based on 18 reviews
Monta Vista High School
21840 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA
95014
(408) 366-7600
http://www.mvhs.fuhsd.org
By: student
Date: May, 2007
Just like any school, doing all the homework and work translates into a good grade. The stress factor is mostly put on by parents and not the school itself. Yes it is competitive, but it is a healthy competitiveness. There are a range of classes all of which are very good. If school stress is a major factor, then simply take less AP and honors classes. Most of the regular classes aren't too difficult. Know the difference between school actually being tough and your student simply slacking off. I'm a senior with average grades, but I know that if I studied as hard as I could have, I could've done much better. The college opportunities at the end of high school will be extremely rewarding.
By: student
Date: October, 2006
its a tough school, yes. but some of the teachers are very dedicated. how ever, i wouldn't recommend sending your kids here if they are not excellent at school. how ever, the extra circular activities are great with good interest in art sports and band. (being in both art and band last year) and there are no sex, drug, violence, at this school. how ever there are a lot of Indian, Asian, and whites at MV. I've known this from personal experience, being a senior here. this school is great if you want your child prepared for collage and life.
By: student
Date: August, 2006
The majority of teachers here are heavily underqualified, yet the students face massive parental pressure at home to do well and attend top colleges. This is very difficult, causing tension and competitiveness in the atmosphere. Yet each year this school sends 40+ of its students to UC Berkeley alone. The programs and extra curriculars are present, and the choirs sound great. However, other than Girls JV and Varsity Tennis, the sports are less than mediocre. Parent involvement is at a good level, just where it needs to be. Though many teachers are inadequate, a few really do shine. And that is why it is good we have schedule change oppportunities. I am a sophomore, and have had to change 6 out of 7 of my teachers because of their inferior skills. All in all, high test scores are not everything. This is all MV has to offer. An actual student wrote this.
By: former student
Date: August, 2006
As an alumni of the school, I have to say that MV is awesome. I'll admit that some of the teacher aren't too great, but the good ones (and there are some in every major department) are absolutely amazing. Extracirriculars are excellent, ranging from sports, to service clubs, and some very cool stuff like robotics. True, MV can be a pretty competitive and academically-centered environment, but to all those who complain about the awful pressures that are put on them by MV, I will tell you that through my experience as a UC student... you ain't seen anything yet. If you want to be prepared for college, MV makes an excellent training grounds. Like the universities, MV helps the kids who do their best to help themselves. And if you try to get the most out of MV, it's a spectacular experience indeed, and you'll be well rewarded.
By: former student
Date: June, 2006
Monta Vista continues to be an academically competitive school but as the years have passed it seems to be less of a well rounded school. The school has cut back on some great elective courses that could, I feel, eleviate the stress of the core classes.
By: former student
Date: April, 2006
Serious college prep. Excellent ciriculum. Strong asian presence.
By: former student
Date: April, 2006
Despite being one of the schools in the area with the highest test scores, this school has one of the worst faculty. This is particularly crucial for collegebound juniors and seniors who need guidance in applying for college. With the exception of the strong science department, most departments are mediocre at best. Extracurricular wise Monta Vista has most programs one might expect, but devote neither the funds or manpower to see them grow. In short, students are expected to excel at this school with minimum school support. I think being a small fish in this pond is definitely inferior to being a big fish at a 'lesser' school.
By: former student
Date: March, 2006
Great college advising program - brown bag lunches where top colleges come to MVHS to recruit. Excellent show choirs. Diverse, intelligent student body.
By: student
Date: February, 2006
Monta vista's ratings are very high, but I wouldn't reccomend sending your kids here. I am a student at mv, and I cannot tell you how much stress we suffer. The students here aren't well rounded, all they focus on is academics. There is a high level of racism and depression, both of which aren't adequately addressed. The atmosphere here at mv is simply unhealthy and unacceptable. The teachers have little to no sympathy for the students, and neither does the staff. Students are overworked way past their limits. Monta vista is a school that has been developed to fit the profile of a certain type of student, and if you arent that student, success at monta vista is nearly unattainable.
By: student
Date: September, 2005
Monta Vista has high ratings, but the quality of the school is really not that great. The environment is very competitive, and if you like that-it's good. But class sizes are just so huge and students don't get the kind of attention they need. It's a big school and the children don't know eachother. Its very cliquey.
By: parent
Date: September, 2005
It's not a very good school. Lot's of smart kids and not very good classes-there are way too many students.
By: student
Date: September, 2005
Monta Vista is a very competitive school, which is why it is one of the best in the State and is in the top 100 in the US. MV is very focused in math and science. There are alot of activities and clubs that students can join in the school that will enrich their minds.
By: parent
Date: July, 2005
This school focuses on math and science, and there are many options for kids interested in these fields, especially if they excel. Literature and history are definite weak points. This is a top rated school with parents who push, kids who are pressured, and few teachers who are good at teaching to the motivated, but few understanding and teaching to the IEP or 504 student. Some teachers have thorough and helpful websites, but the Lit Dept is not so inclined. Although they say they want parent involvement, it seems to me they want you helping, but don't want you asking for help.
By: parent
Date: March, 2005
It's the kids at the school that make the API index high--not the instruction or teachers. The over burden students have no time to enjoy high school.
By: student
Date: March, 2005
Good AP course offerings, emphasis on grades a bit extreme.
By: former student
Date: January, 2005
The business law and econ class had me prepared to start and run my own successful business at graduation while I put myself through college and then university.
