{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":true,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista Grande Elementary School","outOfStateSupporters":61.3,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":10443233,"projectId":10203796,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students will have access to a comprehensive, year-long science curriculum that keeps all of our learning in one organized place. Instead of piecing together lessons from multiple websites and resources, I can provide a seamless program that builds science concepts throughout the year while ensuring every lesson aligns with our fifth-grade NGSS standards.\r\n\r\nThis resource will allow my students to spend more time exploring, questioning, and discovering through engaging science lessons rather than adjusting to different formats and activities from various sources. A consistent curriculum helps students make meaningful connections between concepts, strengthens their understanding, and prepares them for the fifth-grade science state assessment with confidence.\r\n\r\nYour generosity allows me to focus my time where it matters most: teaching, supporting, and inspiring my students. Thank you for investing in their education and helping create a classroom where every student has the opportunity to succeed. Your support will make a lasting difference in the lives of my young scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1778520740473,"projectUrl":"project/empowering-students-through-engaging-sci/10203796/","projectTitle":"Empowering Students Through Engaging Science","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Western","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443233_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772231065792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443233"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10169193,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom! The TeachersPayTeachers gift card has been an incredible resource, allowing me to purchase high-quality lessons, activities, and graphics that enrich learning and engage students in meaningful ways.\r\n\r\nThese resources help bring concepts to life, provide additional practice and enrichment opportunities, and support a variety of learning styles. The graphics and materials also help create visually appealing and organized lessons that make learning more enjoyable and accessible for students.\r\n\r\nYour generosity gives me the flexibility to select resources that best meet the needs and interests of my students, ensuring they have access to engaging and effective learning experiences throughout the year.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our classroom and helping make learning creative, meaningful, and fun!","fullyFundedDate":1775681614060,"projectUrl":"project/tpt-resources-for-enhancing-learning/10169193/","projectTitle":"TPT Resources for Enhancing Learning","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10160336,"letterContent":"Thank you for your generous support of our classroom! The plastic dinosaurs you provided have become an exciting and engaging learning tool for our students.\r\n\r\nUsing these models, students are able to sort and compare different types of dinosaurs while exploring their unique adaptations and features. Through hands-on activities, they investigate similarities and differences, classify dinosaurs into groups, and deepen their understanding of how physical characteristics helped these fascinating creatures survive.\r\n\r\nThese interactive experiences bring science to life and spark curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Your kindness helps create memorable opportunities that inspire our young scientists every day.\r\n\r\nThank you for investing in our students and making these experiences possible!","fullyFundedDate":1775150483855,"projectUrl":"project/dinosaurs-and-paleontology-exploration/10160336/","projectTitle":"Dinosaurs and Paleontology Exploration","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":10023733,"projectId":9898339,"letterContent":"This year, our students used the new resources as part of our classroom \"Class Tycoon\" system, where students earned classroom money for being responsible, completing assignments and homework on time, and making positive choices throughout the year. The students became very motivated and excited to save their money, and it created such a positive classroom environment. They learned the value of responsibility, hard work, and good decision-making while having fun at the same time. Watching students encourage each other and take pride in their accomplishments was one of the best parts of the year.\r\nAt the end of the year, the students with the most money earned a special party, and the prizes were a huge hit! The donated prizes made the celebration extra meaningful and gave students something exciting to work toward all year long. Students were so proud of themselves for reaching their goals, and many talked about how rewarding it felt to see their hard work pay off. Thank you, donors, for helping make this experience so memorable and motivating for our students. Your generosity truly made a difference in our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1772052610437,"projectUrl":"project/prize-box-incentives/9898339/","projectTitle":"Prize Box Incentives","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Nichols","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10023733_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746585732098","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10023733"},{"teacherId":10443233,"projectId":10155999,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom. Because of your kindness, my students will have the opportunity to explore diverse stories that help them see themselves in books while also learning about cultures and experiences from around the world.\r\n\r\nYour donation is more than just books on a shelf. It is an investment in my students' growth as readers, thinkers, and compassionate individuals. These picture books will spark meaningful conversations, build empathy, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.