Bella Vista Elementary School
Parent Q&A
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.Our child was at Bella Vista last year and we thought it was a good school. Not there this year because we relocated. The principal is actually very engaged and there are some great programs there. The after school program was great and available for all students for free. It does have its issues as all OUSD schools do but we loved the diversity and there are some exceptional staff members there. Tour all the schools you are considering as that will give you the best impression and opportunity to speak to principals and staff.
My child is in an inclusive kindergarten room at Bella Vista and seems to be happy enough (while still disliking school in general). To be honest I have no idea how well the two teachers work together as I don’t get a ton of communication from them. I think a lot relies on how long the two teachers have worked together and have been able to establish a system together. As well as their personal style. The special ed teacher in the inclusion room is new to the school as well (although not new to teaching). I would be interested to hear others experiences at other schools.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Jan 2013
Re: Kindergarten recommendations for Down syndrome
Our daughter went to Montclair's SDC too! We looked at the inclusion model at Seqouia, Cleveland's kinder where SPED teacher and GENED teacher teach side by side, NSH class in east oakland and the language-enriched K/1 NSH class at Bella Vista. We chose Bella Vista even though they discouraged us based on our daughter's global delays but in the end they conceded and I'm soooooo happy that was our daughter's kinder experience. Please ask to see the class even though they will discourage you based on diagnosis...it's still worthwhile to at least look at it. Anna
Considering a move to the Bella Vista neighborhood
April 2007
We are considering moving into the Bella Vista neighborhood and wondering about your knowledge/experience with their elementary school and the neighborhood in general. On the surface, it appears to be an interesting socio-economic mix. The school doesn't score very well, but that's never the whole story. And there is nothing on the school reviews for this area. Leaving me very curious... Diana
I'm afraid I have virtually no experience with Bella Vista Elementary (my daughter is only 3) and I'm afraid I'm not holding my breath on you getting any feedback here. I posted twice last year about Bella Vista and got no responses. I found it weirdly discouraging that none of the many BPN readers have kids at this school. Maybe the 3rd time's the charm. I do live in the neighborhood though, and it is affordable, diverse, and has an active neighborhood association. The park adjacent to the school was recently completely renovated. There's a great Lao restaurant on 8th at E. 21st. But, there are always problems with drug dealing (deal with it on one corner and it moves to another), annual problems with illegal fireworks, occasional crimes (burglaries, muggings, car theft). I think the neighborhood is improving, though, and I like it here, although I sometimes wish I could afford Elmwood. If you want to chat, call me. Carrie
Hi Kerry,
Our daughter was also offered a spot at Bella Vista for TK this fall! Unfortunately, I've be unable to find any recent feedback on the school/ program. We recently moved to the neighborhood and frequent Friends of Bella Vista park, but haven't really met any other families. We've accepted our spot for now, but are also on the fence about keeping our daughter at her current private preschool for another year vs. Bella Vista TK. So... here's to hoping for more reviews!!