Nueva Vista Elementary School in Bell Gardens, California

“My kids have been in this school for a couple of weeks and I am beginning to have second thoughts about it. We just moved to the area and at my kids former school I was able to walk my kids into the yard before school and watch them go to class. Here, they treat the school like they are setting the kids up for prison or something as all the parents are forced to stand outside of the gate like they are visiting some inmates or something. At the gates they have people standing there guarding with their walkie talkies, I'm not pleased at all with this. Another thing, they start school at 7:52! They need to do it the traditional way and start at 8 AM. At 7:52 they lock the gates and you have to walk all the way around (which makes your kid(s) even more late)!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The latest raters must be talking about a different elementary. There is no new Principal, Mrs Howington has been there for several years and she still here today 05-29-08. Everytime I went to see her without an appoinment, she made herself available. I just called her today and I was transferred to her immediately. My two daughters and my son went there. They have an excellent gifted program and all three of my kids were part of it. My youngest son is currently at Nueva Vista and he has been recommended to be tested as well. he scored over 96% in all area in last year state test. He has had the best teachers. He was taught to read by the time he finished KG and his fluency is over 200 wpm. Ms Campos, Ms Jaime, Mr Garnet, Ms Hernandez, etc are all the best teachers in their respective grades.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nueva Vista is a school that provides a safe haven for students who are experiencing difficulty at home. My kids are enjoying learning at academic. The staff is excellent and the support staff is very helpful.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nueva Vista has a new principal. I have seen her more times I have seen the other principal. She has been there for only one week and my children already know her name because she is on the yard with them. The new principal seems confident and I already had the chance to speak with her and address some concerns from the previous principal. She seems to really care. She is accessible and seems she wants the best for the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Some teachers are great. Only they are not supported with proper resources to teach kids. I was sad to find out that the principal does not have regualr meetings to allow parents to present their concerns. No one knows anything and its difficult to schedule an appt with [the principal]. They push for test scores & accolades but not safety and respect. Are test scores and accolades tied in to bonuses? They are always yelling at the kids. They can't earn what they don't demonstrate to them.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I agree that the magnet program is great, my son participates in magnet and the teachers are great. But I also agree that the supervision is minimal. My has been bullied twice and when I approached the staff I was given the run around. I feel that if my child is in school they are responsible for his safety and well being just as I am when he is with me. Pretty much within magnet I'm satisfied with the school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Staff always seems uninformed and disorganized. I usually get the run around when I am trying to simple information that should be distributed to parents on a regular basis. Events are not well planned. Some of the staff are too lax on the playground. I've brought issues to the attention of principals and there was nothing done to improve in the areas in question. Empty reassurances. It has great potential to be a commendable school if only they got their act together by getting organized and effectively supervised.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The school's magnet program for performing arts helped my student get more interested in school. They also have after school programs that they encourage struggling students to participate in.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Three of my children attend this school and I must say that their academic standards have improved, my children have had teachers who have been truly unprepared and unmotivated. Mrs. Germaine however is the absolute opposite she is an excellent teacher.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My oldest son has gone to Pasadena for 5 years, my youngest has been there for 3 years. I would never think about changing schools. The Teachers at Pasadena make the school the best in the nation in my book. Thank you to all the Teachers at Nueva Vista for all your hard work & commitment to helping the students succeed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been through the Los Angeles Unified System myself, and know how great this school is. I am glad my older daughters and now my younger children, had an opportunity to attend Nueva Vista. I can't say enough about this school. The teachers involvement is outstanding. Every child has a opportunity to be a great student. For the children struggling, there is an awesome support team ready to help. The diversity in which this school is strongly a believer of, has enriched the students to see beyond the exterior of people. To learn as many cultures as possible and to accept, people for who they are. The education is beyond belief.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Nueva Vista staff overall demonstrates leadership skills and high expectations for all of their students. This school shows our children excellent technology skills that will develop their computer knowledge for their future and also helps them improve their academic skills by offering a computer based lab. I am also impressed that the schools API scores are one of the best in all of District J. I would highly recommend this school to all parents that are planning to move in the area.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have a daughter in the school and I had a son in this school.This school focuses too much on appearance on the kids.My son would have different colored hair and or spiked hair and I was in the principal's office at least 3 times a year.My son was also told his spikes in his hair was needed to be washed out or he would be sent home.There are no dresscodes for hair. None!”
This review was posted by a parent.