\r\n\r\nWe are truly grateful for your support and for believing in our students. Your generosity has made a lasting impact on our classroom, and we appreciate you for helping us create a richer, more inclusive learning environment.","fullyFundedDate":1773858481786,"projectUrl":"project/books-that-help-every-student-feel-seen/10155999/","projectTitle":"Books That Help Every Student Feel Seen","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Western","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443233_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772231065792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443233"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10121339,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our art classroom! The watercolor colored pencils you provided have been a wonderful addition to our supplies and have already made a tremendous difference for our students.\r\n\r\nThese unique materials allow students to explore both drawing and painting techniques, encouraging creativity, experimentation, and self-expression. Our young artists have been excited to discover how a simple drawing can transform with the addition of water, and they have loved seeing their artwork come to life in new ways.\r\n\r\nYour kindness helps provide experiences that inspire imagination and foster a love of art. We are truly grateful for your support and for investing in the creativity of our students.","fullyFundedDate":1774394589440,"projectUrl":"project/watercolor-pencils-refresh/10121339/","projectTitle":"Watercolor Pencils Refresh","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":10443233,"projectId":10135456,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for giving us the ability to purchase supplemental lessons in math and science from Teachers Pay Teachers. Your generosity allowed my students to experience engaging, hands-on learning that supports our curriculum and strengthens their understanding of important concepts.\r\n\r\nUsing a performance task from Teachers Pay Teachers, students applied their skills in volume to design and create robots made from rectangular prisms. They were fully engaged, excited, and eager to problem-solve as they built their creations. In fact, this activity created one of the quietest and most focused learning times my classroom has experienced—everyone was deeply involved in their work.\r\n\r\nYour support makes lessons like this possible and helps bring creativity, excitement, and meaningful learning into our classroom. Thank you for investing in my students and helping them grow as confident mathematicians and scientists.","fullyFundedDate":1773163226143,"projectUrl":"project/resources-that-add-up-to-success/10135456/","projectTitle":"Resources that Add Up to Success","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Western","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443233_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772231065792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443233"},{"teacherId":10443233,"projectId":10131587,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous donations to support our classroom prize box. Your kindness has made it possible for me to recognize and celebrate students who demonstrate excellent behavior and responsibility each week.\r\n\r\nBecause of your support, students are motivated to make positive choices, stay focused, and complete their work. The opportunity to choose a prize from the prize box gives them something to look forward to and encourages them to take pride in their actions and achievements. These rewards help build confidence, responsibility, and a positive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to do their best.\r\n\r\nThank you for making a meaningful difference in our classroom and for helping my students stay motivated and successful.","fullyFundedDate":1773605499376,"projectUrl":"project/small-rewards-big-motivation/10131587/","projectTitle":"Small Rewards, Big Motivation!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Western","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443233_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772231065792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443233"},{"teacherId":10443233,"projectId":10122828,"letterContent":"My students have truly enjoyed using the new tempera paint sticks as a creative medium in our classroom. As we prepare artwork for our upcoming Open House, students created beautiful flower scenes that reflect both their creativity and the skills we have been practicing. They were excited to experiment with a new material and quickly became engaged in the process of planning, designing, and bringing their ideas to life. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they realized they could create vibrant, eye-catching artwork.\r\n\r\nOne of the things students commented on most was how smoothly the paint sticks glide across the paper. They loved being able to color and blend without the usual mess associated with traditional paint. This allowed them to focus more on their artistic choices, such as layering colors, adding details, and creating texture, rather than worrying about spills or cleanup. The bright, vibrant colors made their flower scenes stand out, and students took great pride in seeing their work come together so beautifully.\r\n\r\nUsing tempera paint sticks has made our art time more enjoyable, efficient, and accessible for all learners. The finished flower scenes will be proudly displayed at Open House, giving students a chance to showcase their hard work and creativity to their families. This new medium has not only enhanced their artistic expression but has also made art a joyful and memorable learning experience.","fullyFundedDate":1772821944834,"projectUrl":"project/color-their-world-with-tempera-paint-sti/10122828/","projectTitle":"Color Their World with Tempera Paint Sticks!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Western","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10443233_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1772231065792","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10443233"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10134061,"letterContent":"Thank you so much for your generous support of our classroom book project. Because of your kindness, my students now have access to a vibrant collection of STEAM and art-based books that will spark their curiosity and creativity. \r\n\r\nThese books are more than just pages and pictures—they are doorways into imagination, problem-solving, and discovery. My students are already diving into stories that connect science, technology, engineering, art, and math in exciting and meaningful ways. They are asking questions, thinking critically, and exploring new ideas with enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nYour contribution helps create a classroom where creativity and innovation thrive. You have given my students the opportunity to see themselves as artists, engineers, and thinkers, and that is a gift that will last far beyond this school year.