Who We Are, What We Value

Our Mission:
Inspiring Learning.
Growing Community.

Each Student, Every Day.

Our core values

Safety

Belonging

Equity

Integrity

Community

Love of learning

Strategic Logo: Vision of a Graduate, Student-Centered Community, Student-Centered Experience, Student-Centered Staff and Equity

Vision of a graduate

Vancouver Public Schools graduates possess the core knowledge and life-ready skills necessary to meet the real-world demands of their chosen next step. Our graduates are:

  • Resilient

  • Life-long learners
  • Engaged community members

  • Academically prepared

  • Culturally competent

  • Critical thinkers

  • Effective communicators

As the world continues to change, so do the needs of our students. Our educational goals and priorities must adapt to ensure our students, today’s children, are prepared for the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead after graduation.

Our strategic plan outlines how we will bring the Vision of a Graduate to life: by building a student-centered community where each student can thrive, advancing learning with a diverse and skilled staff, and designing an experience where each student is motivated to realize their full potential and love for learning.  Explore Our Strategic Plan here.

VPS Fast Facts

Vancouver Public Schools is a vibrant and diverse district serving about 20,000 students across the Vancouver, Washington, community.

178 School
Days

District Size: 58 square miles

23 Elementary Schools (K-5)

6 Middle Schools
(6-8)

5 Comprehensive High Schools

A pathway for each student

  • Neighborhood and Comprehensive Schools – Traditional option for most students; close to home; opportunities to build relationships and a strong community

  • Science, Math & Technology – Prepares students for college-level study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics

  • Construction Trades – Builds skills needed for direct entry into the construction field or an apprenticeship program.

  • Advanced Manufacturing – Builds technical knowledge and skills for careers in manufacturing, welding and fabrication.

  • Medical Arts – A three-year program that focuses on building knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for careers in the healthcare field.

  • Culinary Arts – Extensive hands-on opportunities in all areas surrounding catering events and food service.

  • Dual-language programs and schools – Teach students to become bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural.

  • International Baccalaureate – A worldwide college and career prep program with an internationally-designed curriculum.

  • Vancouver Innovation, Technology and Arts Elementary (VITA) – Project-based learning with a focus on innovation, technology, arts and the development of downtown community partnerships that enhance student learning.

  • iTech Preparatory – STEM-focused combining science, technology, engineering and math with liberal arts by integrating art and design principles into research and problem-based learning.

  • Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (VSAA) – Comprehensive middle school and high school where the arts are not just part of the curriculum, they are at the heart of the educational experience.

  • Flex Academy – Combines face-to-face instruction, differentiated instruction and project-based learning to prepare students for college, career, and life readiness

Tailored learning options:

  • Virtual Learning Academy
  • Vancouver Home Connection

  • Open Doors re-engagement program for students ages 16-21

  • Flex Academy

  • IMPACT

  • Back on Track

  • Success Academy

A diverse community of students & staff

  • More than 21,900 Students Enrolled

  • 83.6% Four-Year Graduation Rate (2024)

  • 52.1% Qualify as low income

  • 100+ Languages Spoken

  • 17.6% Receive Special Education Services

  • 1,500+ Receive Highly Capable Services

  • 3,700+ Participate in Choice or Language Programs (K-12)

  • 2,900 Staff

  • 1,350 Classroom Teachers (2024-25)

  • 13.4 Average years of experience

  • 80.4% Hold a master’s degree

  • 23.8 Average Class Size

  • 17:1 Average Student-Staff Ratio

VPS believes in a student-centered community

We have 6 or more community advisory groups that we meet with regularly for input and guidance as part of our decision-making processes.

Learn more about our decision-making processes by exploring big decisions we’ve made in partnership with our students, staff and community:

Strategic Plan

Budget Challenge 2024-25

Hate and Bias Protocol

Levy

Start Times

Cell Phone Policy