
| High School Academics | Middle School Academics |
| High School Interdisciplinary | Modified Academics for Middle School |
Social Skills
Our highly developed and research-based social skills program is integrated into every aspect of our students’ educational experience. This gives our students the opportunity to practice their social skills throughout the day and in different situations. We prioritize our students’ social skills training because we know these skills will make a significant difference in their success as adults.
This program is taught using enriched and modified curriculum and teaching strategies that include:
- the research-based UCLA PEERS curriculum
- journaling and self-video feedback
- social behavior mapping
Students may continue to practice their social skills with their classmates after school by joining student clubs, such as Science Club, Drama Club, and Film Club. These clubs are an essential time when students generalize their social skills with the ongoing guidance of the teaching and support staff. Other clubs of interest to the students are held following lunch and provide another opportunity for generalizing social and language skills.
New Vista School feels it is important for all students to be contributing members of their school and local communities. Community opportunities are provided both on and off campus. Students at New Vista School will be expected to meet various responsibilities including leading student announcements, maintaining a student bulletin board and planning student events and outings. These opportunities will provide New Vista School students with an avenue to develop appropriate life and social skills which will support them into their adult years.
A school-wide Positive Behavior Support Program is used to reinforce students who are demonstrating school values and classroom expectations. Classroom expectations are visually posted and reviewed daily. Students who are demonstrating school-wide values and following classroom expectations will be rewarded each class. Students earn privileges, including free dress days, prizes and school-wide recognition.
High School Transition Skills
The New Vista School Transition program prepares students with the necessary life, work, educational and social skills they will need in their adult lives. Students are given an opportunity to acquire these skills using a hands on, real world approach that involves on the job training and first hand experiences. We work alongside parents and administration in developing post-high school goals and plans that best fit the individual needs of each student.
All students at New Vista School participate in the Transition Program during the 11th and 12th grades. This is an extension of our social skills program that includes a daily class for the other five years of the program.
During Transition class, the social skills are extended and generalized to adult learning situations (college) and both soft and hard skills for the world of work. Students participate in a work site training opportunity for both years of the program.
Urban Workshop
New Vista School is proud to announce its partnership with Urban Workshop to provide a key component of our Transition program. Each Monday for 12 weeks, students attend the “Youth Learn & Build S.T.E.M. Program for Level 1. The students will have classes and hands-on with tools, materials, computers, 3-D printing, electronics, and mechanical systems. Transition students may complete all 5 levels prior to graduating from New Vista School. View our Urban Workshop Photo Gallery.
Topics covered include:
- Social Skills
- College/Vocational Readiness
- Executive Functioning/Personal Organization
- Career/Vocational Exploration
- Employment
- Independent Living Skills
- Personal Finance
- Community Participation
- Transportation
- Friendships and Support Systems
Students who are planning on furthering their education are given guidance and support through the process of college application and course choices. If desired, the student and family are taken to local colleges to sign up for “Disabled Student Services” and have the required testing.
All students tour local two year college campuses as a group and have the opportunity to visit appropriate classes for individual interest and competence areas.