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 (2026)
- 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%)
- 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
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Year Founded
1949
Colors
Black and Yellow
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%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
31%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
7%
12%
Hispanic
63%
56%
Black
14%
5%
White
10%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cheetah
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 12, 2026 (Monday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 13, 2026 (Tuesday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 15, 2026 (Thursday)
Fall Break (Schools Closed)
October 16, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Vista La Mesa Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
