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La Vista and La Sierra High Schools

Model Continuation & Award Winning Alternative High Schools

Our History - La Vista High School

Our History - La Vista High School

La Vista High School (LVHS) was established in 1966 as Fullerton Joint Union High School District’s continuation high school and is an integral part of the District.   In 2011, 2017 and 2023, LVHS received a six-year term of accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  The population is comprised of students at least 16 years of age who are at-risk of not graduating with their class as well as high school aged students participating in the Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Program (TAPP). The student body represents the District’s six comprehensive high schools and an alternative high school from a fifty-square mile area which includes the cities of Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, and parts of Brea and Whittier.

In both 2017 and 2019, TAPP earned the prestigious OCDE Quality Start QRIS 5-star rating.  In 2023, the Academy Program received a Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association.

LVHS serves a predominantly Hispanic population. According to DataQuest, the school’s 2017-2018 student population was identified as 79.9% Hispanic, 9.8% White, 3..% Asian, 3.3% African American, .8% Filipino, 1.4% American Indian, 1.1% two or more races, and .3% not reported.

The LVHS master schedule includes all courses needed to meet the District’s graduation requirements.   Through the use of research-based, data-driven instruction, curriculum, and assessment, content area teachers are able to identify areas of academic needs to target instruction to increase student achievement.  Students have the opportunity to take up to eight classes daily and also may enroll in Regional Occupational Program (ROP) course(s) during the school day, late afternoon, evenings, or Saturdays.  Students have the option of graduating from LVHS or, if sufficient credits are earned, returning to one of the District’s six comprehensive high schools for graduation.    Additionally, LVHS serves special education students, pregnant and parenting students and fifth-year seniors.  

La Vista High School works with a wide array of partnerships within the local community. Examples of these partners are: North Orange County Regional Occupational Program (NOCROP), Fullerton Loves Orange County Kids (FLOCK), Fullerton Community College, the Fullerton Assistance League, the Alternative Parent Teacher Association (PTSA), Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG), the Fullerton Collaborative, the Parent Institute, and the Fullerton Sunrise Rotary Club. In addition, representatives from Women, Infants, Children Program (WIC),  Fullerton Needlework Guild, La Habra Resource Center, Anaheim Resource Center,  Orange County Department of Education Quality Start OC -QRIS program, Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)  and Cal State Fullerton University Intern Program provide support for the students in the Teenage Pregnant and Parenting Program.

 

Contact Information

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Staffing

In 2017-2018, the staff of La Vista consisted of 20 classroom teachers, 1 ROP teacher, 2 counselors, 1 guidance technician, 2 assistant principals, 1 principal, a school secretary, a data technician, 3 senior records clerks, 2 custodians, 1 campus supervisor,  4 instructional aides, 9 child care workers and 3 District-employee food service workers.  Support staff includes 1 full-time and 2 part-time psychologists, 1 full-time and 1 part-time speech and language pathologist, a school nurse, a 40% EL/Community Liaison and 1 computer technician who works from the District.

La Vista also has the support services of a Fullerton Police Department school resource officer, who is shared with two other high schools.  

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 

Overview

La Vista High School (LVHS) is a continuation high school dedicated to helping students who are behind in credits or at risk of not graduating on time. Serving students aged 16-19, LVHS also supports teenagers who are pregnant or parenting, offering them a tailored environment for academic and personal growth. Through personalized learning plans, small class sizes, and a strong network of staff and counselors, LVHS aims to accelerate students' progress, ensuring they catch up on credits and graduate successfully. The school also integrates social-emotional learning and restorative practices to promote a healthy and supportive campus culture.

Purpose


 

La Vista High School caters to students who have fallen behind in their coursework or are facing unique challenges, such as teenage pregnancy or parenting. These students are referred from comprehensive high schools, the Orange County Department of Education ACCESS/Horizon program, or Otto Fisher, which serves juveniles in detention. LVHS helps these students get back on track for graduation by offering flexible scheduling and a personalized approach to learning.

Academic Structure and Support Systems


 

LVHS offers all the required courses for graduation in the district, with a key focus on allowing students to accelerate their credits while working at the pace outlined in their individual learning plans. The small campus culture, small class sizes, and greater access to counselors and staff make it an ideal environment for students to focus on their learning. Special supports include intervention aides in reading and math, as well as special education classes, designed to cater to the needs of diverse learners.

Social-Emotional Support and Restorative Practices


LVHS prioritizes student well-being alongside academic success, implementing Restorative Circles and Restorative Practices across the campus. These practices, which began in 2015, provide a structured approach to improving relationships, conflict resolution, and emotional growth. Weekly sessions in fifth period classes foster a sense of community and belonging, contributing to overall better student outcomes. Staff members are highly trained in effective instructional practices and strategies to support both academic and personal development.