Vistamar School

Both of our kids attended Vistamar and even though they have completely different personalities they both thrived there. The leadership has created such a strong culture within the students and teachers that it has attracted fantastic teachers from all over the country. The result is a culture that the kids can feel safe to be themselves in a strong academic environment.

We've had two nieces graduate from Vistamar, and our daughter is in her junior year. This is a very special school, and we could not be happier. As parents we love the fact that is is academically rigorous and puts kids and a path to a great college. But we've been really surprised at how Vistamar has created a culture that encourages kids to take risks and try new things. We've seen our daughter take leadership positions in multiple clubs, join two sports teams, get very involved in the theater program and find things she's passionate about that she may have never discovered had it not been for Vistamar. We've been very happy with the attention she gets from the teachers, which is something that she was unable to get in her large public middle school. She's built the skills to seek out her teachers when she needs help, take advantage of office hours, and basically become very comfortable as a self advocate. These are all skills that will serve her well in college and life.

Amazing!!! My son is a freshman and is involved in fencing robotics jazz band and theater along with his along with his academics of science honors math and Mandarin. He is already planning his schedule for the next academic year. I am so thankful that my son is able to experience the 'Experience of Education' and not just the task associated with education. Vistamar is a place where young adults are safe to learn more about who they already where and what they always had in them to do. The teachers give great updates when things are moving along well and when things need more focus and attention what a refreshing balance. Vistamar is a school of permissions. Every child deserves a Vistamar educational experience.

When we toured Vistamar, my daughter and I looked at each other and we knew this was the school for her. This is her second year there and she "loves" her school. The teachers and staff are energetic, engaging and are always there to help a student if they need it. They encourage the students to think outside the box and be globally aware. Vistamar offers a variety of activities, clubs and most importantly a safe environment. It is really a special place.

This school is a treasure. When I first toured Vistamar I loved the vibe. I was wondering why I had not heard more about it. My daughter is now in her third year. Academically and socially it has been phenomenal for her. She is happy to go to school every day. In fact, she doesn't;t want to come home after school. She loves staying to do her homework. She's very involved--in the drama department, the Yearbook, numerous clubs, Honor Society and an Admissions Ambassador.

Vistamar has surpassed our expectations for High School on many levels. Our son goes to school happy everyday. It provides an inviting, inclusive & safe environment where he is encouraged to think deeply & be challenged academically by the amazing teachers whilst supported by his peers. Each student is accepted for who they are & not who they are 'expected' to be. It makes for a really unique & amazing High School experience.

I have 2 daughters at Vistamar. Vistamar has a fresh approach to High School based on the concept of "a Better Way to do High School". Evidence of this approach is found in the resources devoted to individual students in the form of academic advisory, life planning resources and athletic coaching. Most importantly, my girls each have strong personal relationships with faculty members. Additionally, a mindful approach to curriculum, academic load, and exposure to many electives such as mandatory trimesters for freshmen in coding, macro-economics and linguistics. With all the benefits of an independent school, Vistamar blends in a rich, real world experience with exposure to the greater community, diversity of student body and personal responsibility.

If you`re looking for a small, collegial environment where your kid won`t get lost in the shuffle, Vistamar is definitely a great choice. With a 7:1 teacher to student ratio, teachers know all the students and are excellent about providing feedback, whether good or bad. I really value the academic emphasis: In a world where so many high schools focus on making sure their students can regurgitate the facts they`ve been fed, Vistamar`s holistic approach emphasizes problem solving and integrating multiple academic disciplines into every lesson. When you meet a Vistamar student, you`ll invariably be impressed with the poise and confidence with which they present themselves. No wonder so many go on to some of the best colleges in the world.

Both of my children (Freshman & Senior) attend Vistamar and just love it! Academically challenging and a great socially diverse environment make this school stand out among other private schools in the area. And great prep for college! They will be ready for what ever college throws at them. I highly recommend Vistamar to families who seek an exceptional one-of-kind high school experience.

Two of my kids attended this school and it was a life-changing experience for both. Even though they were very different kids, both had amazing experiences in different ways and loved their time at Vistamar. As a parent, I was also very impressed with the outcomes kids who attended this school had had, and that also held true for my two. One of my favorite stories about Vistamar is that when my youngest, a boy, was a senior, I commented that he was almost done with High School. He immediately said, wistfully, "Dad, I`m going to miss this place." Strong words from an 18 year old male (not known for over-sharing). Nothing but the highest recommendation for this school. It is worth a visit to see inside this school! You won`t be sorry you did.

We are incredibly pleased with the quality of the education and experience our oldest son is having at Vistamar. The appropriately rigorous curriculum has prepared him for the most elite collegiate institutions, while not undermining his ability to be very involved in a multitude of other school activities - particularly without burning him out. The place is a gem that can't properly be appreciated without a visit to see and engage with the people inside. It's hard to imagine a school better balanced in today's world than this institution.

Extremely satisfied parent of two students. Rigorous, challenging, classroom based learning. Excellent experiences with sports, theater, and clubs. Highly engaged students and community.

Vistamar School provided a fantastic education to both of our daughters. Our daughters developed relationships with teachers that facilitated a rich learning experience. Additionally, the Vistamar School culture provided a place for our daughters to learn more about who they are, what they are passionate about in addition to helping them develop a mature appreciation of the importance of diversity in society.

