Serving 518 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Vista La Mesa Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 29% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 31% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 518 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 29% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 31% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Vista La Mesa Academy serves the northwest part of La Mesa, CA, covering an area of approximately 1.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a short drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Vista La Mesa Academy's student population of 518 students has declined by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
518 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1949
School Rankings
Vista La Mesa Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Vista La Mesa Academy is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5826 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
7%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
63%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
10%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)43.4%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black and Yellow
School Mascot
Cheetah
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vista La Mesa Academy's ranking?
Vista La Mesa Academy is ranked #5826 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 31% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Vista La Mesa Academy?
518 students attend Vista La Mesa Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of Vista La Mesa Academy students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, 7% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Vista La Mesa Academy?
Vista La Mesa Academy has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Vista La Mesa Academy offer ?
Vista La Mesa Academy offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Vista La Mesa Academy part of?
Vista La Mesa Academy is part of Lemon Grove School District.
School Calendar
View the Vista La Mesa Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 15, 2026 (Thursday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 16, 2026 (Friday)
Thanksgiving Break (Schools Closed)
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break (Schools Closed)
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
School Reviews
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