FAQ: Enrolling at Vista Oaks

Below are the most common questions families ask when considering enrolling their child at Vista Oaks Charter School. If you have other questions, or would like more information, please email us at [email protected].

What makes Vista Oaks a great place for our family?

The Board of Directors and staff at Vista Oaks Charter School are dedicated to providing your child with a school that values his/her uniqueness. We show this commitment through:

Committed Staff - Hiring only the most knowledgeable and dedicated teachers
Academic Budget - Providing a generous “academic student budget” that allows for the individualization of each student’s learning
Onsite Opportunities (K-8) - Offering onsite enrichment classes for students in grades K - 8
Onsite Opportunities (High School) - Offering onsite core classes for students in grades 9 - 12
Committing to a quick turn-around on reimbursements and other needed office support
Seeking parent/community input and involvement through various opportunities (Parent Advisory Committee, School Site Council, Board of Directors)
A school leadership that sees you as an important part of the school
WASC Accredited - Vista Oaks received a 6-year accreditation from WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) during the 2023-2024 school year.

What type of School is Vista Oaks?

What grades does Vista Oaks offer?

Does my child have onsite opportunities?

Depending on the students needs and interests there are onsite opportunities offered, but the majority of school work will take place at home. Advisors will work with the parent-educator and/or student to ensure academic growth is being achieved.

Onsite Opportunities (K-8) - Offering onsite enrichment classes for students in grades K - 8
Onsite Opportunities (High School) - Offering onsite core classes for students in grades 9 - 12

Does your school have openings?

Is my child required to be vaccinated?

What counties does Vista Oaks serve?

Can we choose our own curriculum? Or are we required to use the school’s curriculum?

Yes, you may choose your own curriculum. While Vista Oaks has carefully chosen outstanding curriculum for its students to use, we also understand that what is good for one child’s success may not be the best choice for another. Our school allows for students to use the school’s curriculum, the curriculum of your choice, or a combination of both. (The school can only purchase non-sectarian/religious-based curriculum.)

Students who use the school’s curriculum will have access to pacing guides and additional support. This can be especially helpful to families who are new to homeschooling.

Regardless of which you choose, our staff is here to help and guide you through the sometimes overwhelming world of the many curriculum choices.

How often are we required to meet our teacher? And, where are these meetings held?

The educational guidelines for independent study (which includes homeschooling) requires that a credentialed Advisor meets with each student at least once every 20 school days. Therefore, this is what Vista Oaks requires. However, Advisors are available throughout each school day and week to support, guide, teach, and serve as a resource to you and your child. Our staff is eager to provide what is needed so that your child can succeed! The meetings are held at a location determined by the Advisor and the family.

Do we receive a student budget and what is it used for?

Yes, there is a “student academic budget” for our homeschooling families to use to purchase curriculum, resources, educational materials, tutoring, and enrichment activities. The Vista Oaks staff believes that it is important for your child to have a well-rounded education that is full of a variety of hands-on, engaging learning activities. Because we also believe that each child is unique, the school’s leadership and staff believe it is important for families to have choices in how to allocate this budget. The student’s Advisor works with each family to help determine the best way to meet the student’s needs and provide for outstanding educational curriculum, resources, and opportunities.

What about vendors? Are there local vendors that our students can use for tutoring, instruction, or enrichment activities?

Yes, Vista Oaks has a growing list of vendors for students to access. Vendors provide services ranging from writing instruction workshops to piano lessons. Vendors on our “Approved Vendor List” have fingerprint clearance and an agreement to invoice the school directly for your child’s services, which means no out-of-pocket expense for the family. You can access the “Approved Vendor List” under the “Resources” tab. Once your child has enrolled, your Advisor will go over the steps for using a vendor.

What if we want to use a vendor that is not on the school’s “Approved Vendors List?” Are we able to do this?

Are K - 8 grade students required to attend enrichment classes and workshops?

Will we get help and guidance when our child is preparing for the college application and admission process?

Yes, Vista Oaks Charter School is committed to helping you and your child navigate the complicated world of the college application and admission process. Beginning in 8th grade, the academic counselor will provide workshops and information to help you and your child prepare for a successful transition to high school. Throughout high school, the academic counselor will continue to provide the guidance needed to make sure your child succeeds during high school and beyond. Workshops, informational sessions, and one-on-one meetings will be offered throughout your child’s high school career.