Vistamar School in El Segundo prides itself on being “the best education the world has to offer.”
A private, independent high school servicing the Los Angeles area, the Vistamar curriculum has been adapted from the best programs in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Today, it is one of the most globally influenced academic programs among Los Angeles area independent schools.
“At Vistamar School, we believe that learning within a diverse community is necessary for students to thrive in a globalized society,” said Head of School and leading voice Karen Eshoo. “Every day we challenge L.A.’s most diverse student body to collaborate and think critically, inspired by our varied and rigorous curriculum from around the globe. The result is that Vistamar graduates are attractive to the best colleges and empowered to uniquely impact the world as courageous, ethical leaders.”
The variety of courses and programs are in theme with the school wanting to reach out and challenge students. With smaller classroom sizes, an intimate atmosphere is created that fosters initiative, responsibility, knowledge of self and connections to others.
School leaders believe that diversity of thought and culture encourages authentic exchange of perspectives, mutual respect and a mature understanding of the world.
“When imagining Vistamar School, we understood that having a student body rich in diversity was an integral part of a progressive, high quality, college preparatory education so were determined to attract students that were reflective of the Los Angeles population,” Eshoo said. “A decade later we are so proud that we’ve satisfied this commitment. Our students are geographically, culturally, and socio-economically diverse.”
The education that students receive at this unique school goes far beyond classroom walls, however. Community service is a vital part of the Vistamar experience. Performing service helps students to connect with their community and meet people from all walks of life. It’s the school leaders’ belief that serving others helps students develop their own self-esteem and compassion for others.
Students are also encouraged to take leadership roles through Peer Council, Honor Council, and Student Events and Activities. Members of Peer Council meet weekly and are actively involved in supporting student morale on campus. They commit to ongoing training in mediation and intervention skills, take initiative in mediating disputes, and sponsor special programs throughout the year.
“Finally, we have a program called Life Planning that supplants the traditional college counseling model and uses the tools of reflective learning and career development to lead students to authentic college choices,” Eshoo stated. “College planning in intentionally embedded in this broader context of life planning. Our students apply to college using a lens beyond merely that four-year experience. This displays the selectivity and variety you’d expect from one of L.A.’s finest independent high schools.”
Vistamar School is a private independent high school located at 737 Hawaii Street in El Segundo, CA. For more information check out www.vistamarschool.org.
