What VGHS Offers

If you thrive in a hands-on, strongly engaged community, Vista Grande High School is the perfect fit. Every student plays a vital role in our classrooms and the wider community. We empower learners to embrace new opportunities, take healthy risks, and rise like the phoenix by turning challenges into growth. At Vista Grande, we don’t just learn—we think in a new direction. Come and grow with us!

1. Outdoor Learning and Place-Based Learning

At Vista Grande, we connect with many local organizations to get our students out into the local community and the local outdoors. We use staff and local expertise to get our students connected with different learning activities that connect ‘on-campus’ learning with experiences in the community. Hiking, Service-based projects, Connecting with local environment.

2. Work-Based Learning Experiences

At Vista Grande, we believe learning happens through doing. This includes students strengthening their soft skills through ‘Work-Based Learning’ experiences. Prioritizes 10th-12th grade students. Expose students to potential career interests. Strengthens students responsibility, maturity and overall well-being through independent experience!

3. Dual Enrollment with UNM-Taos

At Vista Grande, we intentionally connect our students with UNM-Taos to explore post-secondary possibilities. 9th grade STEM U, 10th and 11th grade STEM U^2. Chip away at a Certificate, at an Associate’s and/or at a Bachelor’s Degree. Classes are free and this removes barriers to post-secondary access and growth!

4. Working with Local Organizations and Experts to Support Students! It truly takes a community to provide the best, well-rounded education for our students. We partner with local expert organizations such as the Field Institute of Taos, Friends of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Rivers and Birds, UNM-Taos, Bridges Project for Education, TrueKids1, Taos Center for the Arts, and A.I.R.E. Taos.

5. Social and Emotional Learning and a Holistic Approach to Learning

Our students have a daily Crew class, where we focus on different capacities of Social Emotional Learning, such as: Self Awareness, Self Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making Skills. Students can utilize these skills to be successful in any situation (school, work, and life)! Focus on teamwork and team building through Crew.

6. Focus on SAT Prep and Data Systems to Guide Instruction

At VGHS, we have implemented a schoolwide approach to help our students prepare for the PSAT (10th grade) and SAT (11th grade). Direct support to help our students learn and grow to better prepare for these exams, while also strengthening areas of need. New to VGHS: Math and English Language Arts intervention systems to support students! 

7. Just Right’ Class Sizes

At VGHS, we average 15-20 students per class. Intimate in our setting, and students are able to get a high level of attention and support. Students are also able to participate in sports and activities with Taos High School. It truly is a win-win!