Magnet Schools

​Magnet Schools Overview

Magnet Programs

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

Equity Defined

Educational equity means that each child receives what he or she needs to develop to his or her full academic and social potential. Source: National Equity Project

Recommendations to the Superintendent

The Magnet School Steering Committee met four times over the past eight months. The committee also held a community forum to gather feedback on the program. The committee is progressing according to the timeline. The co-chairs of the committee (Julie Kelly and Sam Stavis) just presented the official  recommendation from the committee to the Superintendent and School Board in public session at the November 14, 2019 School Board meeting. Click HERE to view the presentation slide deck.

Official Magnet School Steering Committee Recommendations 2019:
  • Equity/Access: Create an Annual Fall Magnet School Data Report to the School Board in order to communicate trends and improve transparency across the district.
  • Fiscal: An improved application that is more streamlined and easier to navigate to ensure students and families have continued access to VUSD schools across the county.
  • Communication: Creation of a modern, organized, equitable system of communication about/for/to ALL members of the community about Programs/Schools/Educational Opportunities in VUSD; including Magnets.

Magnet School Steering Committee

Meeting Agendas

May 7, 2019

 June 13, 2019

September 19, 2019

  • Agenda (traducción próxima)

  • Resources

  • Talking Points

09.2019 Magnet School Meeting

December 19, 2019

  • Agenda

  • Resources

  • Talking Points

March 19, 2020

  • Agenda

  • Resources

  • Talking Points

June 11, 2020

  • Agenda

  • Resources

  • Talking Points

We Want Your Feedback

Magnet School Steering Committee

The Magnet School Steering Committee is designed to be used as a formal venue to promote program enhancements, ensure equitable access for all students, gather data on program impact, and provide feedback to the Superintendent and School Board on magnet school support and continuous improvement.

Committee Charter Details

  • Mission: Promotion of magnet school programs with equitable access for all students
  • Authority: Advisory to Superintendent and School Board
  • Responsibilities: TBD
  • Composition: The committee is comprised of students, parents, teachers, administrators.  

Frequency: Quarterly

  • May 7, 2019
  • June 13, 2019
  • September 19, 2019
  • December 19, 2019
  • March 19, 2020
  • June 11, 2020

Location: Vista Innovation Center, Conference Center

Magnet School Data First Look

Magnet School Application Data

Datos de Solicitud para las Escuelas Magnet Primera Revisión
Datos de Solicitud para las Escuelas Magnet

Magnet School Research

Magnet School Research

Committee Agenda Structure

  • Status of Magnet Schools (Lightning Round)
    • Each school sends a rep (principal, teacher, other) to provide a brief update on the highlights of the program over the past three months.
  • Topic Focus
    • Building Equity
    • Promoting to All
    • Tracking Impact
    • Pathways
  • Feedback
  • Talking Points
  • Sprint Teams

Norms:

  • Practice empathy
  • Centered on VUSD Framework for the Future
  • Focus on student
  • Mutual commitment to outcomes
  • Actively participate in person
  • Seek first to understand
  • Work collaboratively to identify solution options