Vancouver, U.S.A
Vancouver is a thriving small city in Southwest Washington. We’re just across the beautiful Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.
Schools and programs
We have 23 elementary schools, six middle schools, five high schools, an arts school, a STEM school and three additional programs.
22,000 students
Our diverse students have many opportunities to explore their interests; think critically; and prepare for college, careers and life.
3,300 employees
More than 3,300 dedicated professionals make up the VPS team. In a variety of ways, we all work together to help students be successful.
Fast facts
Our district by the numbers
Enrollment | |
---|---|
Number of schools |
|
Elementary schools (K-5) | 23 |
Middle schools (6-8) | 6 |
High schools (9-12) | 5 |
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (6-12) | |
Vancouver iTech Preparatory (6-12) | |
Jim Tangeman Center (1-12) | |
Heights Campus (K-12) | |
Gateway to Adult Transition Education (18-21) | |
Scheduled school days |
|
School days | 178 |
Size of district |
|
District size | 58 square miles |
Average student-teacher ratio |
|
Districtwide K-12 | 17:1 |
Student characteristics | |
---|---|
Minority student population | 45.7% |
Number of different languages spoken by students | 100 |
Students qualifying as low income | 48.8% |
Students receiving special education services | 14.1% |
Students in grades 1-5 receiving Highly Capable services | 400 |
Students enrolled in K-12 language programs, magnets and programs of choice | 3,700 |
Four-year graduation rate* (class of 2020) *This figure represents only those students who graduated within four years. |
89% |
Five-year graduation rate (class of 2019) | 89.1% |
Employees (2019-20) |
|
Number of employees | 3,300 |
Number of classroom teachers | 1,404 |
Teachers’ average years of experience | 12.1 |
Teachers with at least a master’s degree | 68.3% |

Vancouver is the best-value town in the West
Sunset magazine named Vancouver one of its 20 best places, citing the strength of the city’s public schools, family-friendly neighborhoods and amenities.
Recent achievements
Vancouver Public Schools and Superintendent Jeff Snell honored with Compass Award
Superintendent Jeff Snell received the Compass Award in recognition of the district’s commitment to student equity and ensuring the success of each of our students.
Vancouver schools recognized among top in Washington state and nation
Several VPS schools were featured on U.S. News and World Report's 2022 list.
Vancouver Public Schools again honored for music education
Vancouver Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to music education earned the district its third consecutive award [...]