Philosophy
Perhaps the best way to describe Vista Verde is in terms of the school slogan, "Open for Learning All Year Round." The combination of students from all over Irvine, being able to watch them grow and develop educationally over a nine year time span, and the structure of having these students for approximately nine week time blocks year round create a unique and, we feel, wonderful environment. Our school philosophy is to take children from where they are when we receive them and, through a variety of experiences, high expectations and cooperative efforts, to stretch them educationally. The universal feeling of the staff is that life-long learning is critically important, and children are unique; each requiring and deserving a maximum of expertise, dedication and consistency tailored to make their educational experience positive and rewarding. Armed with this vision, the Vista Verde community has worked together to achieve academic excellence. This excellence is evidenced by high test scores (in some cases, the highest in the district and Orange county) and awards and recognition at the state and federal level. In a district recognized nationally for education excellence, Vista Verde is known for providing leadership. Our school was the first in Irvine to begin a Partnership in Education program. We are the only school in Irvine that has implemented a block schedule for our 6-8 middle school. We were the first with a school-wide computer network. Our staff, many of whom holds masters degrees, provides training and support in technology, literacy, diversity, math, spelling, science and writing to teachers throughout the district. Our after-school program (ACE), sponsored and organized by Vista Verde's PTA, is highly regarded in the district as a model. Vista Verde is a kids' school where the bottom line is "Let's do what's best for students." This requires ongoing self-evaluation, an openness to change, a committment to lifelong learning by students, parents and staff, and a continued belief that "Together, we can do anything!"