Achievements

National Blue Ribbon School

U.S. Department of Education, 2022 & 2016

Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy was once again named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Blue Ribbon School program recognizes overall academic excellence. Blue Ribbon Schools show outstanding results for all students. The National Blue Ribbon School award affirms and validates the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement. National Blue Ribbon Schools serve as models of effective school practices for state and district educators and other schools throughout the nation. Vista del Sur was one of only six schools in Arizona to join this esteemed community in 2022. They were nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School, receiving this distinction for the performance of all students on state assessments in both math and English language arts in addition to other state performance targets.

Best Elementary & Middle Schools

U.S. News & World Report, 2022

Vista del Sur Accelerated Academy has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best elementary and middle schools in Arizona. This recognition is based on Vista’s success in educating students from all socioeconomic backgrounds with the goal of preparing them for success in high school. Vista was ranked #6 in Arizona elementary schools and #8 in Arizona middle schools. The rankings are based on students’ performance on the 2018-19 mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments and their results in the context of socioeconomic demographics, such as free or reduced-price lunch and underserved ethnicity groups. Over 118,000 schools nationwide were included in the rankings. Vista del Sur was one of 5,300 K-8 schools to be included in both the elementary and middle school rankings.

A+ School of Excellence

Arizona Educational Foundation, 2020

The Arizona Educational Foundation has named Vista del Sur an A+ Schools of Excellence.™ The program recognizes schools that demonstrate high achievement while identifying and meeting the academic and non-academic needs of their student population. Trailside Point submitted an application describing their programs and practices, parent and community involvement, and their commitment to excellence, equity, and service. The A+ School of Excellence™ selection committee; comprised of award-winning principals, teachers and community leaders; visited the school in 2020. Vista del Sur was presented with $500 and a banner designating it as an A+ School of Excellence.™

*A+ School of Excellence is a trademark or service mark of the Arizona Educational Foundation and is used by permission.

PBIS AmAZing Award

2020

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Systems

Gold Achievement Award, 2019

Vista del Sur has been recognized with the PBISaz Gold Achievement Award. This award recognizes schools for successful implementation and measurable student outcomes with school-wide systems of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). Award levels are based on time participating in PBIS as well as measured student improvement.

PBIS Film Festival Winner

2019

In addition to receiving the PBISaz Gold Achievement Award, Vista del Sur received the PBISaz Film Festival Award. This award recognizes the captivating videos participating schools use to promote their positive behavior programs.

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Systems

Silver Achievement Award, 2018

Vista del Sur  has been recognized with the PBISaz Silver Achievement Award. This award recognizes schools for successful implementation and measurable student outcomes with school-wide systems of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). Award levels are based on time participating in PBIS as well as measured student improvement.

High Performing Reward School

Arizona Department of Education, 2015

Vista del Sur was once again named a 2015 “High Performing Reward School” by the Arizona Department of Education. They received this honor for their high academic performance and student growth.

High Performing School

The National Center for Educational Achievement, 2013

The National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) recognized Vista del Sur as a 2013 NCEA Higher Performing School. NCEA reviewed student test results for the past three years to create this higher performing schools list. Vista qualified for the higher performing school designation by having a high number of students exceed state standards in math, reading, and writing. The NCEA honor indicates a school’s deep commitment to raising student achievement and putting more students on the path to college and career readiness — regardless of socioeconomic barriers or other obstacles that might otherwise impede success. Vista joins only 145 elementary, charter, and high schools across the entire state in receiving this honor.

Arizona School Garden Grant

Western Growers Foundation, 2014

Vista del Sur is the recipient of the Western Growers Foundation’s 2014 Arizona School Garden Grant. The school received $1,500 to create and sustain an edible garden on their campus. Additionally, they received an Arizona Gardens for Learning book, bookmarks, tools, and seeds to get started. The Western Growers Foundation’s School Garden Program encourages students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and learn about where their food comes from and the importance of good nutrition. Farmers from Arizona and California make up the Western Growers Foundation.