I think Alta Vista School might rank as a 10 for students who are average or below, or students whose first language is NOT English. But, the best and brightest English speakers are definitely forgotten at this school, as well as in the entire district. Ask them about their GATE (Gifted And Talented
... Read more Education) Program. It's essentially non-existent. There are some great teachers, though! I think the best I could give this school is an 8 out of 10. Read less
Posted by a parent on 11/07/08
You have to mention, also, some of the incredible teachers that Alta Vista is lucky enough to have. Ms. Hoyem teaches 2nd grade, and I have 3 children but have had her 4 times. She taught Kindergarten and second grade, so my daughter was lucky enough to get her TWICE. Both my boys had/have her for second
... Read more grade. Ms. Marsh and Ms. Washburn will always be remembered by my older two kids, who still rant and rave about how great those years (3rd and 4th grade) were for them. Again, Mr. Lovold is fabulous and has enough energy and enthusiasm for the toughest of challenges. MaryAnn Rounds is our new, wonderful and dedicated PTA president. She has a full time job and kids in the school, so she is a busy lady, but she is getting thing done. She is open, friendly and no-nonsense! Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/17/08
I've been an involved parent since my oldest started 10 years ago and I still have 4 more years to go. I have to say AV is at all time best. With our Principal, Mr. Taranto, we have a strong leader that will take AV even higher. Since he started, he rolled up his selves and got to work without slowing
... Read more down. We asked for an old trailer to be removed and the new playground set-up - done! Now he's looking in to adding more. We asked for a room to house a computer lab & technology - done! AV houses a grand computer lab is also providing technology to both students & teachers. We complained about the traffic - done! Not only did he go out on a daily bases to direct traffic but now there is a valet system. We have a beautiful safe campus. Read less
Posted by a parent on 05/11/08
Alta Vista has some great potential, and some good teachers. However, there are also some serious problems. Number one being security. While the open concept of the campus is very attractive, it is also very unsafe. Unwanted persons can easily enter, and children can exit. According to Principal Taranto,
... Read more the budget does not allow for increased security. School sponsored extra curricular activities are non-existent as well. It seems teachers are not interested in participating. Noon-aid helpers are also not great. Read less
Posted by a parent on 01/18/08
Mr. Taranto exemplifies school leadership. He's always cool, his judgment is excellent in tough situations; I'll never forget how many times when my twin girls were in softball practice at Alta Vista Park last spring that I saw Mr. Taranto roaming his campus, assuring that all was in order. Terrific
... Read more guy. Am very proud of our school! Read less
Posted by a parent on 10/31/07
Alta Vista has come a long way. It's one of the best schools in the district. Overall great teachers and staff. The Principal, Mr. Taranto, is very involved with both students and parents. He holds a high standard for his school. From Special Day Classes Pre-k to 5th grade it's a tight knit school -no
... Read more one is excluded. High parent involvement through the PTA. They raise enough money for a high tech computer lab and this year have purchase a contact to teach both teachers and students computer use - plus creating a curriculum for the teachers to use in conjure to the present one. Beach Cites has started a wellness program at Alta Vista along with a garden for everyone, lunch time hip hop and fruit tasting once a month. The campus is more enclosed than before and they are holding a tighter ' all visitors must sign-in' policy. Students experience music, Hands on Art, Wellness, Ocean Outreach, special assemblies and much more. They all practice Character Counts. Like you hear the kids say 'It's a great day to be a Wildcat!' Read less
Posted by a parent on 09/26/07
The new principal is a huge improvement. He is involved, knows every students name, and is genuinely concerned with higher education standards. The PTA just got a new computer lab, which should really help the school catch up with others in the district. One negative, the school is a bit overcrowded,
... Read more with 600 kids in a school built for 400. Even with construction, they are at the limit again. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/17/07
I am not impressed with the selection criteria used to appoint principals. I found my child's teacher this year rude and uncommunicative with my wife and me. Another beef: the sheer volume of homework is unbelievable and unnecessary. I spent many hours in the evening and late evening, all week,
... Read more working with my child. Too often, I felt that my child's teacher is abdicating her primary responsibility to teach and leave it in my hands. Read less
Posted by a parent on 08/15/07
A major problem with this school is the governance. They need to become more teacher focused and provide an adequate environment for the students.
... Read moreRead less
Posted by a parent on 03/08/07
The principal is involved, though he has fallen off since his arrival, in the area of communicating in person with the parents. (He used to hold breakfast with the parents to give updates.) Extracurricular activities at least in the lower grades is non existent, so if you're looking for after school
... Read more stuff, you're out of luck. Parent involvement is very high overall, and if you're lucky enough to get a parent with excellent communication skills, as a working parent you will always know what's going on. Read less
Early Childhood Special Needs, Speech/Language Pathologists
*The resources listed are programs that the institution is staffed to support. Staffing for a program does not guarantee that it will be offered. This content is provided by the institution and may be incomplete. The institution may offer programs not listed here. Please contact the school directly for additional details.
Advanced Placement
AP classes are college-level classes offered at the high school level. Once a student completes an AP class and passes a final comprehensive examination conducted by the College Board, the student earns college credit for the course. AP classes are specific and not to be confused with other higher-level classes such as honors classes.
Before/After School
"Extended day" programs where the school day is extended before and after school to accommodate working parents. These programs should not be confused with common after school clubs or athletic activities.
Gifted and Talented
A school system may identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted and talented. A brief description of each area of giftedness or talent as defined by the Office of Gifted and Talented:
general intellectual ability or talent - high intelligence test score (usually two standard deviations above the mean), and high levels of vocabulary, memory, abstract work knowledge and abstract reasoning;
specific academic aptitude or talent in one area such as mathematics or language arts;
creative and productive thinking, the ability to produce new ideas;
leadership ability, the ability to direct individuals or groups to a common decision or action;
visual and performing arts, special talents in visual art, music, dance, drama, or other related studies;
psychomotor ability, such as practical, spatial, mechanical, and physical skills.
Vocation/Technical Curriculum
Vocational and/or technical courses offered within a comprehensive school, usually a senior high school.
Special Education Classes
A school or program within a school that provides services and training to students with moderate to severe mental and/or physical disabilities.
Adult Education Classes
Programs offering GED or equivalent courses for adults within regular schools, whether classes are held during evening or daytime schedules.
English as Second Language
English language classes for students whose first language is not English.
Redondo Beach schools — Alta Vista Elementary School is located at 815 Knob Hill Ave, Redondo Beach CA 90277. 815 Knob Hill Ave is in the 90277 ZIP code in Redondo Beach, CA The school district for Alta Vista Elementary School is the Redondo Beach Unified School District. Alta Vista Elementary School is a Public school that serves grade levels K - 5.
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Test Score Ratings
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