Vista Academy

First of all, the Pros:
* Centrally located in the Mueller District of Austin.
* Offers an afterschool program.
* Generally awesome and caring teachers.
Cons:
* No playground for 2^nd grade on up and no plans to build one.
* Only offers 1 10 minute recess for second grade on up, thus giving the students no outlet for their energy. Students are punished for being «too wiggly.» I wonder why?
* Will not allow parents to form PTO.
* Poor communication with parents. Vista used to be dismissed at 3:00 PM and the principal single-​handedly decided to extend the dismissal time to 3:30 without either consulting or notifying the parents in writing of the change and the reasons why she felt it was necessary to do so. This last minute notification caused chaos with several Vista families who suddenly found themselves faced with conflicts with work schedules, afterschool programs, and extracurricular activities. The principal was very condescending and verbally reprimanded parents (as if they were children) for showing up «too early» and that «they should have known.» How could they have known?
* Staff that is insensitive to the delicate sensibilities of young children and developmentally inappropriate discipline threats made against children for inconsequential infractions, such as talking at lunch. For example, the new lunch monitor and «ISS Teacher» yells at small children (kindergarteners and first graders) and threatens them with ISS (in-​school suspension) if they talk at lunch.
* Dishonest school administration. They lie, constantly, and act surprised when they’re caught in those lies. They have been reported to their superiors on numerous occasions, but they seem unable or unwilling to address school leadership’s dishonesty.
* Compromises safety of students and parents. Several weeks ago, Austin was under a tornado watch. The news was telling everyone to stay inside and stay off the roads. You can imagine how dismayed I was when I received a phone call from my child’s teacher telling me that the school had been closed down and I needed to come pick up my child… when the authorities were telling us to stay put. When confronted with this major breach of safety to both students and parents, school administration explained that «other local elementary schools had dismissed their students.» This was completely untrue and a quick look at the Austin ISD webpage and the local news agency that lists school closures proved so. No other school dismissed early.
* Inordinate amount of homework every week which is developmentally inappropriate for elementary students. My first grader received 30 – 45 minutes of homework a night. The NEA and several research studies from reputable and notable institutions recommend no more than 0 – 10 minutes a night. Higher grades receive even more. It’s a struggle to try and get that kind of work done and it interferes with family and sleep time. The quality of the homework was also very poor and was just «busywork.» There was no real value to it. School administration was not interested in discussing their homework policy. We’ve since moved our child to a better (public) school and she gets maybe 10 minutes of homework a night that is developmentally appropriate for her and also challenging.
Vista/​Austin Classical Academy masquerades as a high-​quality school, but they are not. Take it from a parent whose child attended this school for a few years: save yourself the frustration, stress, and heartache. You’re better off sending your child to different school.

This is the first year this school has opened, and currently teaches grades k-​4^th grade. The school leases space from the PromiseLand church, but besides that the church is not affiliated with the school.
CLASSROOMS — My child attends 1^st grade so this review is mainly based on this grade. There are two 1^st grade classes. Both teachers have 14 – 15 kids per class. The first grade classrooms are teeny-​tiny. The rooms were previously occupied by the church’s infant & 1 year old rooms, to give you an idea on space. I am told they will remodel to expand these rooms for next year, but until then, they are stuck in these rooms truly too small for a class. (Minus one star for this.) However, despite the small (small) rooms, the teachers have made good use of the space in trying to give it a real classroom feel. (Please note, all other grades: K, 2,3, & 4 are in normal size rooms — I checked.) I know it’s not how big the classroom is, but the quality of teaching done inside the classrooms, so I will move on to the next subject.
SCHOOL WORK — In the few weeks that have past our teacher has been working with each student to identify where they’re at. The homework thus far has been minimal and very easy. Almost too easy, but this is expected at the beginning. Our child’s teacher has an open-​door policy, and has been very welcoming to any of our family’s questions or concerns. Our child is expected to read daily, and has homework assignments approximately 3 days a week that might take 10 minutes to complete. So far, I have been very pleased with our teacher. Her passion to teach and work with children is very evident.
COMMUNICATION — The classes meet in the cafeteria in the morning before being escorted to their classes. When you drop your child off you see the class and the teacher. This brief moment allows the opportunity and quick means for an open communication between parent and teacher. Something that was lacking in our prior public school. Anytime I have left a message with the main office, I have always received a prompt response.
SPECIALS — The school participates in specials such as computer, gym, etc. There is no playground, but the kids go to a real gym for their exercise play. I for one like this better. No need to have kids (or teachers for that matter) outside in the hundred degree whether anyways.
MEALS — The school provides a continental style breakfast for a fee unless you qualify for reduced/​free lunch. The school does not provide lunch at least for this year, so all children are required to bring a home lunch. I was worried about packing a lunch everyday for my child, but so far so good. The cafeteria has microwaves so that leftovers can be brought and reheated (done by adults).
UNIFORMS — The children wear uniforms which I love. I really appreciate the fact that the school allows the parent’s to buy «generic» clothes, rather than having to purchase uniforms through the school. This is a money saver for us! The uniform consists of khaki bottoms, while tops can be navy blue, white, or light blue shirts. I have seen kids wear navy bottoms, which is not the stated approved uniform. While it looks fine, I wish the school would say something so that all kids were on the same page. The school needs to enforce the rules they themselves have established. Bending the rules on the first year does not set a good example for all the parents and children who abide by them. (okay moving on…). The dress code for the school is strict, but for good reason. It provides an overall positive «look» for the school and sets a good standard for dress attire (belt, shirts tucked in, etc.).
FINAL THOUGHT — While this school is very new, and only a few weeks have past, I wanted to post a review should anyone be looking for one, because I couldn’t find a review anywhere when I needed one. In the event you are wondering if you should try this school — my opinion would be yes. So far I have been pleased with the staff (especially our 1^st grade teacher) and administration. Only time will tell whether their academics are above that of the local public schools, but my hopes and expectations are set high (extremely high).