Vista Family of Schools
Mission, Vision, and Theory of Action
VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
OUR CORE VALUES
Collaboration ~ Resiliency ~ Individuality ~ Teamwork ~ Reflection
OUR MISSION - “THE HOW?”
All members of the Vista High School community work collaboratively to offer a safe and clean environment where we meet students’ individual needs. All Vista students strive to achieve high expectations, meet solid academic standards, and have equal access to an enriching curriculum that enables them to reach their highest potential and provide them with a personalized academic plan, which enables students to graduate with academic, vocational, and social skills that will prepare them to be highly successful in their lives after high school including vocational education, college and their future careers.
OUR VISION – “THE WHAT?”
Vista High School’s vision is to be an independent study alternative education school for grades 7-12 serving a wide range of students who excel in a small and safe campus located in the Hilltop community of Richmond. Vista High School strives to provide a transformative learning environment that has a clear, well-rounded and rigorous student achievement program that addresses the full range of student needs with the result that all students are prepared for a successful life. We follow the independent study format, developing personalized educational plans for each student. Our teachers assess each student’s work weekly and develop strategies for students based on the California Common Core State Standards. We draw from many resources, including district curriculum and professional development and community partnerships, to meet the needs of our students. Our remarkable staff develops and shares a variety of strategies electronically and at weekly staff development meetings.
During each weekly student meeting, the supervising teacher creates appropriate assignments for the following week and reviews and evaluates the work from the previous week. A-G requirements, areas of strength and weakness are noted and reviewed to insure that the student is making progress towards meeting or exceeding academic standards. Other educational opportunities are available beyond the individual meeting. Students may be enrolled in classes and/or attend labs at Vista, or participate in concurrent enrollment with the local community college. Currently, Vista offers biology, chemistry, middle school math, Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and precalculus as classes that meet weekly. Some students with minor credit deficiencies take online courses through Cyber High or Edmentum.
OUR THEORY OF ACTION – “THE WHY?
If we create a strong personalized school culture and teachers function as professionals in a collaborative community, then teachers develop strong SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Bound) goals and design meaningful learning experiences for students. Students will be able to monitor and assess their individual progress in each SMART goal.
If we promote a culture of learning, collaboration and constant adaptation, then we are better equipped to meet the wide array of independent study student needs.
If we celebrate effort, growth and achievement with leaders, teachers, students and parents then we will see an increase in student enthusiasm for taking on educational challenges and an overall increase in student resiliency and academic performance.
If we develop authentic, self-directed learning, and ensure students graduate with transferable academic, vocational, and social skills, then we will support their achievement in college, career education, and quality careers.