My son is currently a junior at Vistamar and from the time that he was a freshman, he has been very comfortable with this school. Some of the activities that he has been involved in include flag football, theatre tech and robotics. He has a diverse group of friends from this school that he associates with both on and off of campus.Academically, my son has been challenged in a positive manner. The teachers not only teach students subject matter information, but they give assignments that lead the students to a deeper level of thinking which assists them with applying what they are learning in their daily lives as well as to real world experiences. The teachers are also very interested in the well-being of the students. They reach out to the students when needed to give assistance and they have office hours 2-3 days per week where students can meet with them to go deeper in their learning.Vistamar is a school that promotes and encourages individuality. Students are encouraged to come as they are and be who they are. This culture that has been created builds confident, articulate, well-read young men and woman who are very capable of taking their desired place in society and live in a diverse world that is facing many challenges.I have seen my son mature in a positive manner and I appreciate and respect the knowledge and wisdom that he has acquired thus far. I look forward to what his senior year will bring.

Our oldest daughter graduated from Vistamar and is currently a sophomore at UC Berkeley. My youngest is still attending Vistamar. Vistamar has done a great job of preparing them for college and for life. I love the diverse community, as evidenced by the variety of kids regularly in my house, the education, and the ability to try a variety of sports and activities at all levels.

Vistamar School curriculum has integrated VistaMath program. It is based on the mathematics curriculum at Philips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. The Science program has been adapted from highly successful models in Asia and Europe. The result is one of the most innovative ad globally oriented academic program among independent schools. My children love the school.

We have two children who attend Vistamar, and the school has exceeded our expectations in multiple ways. They are learning to think critically and be active learners. They come home each night with anecdotes of debates, discussions and projects they have done in class. They have close relationships with fantastic teachers and counselors and feel that school is a second home for them. They are learning to be inclusive, informed and socially engaged amid a diverse student body. In short, they are getting an education that will set them up to be successful in college and the real world. A bonus - they are having fun at the same time by playing multiple sports and getting involved in all sorts of activities they would never have had access to at another school. Teachers and faculty encourage everyone to be active and structure homework, tests and projects appropriately around events. We have truly loved our experience at Vistamar.

I couldn't be happier with the choice we made to send out daughter to Vistamar. The curriculum and faculty are world's apart from any other school; a truly progressive education that has reignited my daughter's love of learning. Just absolutely top notch all around.

As an alum of the Class of 2011, I loved how Vistamar prepared me for life after high school and college. By the time I got to Tulane University, in the fall of 2011, I excelled tremendously my first semester and went on to graduate in May 2015 with honors. I will forever be grateful for not the education I received, but also the lifelong relationships I gained with teachers and my fellow classmates. I strongly recommend this school. Vistamar is a true representation of the city of Los Angeles and definitely offers the best education Los Angeles has to offer.

My daughter loves Vistamar. She transferred in as a sophomore and quickly became a happier student, athlete, friend, and daughter. Vistamar challenges her thinking socially, academically and athletically helping her to become more of who she is. As a freshman and sophomore, she played competitive volleyball on a nationally ranked team and needed help properly managing her school work and practice schedule. Vistamar's teachers and the system in place allows her to learn not only the subjects, but the necessary time management skills necessary to succeed. I wanted to make sure she was seen as a whole student, not just the athlete. It worked. This last year, my daughter participated in a school play, and has developed her own sense of civic responsibility, fostered friendships with kids who had interests in art, theater, women's rights, and social justice. I highly recommend this school.

I am a proud Class of 2012 alumni from Vistamar School and have nothing short of praises to offer to this amazing institution! There is no better school in the South Bay equipped with instilling in its students a well-rounded education abundant with resources, incredible faculty, and a student body willing to learn from one another. The conscious and deliberate steps the school implements in order to make its students well versed in the dynamic world that surrounds them is truly impeccable. The faculty take such great care and time into their curriculum, and their passion for the subject material is palpable. Teachers know students not just by name, but by their interests and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and are always willing to tackle any potential challenges together. I would highly recommend Vistamar School to anyone who is looking for an academically stimulating environment where they are truly "at home in the world."

I have never seen a school that inspires and prepares kids for life and college like Vistamar. Our daughter graduated in 2015 and was much better prepared than her pears for college. I have not talked to any families that not only loved the school but were blown away by how special it is. The culture they have created there is amazing

If you want to experience learning as it was intended, you need to come to Vistamar. Best teachers I have ever seen. Happiest place on Earth. Kids learning through proven methods, not some consultant's idea of what is best. Vistamar is a place where kids feel comfortable, mentally satisfied and overall feel that they are part of something bigger. Great community. So many options for your kid to find out whom they want to be.

My son attended Mira Costa high school his freshman year and barely finished the year, even though he's smart and popular. Moving him to Vistamar to finish high school changed our world. The school is the main reason he is senior at Chapman Universit majoring in mass-data computer science. The Vistamar staff figured out how to motivate him to excel academically and be engaged in school activities including captaining the baseball team. I did not fully appreciate Vistamar's achievement until his college entrance scores came in at 1970 and 33. Sure, he has a pretty high IQ, but Vistamar put his brain to work.

Both of our children attended Vistamar and emerged intellectually inspired, socially engaged, and empowered to take on all that college and life had to offer them. We highly recommend Vistamar to families who seek an exceptional high school experience.