I read the information on the Stepping Stones website, and it looks incredibly encouraging! I'm…read morehoping by the time my youngest son is ready to exit 8th grade, his current Charter School will have a high school option, but if not, it is great to know places like this exist in the local community. They also collaborate with a large number of nationally accredited charter schools across the state. The varied options I mentioned earlier include homeschooling, independent study, and blended learning opportunities - I am so happy to see schools joining this model of education...it's really proving to be the best way to educate children for successful futures instead of churning them out like a grim scene from The Wall... In their own words: "Our focus is personalized education for each student. The best way to change tomorrow is to invest in our children today... One Step at a Time." Yes. More of this, please!!! One thing that particularly stands out is that they are community-centered learning institutions. This has a twofold effect - they promote success in academics by nurturing a connection with the community (usually through volunteerism or other efforts), and they also partner their students with successful to make sure they achieve the steps necessary to succeed from the time they start Kindergarten until the time they choose a career. That's smart educating! Through their network of partner schools, they can tailor a student's education to help keep them engaged, participating, and give them the tools they're going to need for future success in college, university, or trade/vocational school programs (again, education works different for everyone, and it looks like these people understand that!!!) Their website uses the word "investment" regarding their students, and I can't day how much I love that...I wish more schools treated education like an investment in our children and the future of not only the individual, but the community and society as a whole. They teach children to be self-paced and directed; and also foster a sense of independent thinking and those who can not only use critical thinking to solve problems, but also communicate in whichever way is best suited to their own personality and style. Since I know many people who communicate through electronic devices, I like to hear the emphasis placed on communication and not "speaking." There is a big difference. These folks seem like they "get it!" Their main goal appears to be simple: to help students of all ages and stages to "learn how to learn." I love that phrase! They know that many students don't have a place in our rather drab and outdated school model, with endless tests and redundant, utterly uninteresting and non-dynamic curriculum. In addition to general school/high school academics, these students also apparently get to discover their own potential career path; and this could include technical courses, visual/performing arts, apprenticeships (similar programs currently exist in some European countries) and service learning projects - I've done Service Learning Projects in my own college; and they're enhancements to the curriculum you're already learning, it's really great foundation building work! This was one of the things that stuck out at me while I was reading about their program... apparently, Stepping Stones also offers two years of college at no cost for those who qualify. This could just be help filing out the FASFA FOR Federal Student Aid (which not everyone will qualify for, depending on how much their parents make), but could potentially also include help finding grants, scholarships, and alternative ways to fund tertiary education beyond high school. :) My son's current charter school has been a godsend, but now that we've been able to dodge the proverbial "bullet" that was a nightmarish middle school experience (it only lasted a month, thankfully!), and he's now fully included in his school. There are no segregated classes for special education, but he receives as much support as he needs (including a dedicated aide that the school hand picked for him and hired after he enrolled), so I cannot sing the praises of charter schools enough. His behavior is better, self-confidence has skyrocketed, and he is now taking initiative to work both on classwork and chores at home! But he's in 6th Grade now, and the school he's at currently only goes to 8th. I'm hoping they'll add an option for high school in the next few years, but if not...I am very pleased to know there are alternatives that match our current setup available within close proximity. I have friends that need this type of opportunity for their own children, so I'm passing this on to them too. If only I'd known what was out there when my 21 year old was being pushed through the school system..."No Child Left Behind" just means they're going to end up with many adults that are left without...because they never caught up...

The school is very good and secure, but it follows a modified 4x4 block schedule that divides the…read moreschool year into 2 semesters. Students take 4 courses during the first semester, and the other four during the second semester. It sounds better than it works. If your child is planning on taking AP classes, he/she may get AP classes in fall and forget the material by the time she has to take AP tests in spring. This sheduling also means less time spent on each subject comparing to the schools with a regular schedule. Students are rushed to get all material covered. If you missed a day or two, it's very difficult to catch up. In regular schools, students take six, seven, or eight periods a day throughout the entire school year, and take their AP tests in spring.

This is a great school! We love the 4x4 schedule and our daughter is doing amazing there. There are…read moremany paths to choose from and fun electives like their Steel Pan program. The curriculum sets the pace for college bound kids but it can be intense and not for every student.

OK, so as many well know, I'm not living in my hometown anymore. Bailed for the Bay Area, and when…read moreI was down to my last few days in San Diego County, I started to get very nostalgic. Between going away parties and work responsibilities, I spent time visiting the places I'd encountered along my life's path that made ol' Ruggy the man he is today. Some of those places include: -My little league baseball field -The Tubs in La Mesa -The house in O.B. where I lost my virginity -The original 91X studio location on Pacific Highway (well, maybe the TJ studio was the real OG) -My first apartment after moving away from home in Bankers Hill -Lips -Fallbrook High School So, essentially, hot tub parties, 17-second one night stands, smacking baseballs and high school has helped shape me into the Ruggeford H. Joesten that (some of) you love so dearly. Well, at least the Ruggeford H. Joesten that my parents love, I suppose.... After visiting my grandparents in Fallbrook, I couldn't help but remember my high school days. I grew up about 1/2 mile from the school, and after being home schooled for my entire life, I decided that high school was the time to spread my wings. So, really, my first experience with public schooling was 9th grade. Talk about a complete nightmare, huh? It's easy to bag on our small avocado laden town, but I really can't imagine growing up anywhere else. The stoners, burnouts and bums I've kept in contact with hated Fallbrook High, but they all turned out to be weed salesmen, tow truck drivers and squeegee supervisors at Ten's in North Park. The people I know that really appreciated Fallbrook turned out pretty well, though. It's really like a small, Midwest farming town that happens to be 25 minutes away from the beach. A pretty cool mix, if you ask me. After walking through the closed campus like a total chester last Friday, I can't help but remember playing baseball on the bitchin' baseball field, smoking cigs by the handball courts, parking illegally in the teachers parking area (sorry) when nothing else was available, rolling into school 45 minutes late, then cooking myself breakfast with Mr. Koch in cooking class every first and second period in my senior year, and more. It sounds like I was a complete asshole, but I considered some of the school's enforcement officers and teachers friends, so somehow, I always got away with those shenanigans unscathed. The teachers at Fallbrook were classic. I strolled past Mr. Port's classroom, Mrs. Hellams old digs, Mr. Rupp's room (even though I despised that dude), Mr. Howard's room, and a few others. I've actually kept in touch with a few teachers from my high school days, which has to tell you something about the individuals making this school what it is. I even remember Lolo, the gangster security guard that kept shits on lock. He was quite the character. When you're 17 or 18 years old, it's pretty standard to ask your parents why the hell they decided to move to Fallbrook. But after almost a decade of being away, I can't tell you how much I'd love to return someday. There's literally nothing going on in that town... and when I've gotten sick of the hustle and bustle of city life, that's exactly how I'll like it.

