{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Vista Grove Preparatory Academy","outOfStateSupporters":29.2,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9547397,"projectId":9406227,"letterContent":"At VGPA, we believe that a love for reading can open doors, spark imagination, and build lifelong learners. Over the past year, we have been intentionally working to create a space where students not only have access to books, but feel excited and motivated to read them. By building our school library, we are putting books directly into students' hands—giving them the opportunity to explore new worlds, discover new interests, and grow their confidence as readers.\r\n\r\nCreating an environment where students can browse, check out books, and enjoy quiet reading time has transformed the way they engage with literature. Thanks to the recent funding for flexible seating, our students now have cozy, welcoming spaces where they can curl up with a good book, focus comfortably, and truly enjoy the reading experience. When students feel relaxed and empowered to choose what they read, their motivation and enjoyment increase naturally.\r\n\r\nThe impact is already visible: more students are checking out books, reading during free moments, and talking with friends about what they're reading. Our library is becoming a place of curiosity, comfort, and excitement—a space where the love for reading grows each day.\r\n\r\nBy investing in books, creating an inviting library environment, and offering flexible seating, we are helping students see reading not as a task, but as something joyful, meaningful, and uniquely theirs.","fullyFundedDate":1755484466825,"projectUrl":"project/ignite-the-love-for-reading/9406227/","projectTitle":"Ignite the Love for Reading","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9547397"},{"teacherId":10023358,"projectId":9329444,"letterContent":"It has brought me so much joy to see these kids expressing their creativity and working together to build amazing creations. Your generous support of my classroom has helped my students build positive relationships with each other and has really strengthened our class community.\r\n\r\nWhen I showed them our new materials, they all went bananas and could barely decide what to play with first. Their favorite toy has probably been the playdough tools. We had playdough last year, but they would get bored quickly because I didn't have anything extra for them to use. The playdough tools have not only lengthened the time they are engaged with the playdough, but have also greatly expanded their imaginations. They often have a restaurant contest and make me cookies, pizzas, donuts, and a whole bunch of other creations.\r\n\r\nTruly, thank you for your support of our classroom. This has made such a difference for my kids, and I am blessed every day to watch them thrive in our classroom enviroment.","fullyFundedDate":1750256103407,"projectUrl":"project/create-positive-student-connections-with/9329444/","projectTitle":"Create Positive Student Connections With Engaging Games!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Touchet","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-10_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10023358"},{"teacherId":10012871,"projectId":9316549,"letterContent":"Your support has brought meaningful new resources into our school, and we are thrilled to share how they are already making a difference. \r\n\r\nThanks to you, we now have the \"A Little Spot...\" series, the \"Ninja Life Hacks\" series, and more in our Social Emotional Learning library. These engaging and relatable stories have become student favorites, sparking thoughtful conversation and connection through exciting activities led by our school social worker and counselor. \r\n\r\nOne of our first lessons used the \"Integrity Ninja\" book to introduce and explore one of our lion PRIDE values-- INTEGRITY. After reading together, students participated in a creative art activity where they illustrated how integrity can be shown in everyday life. This hands-on approach helped them connect the lesson to real-world situations , and the classroom was filled with laughter, collaboration, and pride in their work. \r\n\r\nYour kindness didn't just provide books-- you also gave us the prizes that made these activities even more special. Students' eyes lit up with excitement when they earned these rewards, turning learning into celebration. The joy and enthusiasm you helped create have ben inspiring to witness.","fullyFundedDate":1749511841236,"projectUrl":"project/social-emotional-empowerment-program-mat/9316549/","projectTitle":"Social Emotional Empowerment Program Materials","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Nemeth","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp10012871_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1746327434328","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/10012871"},{"teacherId":9547397,"projectId":9137984,"letterContent":"Our incoming kindergarteners in the Little Lion's Training summer camp were so excited to begin using the donated materials right away. With pencils and markers in hand, they began practicing writing their ABCs, and tracing their names. Students also had the chance to practice fine motor skills through cutting with scissors, painting, and gluing activities. These hands-on experiences not only helped build coordination but also made learning feel fun and creative for our new learners.