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