Who Should Attend Back Bay?

Students who are behind in credit are often referred to Back Bay to "catch up". Back Bay is on trimesters (three sets of classes a year), which allows students to complete 15 classes per year. Students at the other high schools in our district complete 12 classes per year in two semesters. Also, Back Bay has several opportunities for students to earn even more credit, including independent study classes, off-campus P.E., work experience, and Core electives. All this while attending for a shorter period of time (5 class periods a day, 8:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.) and benefiting from classes with an average of only 15-20 students.

Students who are not deficient in credit are also referred to Back Bay for the small classes and more individualized attention. With only approximately 185 students in the school, many students report feeling less "lost" than in comprehensive high schools with 1200, 1800 and even 2500 or more students.

Back Bay's graduation requirements are the same as the other high schools in the district, and we are fully accredited. Even though we are small in size, we have a community service coordinator, college and career coach, full-time security guard, hot breakfast and lunch, fully credentialed and highly qualified teachers, and a caring, professional staff.

What are the Qualifications to Enroll in Monte Vista?

Monte Vista students must be in 11th or 12th grade, must have passed the CAHSEE (exit exam), and should be on-track in credits, meaning 120-150 credits for juniors and 170 or more for seniors. Students with special requests (10th grade students, students with health issues, etc.) should call (949) 515-3383 for more information. The most important trait of successful Monte Vista students is the ability to get their work done in a timely manner and be disciplined and responsible enough to show up for appointments at all costs. As an example, if a student sees his/her teacher on Tuesday at 9 a.m., he/she will spend 2 hours in the classroom and then be given assignments to be done at home and turned in the following Tuesday at 9 a.m. Students must set aside a few hours each day in order to get their work done before the next week's appointment. Students who wait until the last minute, or think they can do their work the night before it is due, will not be successful at Monte Vista. Students with poor attendance are not good candidates for Monte Vista. Students who are motivated, able to work independently and students who show they are responsible by holding down a job are usually well-suited for Monte Vista.

Referrals to Back Bay and Monte Vista

Students interested in attending Back Bay or Monte Vista should see their counselor or an assistant principal at their current school. Students new to our district must make an appointment with Mike Murphy, Director of Student Services, at the Newport-Mesa district office. Please call (714) 424-8911 to make an appointment. You will need proof of residency in our district (gas/electric bill or copy of lease) and transcripts showing all credits earned since 9th grade.