\r\n\r\nWhen the students first saw the pencils, crayons, scissors, and paint, their faces lit up. Many were eager to sharpen their pencils, open their crayons, and try out the supplies. For many of them, this was their first time using classroom materials in this way, and it made them feel like \"real students.\" Their excitement created a joyful atmosphere and helped ease the transition into kindergarten.\r\n\r\nOur next steps are to build on this foundation by practicing writing their names independently, learning to cut simple shapes with scissors, and beginning to write and illustrate simple words. We will also continue painting and gluing in projects that connect letters to sounds and pictures. Thanks to these donated resources, our students are off to a strong start, developing the skills, creativity, and excitement they need for a successful kindergarten year.","fullyFundedDate":1742823890643,"projectUrl":"project/kindergarten-summer-camp-supplies/9137984/","projectTitle":"Kindergarten Summer Camp Supplies","teacherDisplayName":"Mrs. Kane","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-9_272.png?auto=webp","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9547397"},{"teacherId":8673594,"projectId":9016130,"letterContent":"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and support! Because of you, our students are already experiencing the joy and excitement that comes from having access to new sports and science materials.\r\n\r\nWe recently held a school-wide volleyball tournament and launched a Sports STEM initiative that had our students moving, thinking, and learning in exciting new ways. From playing basketball and flag football in the MPR to using equipment during science lessons, the impact of your gift is being felt across our campus every day.\r\n\r\nOur students have taken great pride in caring for the new soccer balls—checking them out and returning them responsibly after use. Their sense of ownership and responsibility has grown right alongside their enthusiasm.\r\n\r\nThanks to you, our classrooms and playgrounds are filled with energy, laughter, and learning. Your kindness is creating opportunities that will make a difference not just today, but for years to come.\r\n\r\nWith sincere gratitude,","fullyFundedDate":1739988497553,"projectUrl":"project/fueling-fun-and-fitness-new-sports-equi/9016130/","projectTitle":"Fueling Fun and Fitness: New Sports Equipment for Deserving Students!","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. DoRan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8673594_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748215853009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drduckie"},{"teacherId":8673594,"projectId":9004072,"letterContent":"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our donors. Many people picture STEM and science as all glass beakers and high-tech equipment, but in my experience, it's the gems, pipe cleaners, washi tape, and foam stickers that truly make a difference. These small details help students solidify their thinking, take pride in their creations—even when they're beautifully imperfect—and bring a little extra joy to learning. Thank you for your generosity and for allowing me to add some creativity and color to our science adventures!","fullyFundedDate":1734708074547,"projectUrl":"project/crafting-to-stem/9004072/","projectTitle":"Crafting to Stem","teacherDisplayName":"Dr. DoRan","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp8673594_orig.jpg?crop=1:1,smart&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1748215853009","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/drduckie"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_69779","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":214,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":95,"percentAsian":0,"percentBlack":16,"percentWhite":26,"percentIndigenous":9,"percentLatinx":40,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"K - 8","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR School","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":true,"metroType":"URBAN","ncesMetroType":"CITY_LARGE"},"inStateSupporters":70.8,"schoolId":69779,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Vista Grove Preparatory Academy on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Vista Grove Preparatory Academy","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arizona/leona-group/vista-grove-prep-academy/69779"}
Join the 96 supporters who believe in this school.
About this school
Vista Grove Preparatory Academy is
an urban public school
in Mesa, Arizona that is part of Leona Group.
It serves 214 students
in grades K - 8.
Its teachers have had 39 projects funded on DonorsChoose.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. Each classroom request for funding was created by a classroom teacher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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
65%
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 Grove Preparatory Academy Support on DonorsChoose
Last updated Dec 5, 2025
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 Grove Preparatory Academy
$23,196
raised using DonorsChoose
39
projects
funded
21
teachers
funded
96
donors
4
projects
for
basic supplies
6
projects for
technology
5
projects for
books
3
projects
for
art supplies
Vista Grove Preparatory Academy has received support from
68 individuals from Arizona and
28 individuals out-of-state.