Vista College Preparatory

Founded in 2013, Vista College Preparatory (“VCP”) serves 1,035 students in grades K-8 across three schools in Phoenix, Arizona. VCP’s mission reads as follows: “through academic rigor and leadership development, Vista College Preparatory Charter School educates all K-8 students for achievement in high school and graduation from college.”

VCP was founded with the firm belief that demographics do not determine destiny, college preparation begins in kindergarten, and character education can and must be taught. The school is built on the best practices of high-performing schools nationwide. Some key aspects of VCP’s academic program include: strong teacher quality, extended day and school year to provide more time for learning, emphasis on literacy instruction (with 40% of VCP’s school day focusing on this subject), use of data analysis to drive effective teaching and individualized instruction, structured and supportive school culture, and strong partnerships with student families. The network serves a high needs population with 98% of the students identifying as non-white and 89% are eligible for free and reduced lunch.

EFF provided a $22.9 million loan to support the acquisition and renovation of a facility that will house a new co-located elementary and middle school, as well as to refinance a previous loan used to acquire and build one of their middle school facilities.