Mission Statement

Open Window School nurtures and challenges students of high intellectual ability and inspires them to new levels of academic excellence, creativity, and personal accomplishment for participation in a diverse and changing world.

Statement of Philosophy

At Vista Academy, we believe that a deep understanding of the needs and passions of gifted adolescents is vital for fostering a spirit of inquiry and sense of personal responsibility in middle school students.  Recognizing that Vista students are passing through a period of rapid physical, intellectual, social, and emotional change, our program is specifically designed to guide students through the critical developmental tasks of personal identity, independence, organization, and relationships.  Vista offers a rich and dynamic academic program, with exceptional depth and challenge.  With a curriculum that transcends grade level boundaries, Vista students are empowered to pursue their passions and to make important connections through problem-centered, interdisciplinary study and investigation. 

Vista Academy’s size provides a nimble and individualized middle school program, where outstanding educators partner with students in creating a sense of belonging and connection.  This personal, nurturing environment allows faculty to promote all aspects of the middle school student’s identity and development.  Vista endeavors to provide students with relevant leadership opportunities, allowing for important connections to be made between their learning and the world around them.  Learning is ignited through connecting classroom concepts to real life applications.       

We strive to promote citizenship through the fostering of personal integrity, ethical awareness, and multicultural understanding.  A Vista Academy graduate is a confident individual equipped with the habits and skills necessary for academic and personal success at every stage of life. 

Diversity Mission Statement

Open Window School provides a unique educational experience for highly capable children that actively encourages curiosity and creativity, promotes versatile investigative methods, and develops self-esteem. In furthering our mission, we embrace both our commonalities and the complex range of human differences in the larger community. These differences include, but are not limited to gender, race, color, creed, religion, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical status, and family structure.

The characteristics that make us unique individuals are not differences that divide us, but are qualities that enrich our community. OWS teachers, staff, students and their families benefit personally and professionally from the range of ideas, solutions, and perspectives that stem from diversity. By embracing the breadth of views and approaches that emerge from a diverse community, OWS fosters the growth of knowledge of an ever-changing world.

We strive to create a nurturing environment by being sensitive to the unique cultural, religious, and other needs of our families, and by encouraging an open and honest dialogue among individuals.