Magnet Schools Overview
The Vista Unified magnet school programs were designed to both inspire and challenge students to engage in learning environments that are focused on unique pathways aligned to the growing demands of an increasingly complex global society and workforce economy. Please use this website to explore the options and follow our collective efforts to make the magnet school experience world-class.
Magnet School Purpose
Magnet schools are visionary, innovative and are free and open to anyone. Due to high demand, most schools determine student acceptance by a lottery system. The idea of magnet schools began in 1971, and in 1975, the term “magnet” had caught on so well in four short years the federal government was using the term. Today, magnet schools have emerged as educational beacons in communities, incorporating themed curricula, hands-on, experiential learning, and a diverse tapestry of students and academic requirements that often exceed those of the school district or state. Source: Magnet Schools of America
Magnet School Historical Overview
The creation of magnet schools in Vista Unified was first conceptualized about 30 years ago, with the intent of complying with California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Chapter 7 to "alleviate the racial and ethnic segregation." To this end, the Vista School Board of Trustees directed the creation of an Elementary Attendance Area Committee on February 14, 1991. This committee was responsible for the creation of the first two magnet schools in the district (VAPA and Casita) through the design of the Voluntary Integration Plan. These two magnet schools were officially approved by the Board on August 15, 1991 and held their first classes in 1992-93. In the years since its inception, the magnet school program has grown slowly, converting Lincoln Middle into Vista Magnet Middle School in 2007, Mission Vista High School in 2009, and Washington Middle School into Vista Innovation & Design Academy in August 2014. Today, more than 4,000 students attend magnet schools in Vista Unified. Click HERE to view a detailed archive of the magnet school development process.