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Average

#5500 of 9,539 schools in CA

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy

School · West Contra Costa Unified

2625 Barnard Rd., San Pablo, CA 94806

Enrollment

531

Student-Teacher

14.4:1

Score

6.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,500 of 9,539

In San Pablo

#2 of 9

public schools

In district

#17 of 52

West Contra Costa Unified

School environment

9.2 / 10

Excellent

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Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy

6.0/10

School in San Pablo · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Highland Elementary

3.5/10

0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Aspire Richmond Ca. College Preparatory Academy

5.5/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy is a public school in San Pablo, CA, part of West Contra Costa Unified. Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy serves approximately 531 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 14.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #5,500 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy show 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.7 pts above district
  • This school 6.0 · Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • CA avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

Test scores at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

46% of students at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.9Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-0.39 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.1Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency25.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-30.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-17.1 pts
Overall Proficiency20% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)44% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-23.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
College Readiness4.0Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate74.5%
AP Participation1.9%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.2Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,205
Chronic Absenteeism45.8%

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy — Students at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 44%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

54.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 15.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.7% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 29.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
47.1% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 38 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2010
Math
12%
ELA
37%
2011
Math
12%
ELA
32%
2015
Math
15%
ELA
34.5%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
34.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
5%
ELA
34.5%
2019
Math
5%
ELA
34.5%
2020*
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2021*
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
Math
22.1%
ELA
30.1%
2024
Math
18.3%
ELA
25%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.9/10.

How Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy Compares

See how Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.0/10
42th percentile in CA
Academic
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
8.9/10
Excellent
Environment
9.2/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
55%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
37 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
45.8%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

2625 Barnard Rd., San Pablo, CA 94806

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Middle College High (rated 8.1/10, 0.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is A BETTER CHANCE SCHOOL/CAL AUTISM FOUNDATION (rated 7.6/10, 1.4 miles away, in nearby Richmond), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SALESIAN HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.4/10, 1.3 miles away, in nearby Richmond), which scores notably higher. For more schools in San Pablo, see our San Pablo schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Highland Elementary Richmond 0.3 mi 3.5
Aspire Richmond Ca. College Preparatory Academy Oakland 0.6 mi 5.5
Summit Public School: Tamalpais Richmond 0.6 mi 4.1
PATTYS MONTESSORI SCHOOL Richmond 0.8 mi
Aspire Richmond Technology Academy Oakland 0.9 mi 3.2
Middle College High San Pablo 0.7 mi 8.1
Helms Middle San Pablo 0.9 mi 4.0
Riverside Elementary Richmond 1.1 mi 3.6
A Better Chance / California Autism Foundation Richmond 1.4 mi
A BETTER CHANCE SCHOOL/CAL AUTISM FOUNDATION Richmond 1.4 mi 7.6
SALESIAN HIGH SCHOOL Richmond 1.3 mi 7.4
St. Paul School San Pable 1.3 mi
Making Waves Academy Richmond 1.4 mi 7.2
St. David School Richmond 1.5 mi
ST DAVID SCHOOL Richmond 1.5 mi 7.0
Salesian High School d/b/a Salesian College Preparatory Richmond 1.4 mi
SALESIAN COLLEGE PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL Richmond 1.4 mi 7.2
Wildcat Canyon Community School El Sobrante 1.3 mi
Bayview Elementary San Pablo 1.3 mi 4.2
Betty Reid Soskin Middle El Sobrante 1.5 mi 5.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 94806 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$82,818

Median Home Value

$582,000

Median Rent

$2,013/mo

Population

61,749

College Educated

22.7%

Homeownership

50.6%

Avg Commute

34.1 min

Poverty Rate

11.8%

Median Age

36.3

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Altus Schools Audeo San Diego, CA 6.0
Duane E. Furman Independent Study Madera, CA 6.0
Hayward Twin Oaks Montessori Hayward, CA 6.0
OCEAN VIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY San Diego, CA 6.0
Riverside Virtual Riverside, CA 6.0
ST JOSEPH ACADEMY San Marcos, CA 6.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy

What grades does Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy serve?

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy?

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy has an enrollment of approximately 531 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy rank in CA?

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy ranks #5,500 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy has 16% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 29% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy a charter school?

No, Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy a Title I school?

No, Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy?

54.6% of students at Vista Independent Study / Virtual Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
23 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
44 Some Transit
Bike Score
35 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
531
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
37
Free/Reduced Lunch
54.6%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Contra Costa County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
45.8%
4-Year Graduation
74.5%

District

West Contra Costa Unified
District Enrollment
25,575
Schools in District
54
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,205
District Rank
#17 of 52

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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