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Welcome Military Families

Welcome Military Families to Mar Vista Academy!

Welcome to Mar Vista Academy! We are honored to serve the children of our military families and appreciate the sacrifices made by our service members and their loved ones.

Located in the South Bay community of San Diego and near several Navy installations, Mar Vista Academy proudly serves many military-connected students and families. We understand that military life often brings frequent relocations, deployments, and transitions, and we are committed to making every student's experience as smooth, welcoming, and successful as possible.

Whether you are arriving through a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), returning from overseas, or preparing for a deployment, our staff is here to help your family every step of the way. We strive to create a supportive learning environment where every student feels connected, valued, and ready to thrive both academically and socially.

On this page, you'll find information about resources, military support services, community programs, and contacts who can assist you during your transition to Mar Vista Academy.

Thank you for your service and for choosing Mar Vista Academy. Where every day we engage, educate, and empower.

School Point of Contact/Liason
Flavio Garcia
flavio.garcia@sweetwaterschools.org
History Teacher and MTSS Resource


Mar Vista Academy Military Student Transition Program

Mission: To ensure every military-connected student feels welcomed, supported, and connected from their first day on campus.

Step

Description

Who is Responsible

1. Welcome Notification

When the school is notified that a military-connected student is enrolling, the counselor or Military Family Liaison informs the Transition Team.

Counselor / Military Liaison

2. Student Ambassador Assigned

A trained student ambassador is paired with the new student before their first day. Whenever possible, match by grade level, interests, or extracurricular activities.

Student Leadership / ASB

3. Welcome Packet

Provide a welcome folder that includes a campus map, bell schedule, school calendar, club list, sports information, counselor contacts, and a welcome letter from student leaders.

Student Ambassadors

4. First-Day Tour

The student ambassador meets the new student, gives a campus tour, helps locate classrooms, introduces key staff, and explains school routines.

Student Ambassador

5. Lunch Buddy

The ambassador eats lunch with the student for the first week and introduces them to classmates and friends.

Student Ambassador

6. Check-In Week

Ambassadors check in daily during the first week to answer questions and help with navigation and routines.

Student Ambassador

7. Counselor Follow-Up

The counselor meets with the student after two weeks to discuss academics, scheduling, and overall adjustment.

School Counselor

8. Club & Activity Connection

Encourage participation in clubs, sports, music, leadership, or other extracurricular activities by introducing the student to advisors or coaches.

Student Ambassador & Activities Director

9. 30-Day Check-In

The counselor and ambassador complete a final check-in after one month to ensure the student feels connected and supported.

Counselor & Ambassador

 

 


Resources for our Military Families

Resource

Description

Who It's For

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families

Free online tutoring available 24/7 in math, science, English, writing, test preparation, and more. Students can connect with certified tutors from home at no cost to eligible military families.

Military-connected students (eligibility requirements apply).

Silver Strand Youth Center

Offers before- and after-school programs, homework assistance, sports, leadership activities, teen programs, and seasonal camps through Navy Child and Youth Programs.

Military children and teens ages 5–18.

Boys & Girls Clubs of South County

Provides a safe place for students after school with academic support, enrichment activities, sports, STEM programs, leadership opportunities, and summer camps.

Youth and teens in the South Bay community.



 


Purple Connections Club

Mission Statement: We welcome and support military-connected students as they transition to Mar Vista Academy while promoting awareness, appreciation, and recognition of military families within our school community.

logo for Purple Connections club

 


 



Military Recognition

banner showing a wall of honor to honor military family members of our students
Students sitting on the floor around a big banner gluing military honor papers to a large banner