New Vistas Academy stands out among educational institutions because of its unique approach to the classroom structure. When students begin school in the fall, they are quickly given diagnostic tests by their classroom teachers in order to assess their current ability level. A couple of weeks into the school year, Dr. Jordan and her team of test proctors administer the Sequential Tests of Educational Progress, S.T.E.P. test.  The tests are scored immediately and very shortly thereafter, shared with the student’s classroom teacher. An error analysis is done to determine the specific math concepts that the child has mastered, along with any that need more focus. Using this data, teachers are able to determine if a child should be moved to a higher level of math or perhaps moved into a different small group in one of our core curriculum areas.

One of the programs which set our school apart from others is our Individualized Reading Program. Staying true to ours founder’s mission, beginning in preschool, each child is taught readiness skills, is monitored for mastery, and begin a formal reading program when ready, regardless of their age.  Our Individual Home Reading Program is one of a kind. All children, preschool through 6^th grade, meet individually three times weekly with a Reading Specialist, who directs, monitors and plans a home reading program uniquely suited to their abilities. Benjamin Franklin said, “An investment in education always pays the best interest.” We at New Vistas know this is true.

Many parents ask us: “What does grouping mean?” When we assess each child’s level and ability, we are able to place them in small groups where the teacher meets with the students and instructs the group (usually four to five students) with a lesson plan developed just for them.  During this time, the rest of the class works independently on an assignment which has been explained prior to beginning groups.  Each classroom has a fulltime instructional aide that helps answer student’s questions while the teacher is giving group instruction. Teaching children in this manner allows the teacher to identify strengths and areas that might need extra instruction. This proven method of success allows children to grow at their own pace, lessens anxiety when a child struggles, and builds self-confidence. Teachers are able to quickly identify what each child needs and tailor make their lesson plans to fit the needs of their students, rather than simply going through the material. Groups are monitored and evaluated for appropriate placement of each child throughout the school year. Many students work at grade levels several years ahead of their own. At New Vistas we know; children who are taught at their individual level are fully engaged in the learning process and do not become bored in school. Each spring all students in grades K-6 are given the S.T.E.P. test in order to determine academic growth for the year. New Vistas students consistently score at least two or more years above the national norms. Our core curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, and science.  Our students attend science in our science laboratory, taught by Dr. Patrician Labun, twice weekly.  In addition, each classroom studies science, social studies, computers, Spanish, music and P.E. Our staff of nearly 100 offers a student to staff ratio of 4:1. This greatly enhances the integrity of the educational program we are proud to offer at New Vistas Academy.