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Below Average

#8585 of 9,539 schools in CA

Vista Preparatory Academy

Middle School · Red Bluff Union Elementary

1770 South Jackson St., Red Bluff, CA 96080

Enrollment

585

Student-Teacher

21.7:1

Score

4.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#8,585 of 9,539

In Red Bluff

#10 of 13

public schools

In district

#4 of 4

Red Bluff Union Elementary

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Vista Preparatory Academy

4.0/10

Middle School in Red Bluff · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Red Bluff Community Day

Nearby

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

Salisbury High (continuation)

6.3/10

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

About Vista Preparatory Academy

Vista Preparatory Academy is a public middle school in Red Bluff, CA, part of Red Bluff Union Elementary. Vista Preparatory Academy serves approximately 585 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Vista Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 out of 10 and ranks #8,585 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Vista Preparatory Academy show 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.5 pts below CA schools
  • This school 4.0 · Below Average
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Vista Preparatory Academy runs 21.7:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

35% of students at Vista Preparatory 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.5Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.21 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics2.5Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency8.6% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency17.5% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-25.8 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-28.4 pts
Overall Proficiency13% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)31% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-18.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile8th
Resources & Environment6.7Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,960
Chronic Absenteeism35.4%

Vista Preparatory Academy — Students at Vista Preparatory Academy score 13% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 31%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

76.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 27.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 35.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.6% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 36 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
49%
ELA
48%
2010
Math
45%
ELA
50%
2011
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2012
Math
34%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
23%
ELA
24%
2015
Math
26%
ELA
34%
2016
Math
25%
ELA
32%
2017
Math
32%
ELA
40%
2018
Math
34%
ELA
39%
2019
Math
34%
ELA
39%
2020*
Math
17%
ELA
34%
2021*
Math
17%
ELA
34%
2022
Math
15.4%
ELA
28.4%
2024
Math
8.6%
ELA
17.6%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Vista Preparatory Academy Compares

See how Vista Preparatory Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.0/10
10th percentile in CA
Academic
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.4%

Programs & Offerings

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

1770 South Jackson St., Red Bluff, CA 96080

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Vista Preparatory Academy may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Berrendos Middle (rated 7.4/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Lassen-Antelope Volcanic Academy (LAVA) (rated 3.9/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Red Bluff, see our Red Bluff schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Red Bluff Community Day Red Bluff 0.0 mi
Salisbury High (Continuation) Red Bluff 0.3 mi 6.3
William M. Metteer Elementary Red Bluff 0.3 mi 4.4
ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Red Bluff 0.6 mi
Jackson Heights Elementary Red Bluff 1.1 mi 5.3
Calvary Christian Academy Red Bluff Red Bluff 1.0 mi
Bidwell Elementary Red Bluff 1.4 mi 4.3
Tehama Oaks High Red Bluff 1.4 mi
Lincoln Street Red Bluff 1.7 mi 4.8
Red Bluff High Red Bluff 1.6 mi 6.0
Tehama eLearning Academy Red Bluff 1.7 mi 3.5
Tehama County Special Education Red Bluff 2.0 mi 3.5
Lassen-Antelope Volcanic Academy (LAVA) Red Bluff 2.1 mi 3.9
Lazy Creek Private Academy Red Bluff 2.8 mi
Berrendos Middle Red Bluff 3.3 mi 7.4
Antelope Elementary Red Bluff 3.2 mi 5.9
Whittenberg Country School Red Bluff 5.1 mi
Gerber Elementary Gerber 6.6 mi 3.1
Bend Elementary Cottonwood 7.4 mi 5.6
Reeds Creek Elementary Red Bluff 6.1 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 96080 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,365

Median Home Value

$314,600

Median Rent

$1,140/mo

Population

31,149

College Educated

19.4%

Homeownership

63.9%

Avg Commute

21.1 min

Poverty Rate

13.6%

Median Age

40.2

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Equitas Academy #2 Los Angeles, CA 4.0
Frick United Academy of Language Middle Oakland, CA 4.0
Gray Avenue Middle Yuba City, CA 4.0
Helms Middle San Pablo, CA 4.0
Herbert Slater Middle Santa Rosa, CA 4.0
Pinon Mesa Middle Phelan, CA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Vista Preparatory Academy

What grades does Vista Preparatory Academy serve?

Vista Preparatory Academy serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Vista Preparatory Academy?

Vista Preparatory Academy has an enrollment of approximately 585 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Vista Preparatory Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Vista Preparatory Academy is 21.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Vista Preparatory Academy rank in CA?

Vista Preparatory Academy ranks #8,585 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Vista Preparatory Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Vista Preparatory Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.0 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 Preparatory Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Vista Preparatory Academy has 28% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 35% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Vista Preparatory Academy a charter school?

No, Vista Preparatory Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Vista Preparatory Academy a Title I school?

No, Vista Preparatory Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Vista Preparatory Academy?

76.8% of students at Vista Preparatory 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
25 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
33 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
585
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
27
Free/Reduced Lunch
76.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Town
County
Tehama County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.4%

District

Red Bluff Union Elementary
District Enrollment
1,893
Schools in District
5
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,960
District Rank
#4 of 4

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