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New Vista School

Educating Students for Life

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of population do you serve?
We serve students grades 6 through 12+ with high functioning autism and related language-learning disabilities.
Do you offer a Diploma?
Students may earn a high school diploma or their Certificate of Completion, depending on their academic progress towards meeting the California State requirements. Students who might further their education beyond high school have the opportunity to expand their intellectual achievements in college preparatory course work.
What are your academic tracks?
Curriculum is based on the California Content Standards and the Common Core States Standards at every level. Students can be on a diploma track or Certificate of Completion track.
Are you accredited?
New Vista School is nonpublic (NPS), WASC accredited (Western Association of School and Colleges) and is a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools).
Are Classes A-G articulated?
Our High School diploma track classes are not A-G articulated, other than our CTE classes.
Are your teachers credentialed?
The majority of the faculty hold teaching credentials and/or higher degrees in the fields of special education or their content areas. Some hold Clear Credentials while others are level one certified and are completing their Clear Credential.
How do you place your students academically?
Students are placed on a per course basis based on their present levels of academic performance and by informal assessments given prior to enrollment. They progress academically based on their performance throughout the year.
How do you communicate to the parents?
The community at New Vista School is based on close school-family-collaboration. New Vista School administration communicates with parents in both formal and informal ways including regular newsletters, grade reporting through the parent portal of our online grading system, phone calls, email announcements and information posted on our web site. Our Parent Guild represents the collective voice of our parents and helps the school create our parent education series and supports learning and recreational activities.
What are the education levels of the aides?
All of our aides are highly qualified and have worked with students on the autism spectrum. The majority hold degrees in education or have a behavioral background, and have experience working in a classroom environment.
Do you offer support with homework?
Students who need support while doing their homework independently are in the Homework Club from 3 to 5 pm. Those students who do not complete homework assignments for the next day, receive lunch support. They eat their lunch in a monitored room and complete their assignments.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
Tuition assistance may be granted on the basis of demonstrated financial need as determined by a third-party reviewer and the School. The school only provides a percentage of the overall tuition.
How old is the school?
New Vista School has been in existence since 2006.
Is your curriculum aligned with California State Standards?
New Vista School strives to provide rigorous and appropriate academics for all students. The Common Core State Standards and California Content Standards curriculum are implemented in the diploma track and when available and appropriate for the certificate track.
How will I know how my child is performing and what their grades are?
Parents and students can access grades at any time via the online grading system. Formal grades are provided at the end of each semester. In addition to consistent teacher availability for questions from parents throughout the school year anytime there is a need, we schedule two formal Parent/Teacher Conferences each year.
What is the average class size?
The average class size is 10-12 students.
Do you offer extra-curricular activities?
We offer clubs for students during lunch and electives after school. We also have activities during the morning break. Students can also participate in external organizations and activities through our sister organizations, Venturing Crew and Spirit League.
Do you use technology in academics?
Teachers incorporate technology into their daily lessons. In some cases, technology is an integral part of the total program which incorporates both text and a fully inclusive online component.
How many students do you serve?
Each year our student body ranges between 75-80 students.
What kind of testing will my child receive?
When your child does a school visit, they will be required to take assessments to determine their grade level for each academic area. As a student, they will have regular tests and quizzes in their classes. Each year, we complete school-wide testing with ACT, ACT Aspire and KTEA, as well as assessments related to executive functioning and social skills development.
Do school districts pay the tuition for New Vista School?
Each family must work with the school district their child resides in to obtain tuition.
Do you provide transportation?
We do not provide transportation, however, parents do set up carpools and you can gain transportation through OCTA.

testimonials

Students leave New Vista with a greater sense of confidence…

In the past 3 years I have witnessed firsthand the change that takes place within students who go through our Transition program. These students leave New Vista with a greater sense of confidence after having been given the opportunity to work in a real business and gain experiences in multiple community environments. With the proper training, attitude, and a little patience, these young adults can achieve any goals they set their mind to.

Eric Warner, Transition Specialist

The options after graduation are now wide open for her…

Our daughter started New Vista in 7th grade with the plan that she would only stay there for her middle school years. We were so happy with her progress, that now, 5 years later, she is about to graduate. Thanks to the New Vista teachers and staff, she has blossomed socially and academically, and she has been able to participate in high school activities we never thought possible. The options after graduation are now wide open for her…

NVS Parent

Thank you!

I can give you a story of my son’s journey but this quote basically sums it up. “You transformed an impossible child into an adult with possibilities.” Regarding plans after Noah graduates… NVS’ adult program. I’m excited to be participating at ground level with other senior parents and Ms. Donnelly. Thank you!

NVS Parent

He received such a great education foundation…

I want to thank you all for the great job you all did with my son. He received such a great education foundation from each of you at NVS. He is doing a very good job at College. He is currently a “B plus” student on all his classes, and best of all, that he just received his first Math exam result of a 100% grade. I cannot be more proud of him and am very thankful to all NVS staff. Now he is a very responsible and independent college student.

NVS Parent

Exceeded our expectations…

Our experience at New Vista School over the past 3 plus years has been outstanding. After trying three other schools and investigating many more, we found a school that “gets” our child. The teachers and administrators have created an individualized plan, both academic and behavioral, that has exceeded our expectations.

NVS Parent

Sincere thanks to the whole NVS Staff…

Our experience at New Vista has been night and day from our previous experience in the school district public system! Teachers in the public system repeatedly said our son was unable to read and comprehend third grade books. At New Vista, our son has read 33 books in the last 4.5 months – 82% of them at a grade level of 4.6. Sincere thanks to the whole NVS Staff for your dedication and commitment in helping these kids do better in life.

NVS Parent

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Disclaimer: Our High School diploma track classes are not A-G articulated, other than our CTE classes.

Copyright © 2023 | New Vista School

New Vista School | 23092 Mill Creek Drive Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Front Office: 949-455-1270

We are a private, non-profit, 501c3, WASC-accredited school serving Orange County, California. We are authorized to serve ASD students through the non-public school (NPS) option available to qualified families and school districts. Our academic and social curricula are guided by the following values: Safety, Respect, Responsibility, Initiative, Problem Solving and Resiliency.

Copyright © 2023 · New Vista School
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