save yo kids, there's other high schools out there....there are some REALLY awesome schools that…read morethey can go to, some of the teachers are high-key mean. my teacher got mad at me for breathing and made me move to a different desk.

There is a limit to the amount of student that attend Guajome park. So that means less students in…read morea class room, approx. 19 or less. In a public school your looking at 40 or more in a class room. To me this says that my child is going to be in a better learning environment a quieter one. More one on one with the teacher. Less disruptive students. This makes my child more accountable for his actions and his learning!

This school allows students to bully. There is no accountability. Principal would not return my…read morecall when my child was harassed by other students.

AWESOME school. Great teachers, fun classes. For example, they have fashion design as an elective!…read moreThis is the kind of school that students would actually WANT to go to, which is unusual for most students.

Multiple safety, environmental, and ethical concerns at this school. The building is old and…read morethere is has been a significant RAT infestation for years! This is a health concern, the teachers and all the staff knows it. Rats carry diseases. Multiple bathroom stalls not open due to inoperability, definitely NOT enough for all the students. The principal and vice principal refuse to address these issues. Children SMOKING WEED in the bathroom stalls. There has been issues of SA with multiple MINORS and a substitute TEACHER!!! https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/vista-unified-substitute-teacher-and-coach-accused-of-sexual-offenses-with-13-year-old/3362089/ Substitute teachers are utilized for majority of these classes! Profound RACIAL DISCRIMINATION, Principal and Vice Principal sweep under their rug. Lawsuit waiting to happen!!!! Upper management of the VUSD need to conduct a thorough investigation as to why these matters are going unaddressed! We elect these officials and entrust that the teachers, principals, and vice principals will do their job accordingly! Choose a better school!

Such a wonderful school from at least 1938 (for what I saw at a plate in the main courtyard). I…read morewent there this week for an interpreting job and spent a great time walking around the facilities that remind me of the Spanish revival style. I was able to imagine the various generations of Vista kids attending this pristine white (even if with some maintenance needed) school. I loved so many details, from the 1930s water fountains to the skates 'parking lot'. They have a memorial fragrant rose garden and the trees are just gorgeous. So much greenery and open spaces. I like the architecture of this school a lot and the memories the past I imagine were made here. Another cute touch are the tiles also Spanish style.

An incredible staff, especially in maths and sciences. The school is aging, but I'd rather that use…read morefunds in the classroom than on the facade. Also, very nice that I never have to look for parking.

My daughter is in 7th grade, and our experience at RMS has truly been nothing short of amazing…read more From the dedicated staff and supportive administration to the incredible teachers, there is a genuine sense that students are seen, heard, and valued as individuals and not just as "kids," but as young people with unique voices and potential. That level of respect and care makes a lasting impact. As a family rooted in the surrounding neighborhood, we made a conscious decision to support our local middle school. We committed not only to being part of the community, but to actively contributing to it. We believe that if there's something we want to see improved or changed, it's our responsibility to step up and be part of that change and not rely on VUSD to raise our children. Like most things in life, what you invest is what you get in return and we've seen that firsthand. Our daughter is absolutely thriving. She maintains a 4.0 GPA while being actively involved in a variety of activities, including ASB, Backpacking Club, and sports. Beyond academics, she's growing socially and emotionally, building confidence and meaningful connections. So many amazing oppurtunites at this middle school! What stands out most is the unwavering dedication of the RMS staff. I've personally witnessed students who needed extra support truly flourish thanks to the care, encouragement, and commitment from teachers, counselors, and administrators. It's inspiring to see how much they pour into these kids every day. As a parent, it's an absolute privilege to be involved and to contribute to a community that is shaping the next generation in such a positive way. For anyone who may be on the fence, I highly encourage you to come see it for yourself. The leadership, staff, and students have worked incredibly hard to create something special at RMS and it shows. Go Wildcats!

This school is a JOKE. Kids getting into fights every week, the vice principal's blame the victims…read moreinstead of looking into what truly happens. I've been into so many fights at this school because staff does nothing and that bitch Ms. Randle does NOTHING TO HELP! I had someone send me threats and instead of helping they blamed me, it went so far we had to go to the district! NEVER go to this school unless you want to deal with bullying, horrible staff and the worst kids you'd ever meet in your entire life. They say they have a zero tolerance for bullying and yet the bully's get away with everything. The only thing good about it is some of the teachers and even then I feel bad that they don't get paid enough and are stuck there!