\r\n\r\nWith heartfelt gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1773868186890,"projectUrl":"project/how-to-catchbooks-for-steam/10134061/","projectTitle":"How to Catch....Books for STEAM","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":189063,"projectId":10135723,"letterContent":"Thank you for bringing the Biorb Air 60 into our classroom. The kids are fascinated by it, and the youngest ones want to run over to take a look when they come into my classroom. So far we have added some orchids and other colorful leaf plants. We still need to figure out some other plants to add, and maybe, eventually, some small creatures. \r\n\r\nThe Biorb does a ton of things automatically, making it a self-sustaining system. It has an automatic misting and humidity system, but it also has a 24 hour lighting system that gradually increases and decreases at sunrise and sunset. \r\n\r\nThank you for making this project possible!","fullyFundedDate":1773163228146,"projectUrl":"project/biorb-for-study-inspiration-and-calm/10135723/","projectTitle":"Biorb for Study, Inspiration, and Calm","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Allard's STEAM Lab","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp189063_orig.jpg?crop=2208,2208,x0,y0&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1662913139351","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/kallard"},{"teacherId":1610477,"projectId":10121039,"letterContent":"On behalf of our 3rd grade class, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the generous donation of new P.E. equipment. Your support has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our students, and we are truly grateful.\r\n\r\nWhat has been especially wonderful to see is how students who usually stuck to just one game are now eager to try new sports and activities. The variety of equipment has encouraged exploration, confidence, and a willingness to step outside of their comfort zones. With more materials available, students are spending far less time waiting for a turn and much more time actively engaged. This has made a big difference in keeping everyone moving, learning, and having fun throughout class.\r\n\r\nFor some of our students, this was their very first time ever touching a tennis ball or using a scoop ball paddle. In just a few short days, we have already noticed improvements in their hand-eye coordination, as well as their overall confidence during physical activities.\r\n\r\nThe addition of more dodgeballs has also been a huge hit! Students were thrilled and quickly began laughing, creating their own games, and taking initiative during playtime. It has been amazing to see them develop fast moves, sharpen their reflexes, and work together in such creative and energetic ways.\r\n\r\nYour generosity has helped create a more inclusive, engaging, and joyful environment for our students. Thank you so much!","fullyFundedDate":1772925088152,"projectUrl":"project/motivated-to-move-lets-get-movin/10121039/","projectTitle":"Motivated to Move! Let's Get Movin'!","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Quach","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/272x272/tp1610477_272x272.jpg?width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1470265713522","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/msmimi"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_44961","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":392,"numTeachers":16,"percentFrplEligible":43,"percentAsian":9,"percentBlack":4,"percentWhite":41,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":25,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","percentHawaiianImputed":0,"percentMultiracialImputed":19,"gradesServed":"Pre-K - 5","studentTeacherRatio":"24.5:1","demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":false,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":38.7,"schoolId":44961,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista Grande Elementary School on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista Grande Elementary School","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/california/san-diego-unified-school-district/vista-grande-elementary-school/44961"}
Join the 478 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Vista Grande Elementary School is
an urban public school
in San Diego, California that is part of San Diego Unified School District.
It serves 392 students
in grades Pre-K - 5 with a student/teacher ratio of 24.5:1.
Its teachers have had 205 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
Public School
Grades Pre-K - 5
392 Students
16 Teachers
5606 Antigua BlvdContact info is sourced from our partners at MDR Education, and DonorsChoose updates our site ahead of each school year.
Share and help support Vista Grande Elementary School
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Every donation funds real needs — pencils, books, lab equipment, art supplies, and more — helping students learn and thrive. We ship supplies directly to the school, and you'll see exactly where each dollar goes.
of students receive free or reduced price lunch
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Source: the National Center for Education Statistics
38%
of students are Black, Latino, Native
American, or Asian
Data about school demographics comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. The numbers in this chart may not add up to 100% because of limitations in the available data.
Vista Grande Elementary School Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
DonorsChoose makes it easy for anyone to help a teacher in need, moving us closer to a nation where students
in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education.
Vista Grande Elementary School
$92,560
raised using DonorsChoose
205
projects
funded
14
teachers
funded
478
donors
16
projects
for
basic supplies
58
projects for
technology
25
projects for
books
29
projects
for
art supplies
Vista Grande Elementary School has received support from
185 individuals from California and
293 individuals out-of-state.