Buena Vista Arts-Integrated School

We've had 3 sons at Buena Vista over the past 5years. Each of our boys are very different in learning style and personality but all of them did very well at Buena Vista. Every teacher has been incredible except for one that was in her last year before retiring. The administration did a good job communicating with parents and creating a sense of community. Some of the strengths include: 1. The small grade size (two classes per grade) which allowed our kids to really feel like they knew all the students in their grade. 2. The fact that it's a lottery system to get in so there's a sense that all families want to be there, and thus participation is high 3. There are constantly opportunities for students to experience and participate in the arts. With regular events often including dance/singing/instrumental performances etc. It's not somewhere that's going to fully equip those who want to learn music/art (like a conservatory), but for those pursuing those things on their own, there are plenty of chances to perform. And all students get exposure to these things.

1st year at Buena Vista and I feel that my daughter has learned so much. The teachers show that they really do care. Its more like a family oriented school. I love it.

Buena Vista Integrated Arts has so much to offer its students. Let me start by saying that the wide variety of programs offered there are abundant. Students could participate in sports, dance, choir, and theatre after school. Many schools do not offer these interests to their students. Also, the teachers there are great at incorporating new practices into the curriculum. They are not afraid to start a new math or language arts program. My child really enjoys being at a school where the opportunities for learning are incorporated into every subject.

I am writing this review in response to how I felt after leaving my PTC (parent teacher conference) yesterday for my 5th grade student. It seems to me that over the years some of the administrators and teachers have forgotten their professionalism and need to be reminded. I showed up on time for our meeting but as soon as I walked in the LA teacher went to do something else while the Math teacher decided to move on without her. No problem except that once the LA teacher decided I was important enough she came to the table gave me a few pieces of paper about the progress for her class and about 3 minutes into my after the LA teacher sat down with me another parent showed up and the LA teacher jumped up and went to work with the parent that just showed up. The LA teacher didn't even excuse herself. The Math teacher was clearly somewhat perplexed by her behavior that she made a comment initially saying, "I guess I will start with my stuff first". Then when the LA teacher abruptly left the table for the parent that just showed up the Math teacher gave me a look of confusion. In the end I left the meeting feeling awkward.

This is a great school, the staff works together to ensure the success of the students.