Local private schools’ alternative to ESA vouchers in Arizona

A local private school in Arizona believes that the operation of ESA vouchers in Arizona is not as effective a program anymore. New Vistas Center for Education has been around since 1979. They are a private school for PreK to sixth grade and provide a unique learning experience for kids. They provide reading coaching, testing, and a small classroom with focused attention on the students.

Carol Elias is a former public school teacher who started New Vistas after she felt that public schools were no longer providing a specialized education for students. She also has a unique perspective on school choice and vouchers. She supports school choice; however, she does not necessarily like the way Arizona’s ESA voucher program is operating.

Carol Elias and Kristi Roher, Co-Directors of New Vistas Center for Education, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the operation of ESA vouchers in Arizona and share what makes New Vistas different and effective.

“We had our school for 46 years, and it was a different approach to education back then, and it still is,” Elias said. “…it’s about learning, and it’s about advancement, and accountability on teachers parts and schools’ part.”

Roher emphasized that no matter what age, there should never be a ceiling on someone’s learning capabilities.

“…but you should be ready for the next step within your classroom, with your developmental peers,” Roher said, “…we don’t want to skip your grade, we want to keep you with your peers, but we want to give you what you need.”

Every student that comes to New Vistas is tested prior to being on the campus. They do this to learn more about the child, and see how their education has been progressing.

“At our school you don’t have to go to an older grade to learn something more advanced that you need,” Elias explained, “…it should be taught so you can stay with peers.”

Roher explained that the center promotes working with peers in small groups rather than one-on-one tutoring. The center emphasizes peer connection, in order to help motivate the students.