Choices
Programs of choice and magnet programs
Magnet programs and programs of choice provide options for students in sixth through 12th grades. What is your interest at school? The arts? Science? Using computers? Working with your hands? Magnets and programs of choice are designed to help you discover your unique gifts and unleash your potential.
Magnet programs feature a unique theme as a focus for teaching the curriculum across all content areas. These full-day programs offer special opportunities not readily available in all schools and help motivate students to learn within an area of aptitude, talent and interest. Magnet programs draw students from all schools in the district, and from outside the district on a space-available basis.
VPS’ magnet programs include:
- Architecture, Construction and Environmental Services at Hudson’s Bay High School
- Center for International Studies at Fort Vancouver High School
- International Baccalaureate at Columbia River High School
- Medical Arts at Fort Vancouver High School
- Science, Math and Technology at Skyview High School
- Vancouver Flex Academy
- Vancouver iTech Preparatory
- Vancouver School of Arts and Academics
Programs of choice are pathways for students planning a career within a specialized field of study. These half- or partial-day environments provide a concentrated focus in a particular area. Students spend part of the school day in their program of choice and the other part of their day at their main school.
VPS’ programs of choice include:
Applications for all programs should be submitted via the online application system during the application period (which typically begins in mid-January). Some programs also require letters of recommendation. Students may apply for more than one program. If the deadline to apply has passed, please inquire about availability by contacting the relevant coordinator.
Students who live within Vancouver Public Schools’ boundaries will be given priority over students from other districts.
Parents and prospective students are invited to attend an open house during application season or contact the school at which the program is located.
Transportation is provided for students who live within Vancouver Public Schools’ boundaries.
All Flex, iTech and VSAA students |
ACES, IB, SMT and Medical Arts |
Careers in Education, Culinary Arts, Welding |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Getting there |
Bused from home bus stop to neighborhood middle school and then to magnet program. | Bused from home bus stop to neighborhood high school and then to magnet program. | Bused from home bus stop to neighborhood high school and then to Fort Vancouver High School for periods 1-3. |
Getting home |
Bused from magnet schools to home bus stops. | Bused from program to neighborhood high school. Responsible to get home on own. | Bused from Fort Vancouver to neighborhood high school for periods 4-6, and then can take bus to home bus stop. |
“A significant portion of my success I attribute to Vancouver Public Schools. I am lucky to have been a part of such an outstanding school district with a wide variety of programs available to its students.”
— Dr. Veronica Henson (Columbia River High School ’08; associate degree, Clark College ’08; bachelor’s degree, Western Washington University ’10; doctorate in audiology, Washington University in St. Louis ’14)
“One of the things that the district does very well is meet the needs of individual students through the programs of choice.”
— Michelle Giovannozzi, director of the Center for Executive and Professional Education at Portland State University
“Vancouver Public Schools continues to work upstream in the field of education. A commitment to creating innovative solutions at every level of the organization has produced world-class programs and opportunities for students.”
— Sharon Pesut, community member and Partners in Careers executive director
Latest news
VPS now: 3/29/22 | Español | Русский | Fóósun Chuuk
News to know: Still time to apply for specialty programs, important dates to know, absences due to religious holidays and more.
Still time to apply for specialty programs | Español | Русский | Fósun Chuuk
Several VPS programs are again accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year. Deadlines vary, so apply now!
Apply for Vancouver Public Schools’ secondary magnet programs and programs of choice beginning Jan. 5
VPS students can participate in magnet programs and programs of choice that allow them to pursue their unique interests. From the arts and STEM to welding, medicine, cooking and blended learning, there's something for everyone. Find out how to apply.