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New Vista School

Educating Students for Life

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Media Arts Program

Media Arts

film2New Vista School’s Media Arts Program is a student-driven after-school film production academy for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other similar learning disabilities. This program helps address social skills.

Social Skills Learning Outcomes:

Students will understand and apply the following:

  • Resiliency in the face of a challenge
  • Successful team interaction
  • Problem solving when cast members are absent or equipment is not working properly
  • Strategies to manage personal problems and social anxieties for the sake of the team and the project
  • Communication with peers and instructors in a respectful tone
  • Responsibility to manage deadlines and accomplish and prioritize each assigned task
  • Empathy for a character through specialized acting lessons

About the Program

  • Screenwriting: Students use their imaginations to create original, cohesive short films, using standards-based practices to develop complex plot structures and compelling characters.
  • Production: Students learn about choosing a location/setting, casting, costumes, using props, designing and building sets.
  • Directing: Students learn how the director balances between honoring the content and tone of the script while still bringing his or her own interpretations to the production.
  • Acting: Students learn to follow specific stage instructions, memorize dialogue, communicate the character’s feelings and motivations, and work as an ensemble to tell the story.
  • Editing: Students can learn how to use Final Cut Pro X editing software to make high quality films, while also collaborating with the directors to bring their stories to life.

New Vista School Film Fest

Bringing Imagination to Life

Each year, students write scripts, plan production, direct original short films, edit, and star in the original films.  Our program provides a unique opportunity for students to develop life-changing social skills through dynamic and authentic project-based learning.

These student produced, original short films are then showcased on the big screen at a local movie theater for family, friends, and the public at the annual New Vista School Film Fest.  This much-anticipated event allows the students to show off their months of hard work, talent and dedication to this large creative project.

Each year, the personal growth of the students amazes all who view the Film Fest, as well as the students themselves.  Students who are shy or unsure of their communication skills often surprise themselves by learning to face their fears and act in the films.  Those with academic struggles get to see themselves as the author of a film script for a large audience.  Students also learn to recognize and encourage other students’ new found talents.

Students who participate in the Media Arts Program and Film Fest gain a tremendous amount of personal confidence and pride in their abilities that lives on long after the Film Fest is over.   Students not only see their imagination brought to life on the big screen, they learn to envision how to incorporate these skills into life after school.

The Media Arts Program and Film Fest are visible examples of what we do at New Vista School every day to help students: realize their hidden skills and talents, recognize and appreciate those qualities in others, communicate positively and effectively, and apply those skills to their personal lives and future careers.

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 © 2025 | 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 © 2025 · New Vista School
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