2192 Ipanema Ln
Vista, CA 92084

We particularly love the project based approach of Casita, that the staff and parents are exceptionally engaged, that the curriculum is well balanced between scientific and creative offerings and that despite all that it is an accessible and inclusive school. Our kid loves going to school here and made a lot of friends in the two years she is visiting Casita. The teachers have a great strategy of motivating the children by reinforcing positive behavior and encouraging initiative and independent thinking. The principal Ms. Chien is super approachable, empathetic and her and the staff earned the school a Blue Ribbon award. The only thing that I find irritating, is the necessity for constant fundraising. That being said, the school and PTA excel there to bring in the funds to make the outstanding program at Casita possible. The results speak for itself. Go cougars!

We will be glad to say goodbye to this school when it becomes Vida. Good riddance. There's a sign on the gate out front made out of blue solo cups that spells "BE KIND". My kid says it should really read "Be kind...of an a******" because of all the bullying that goes on there. Administration blames victims for not sticking up for themselves, doesn't punish the kids who do it, and the teachers ignore it and let it keep happening. Avoid.

I am a former student of Monte Vista, and I'm proud to say I am. Although some of the staff aren't the greatest, they are good at doing their job. They really make each and every student feel valued. Learning here can be really fun, and the whole environment of the school definitely helps with that. The school's design and murals are entertaining and memorable. They teach the kids good habits (through the seven habits system). One thing I will say though, they treat the younger kids way better than the older kids. For example, there was a fourth grader while I was there that wore pretty revealing outfits and never got dress-coded. But, my friend who wore slightly less revealing outfits (just crop/tank tops and short-ish shorts) got dress coded and was told to put a jacket on. Also, they just discipline the younger kids way less which I can understand but at the same time it feels like you should teach the kids at least how its like to be older or let the older kids be treated the same. Just because they're older, doesn't mean you should expect them to do way better, especially if they are neurodivergent. But, otherwise it's alright. They teach older kids to be a good influence on younger kids, and I think that's a good way to make friends with the younger kids and of course, make a good influence. I wouldn't really recommend for new students coming in from a grade other than kinder, but pre-k and kinder kids are free to! I honestly love this school.

Although, the options of extra curricular activities is a bonus and will do many children well, I was disappointed with the treatment of my 2nd grader. He was told he had more expectations put on his behavior (wiggling in class) because of his strong academics. He was above in his class academically but was too wiggly. We did have a great experience with the principal when he was faced with being bullied. It was taken care of swiftly.

My daughter is a freshman this year and so far she's really enjoyed her time at RBV. I feel this school is making a lot of positive changes - It seems campus security has recently made a bigger effort in getting the school cleaned up, the sports program and sports teams are on the rise, and there are a lot of social activities for students to be a part of. As far as the campus, the gym is being remodeled this year, the football stadium will be updated next year, and lot of other big improvements to the campus happening in the near future. This school is moving in the right direction and I am excited to see what it will be when my daughter is a senior.