Magnet school programs’ application period to begin

The application period for career-specific and college-readiness programs in Vancouver Public Schools will open at 4 p.m. Jan. 12 for the 2015-16 school year.

Middle school and high school students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of full-day and half-day magnet programs and programs of choice. The programs allow students to explore their interests and gain the knowledge and skills needed for college and careers.

Current sixth- through 11th-graders may apply for any of the following programs that serve their grade level:

• International Baccalaureate at Columbia River High School (grades 9-12): A worldwide honors program with an internationally designed curriculum stressing the importance of expertise in all academic areas that helps students develop critical-thinking and research skills.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. Feb. 9.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St.

• Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (grades 6-12): Interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the arts — visual arts, dance, literary arts, moving image arts, music and theater — and rigorous academics.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. Feb. 9.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at VSAA, 3101 Main St.

• Vancouver iTech Preparatory (grades 6-12): For students interested in science, technology, engineering and math. The middle school is at the Jim Parsley Community Center, and the high school is at the Clark College Building on the Washington State University Vancouver campus.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 or Feb. 19 at the Jim Parsley Community Center, 4100 Plomondon St.

• Vancouver Flex Academy at Lewis and Clark High School (grades 9-12): Blends online education on individual student laptops with student-created schedules, face-to-face instruction from teachers and small group work.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 or Feb. 26 at Vancouver Flex Academy, 2901 General Anderson Ave.

• Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies (grades 9-12): The center will develop students’ global competence by asking them to investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate their ideas and take action to make a difference in the community and the world.

Application: None required. All students who attend the school beginning this fall will participate in the program.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

• Medical Arts at Fort Vancouver High School (grades 9-12): Introduces students to the expanding field of health care, with a curriculum rooted in health, wellness, science, math, technology and medicine.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

• Culinary Arts at Fort Vancouver High School (grades 10-12): Hands-on opportunities in catering, restaurant management and food service offer real-world job experience while developing leadership and job skills.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

• Welding/Fabrication Technology at Fort Vancouver High School (grades 10-12): Provides students with the technical knowledge and skills to pursue machining, welding and related careers.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

• Architecture, Construction and Environmental Services at Hudson’s Bay High School (grades 9-12): Hands-on experience for students who are interested in horticulture, natural resources, ecology, architecture and related fields.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

• Science, Mathematics and Technology at Skyview High School (grades 9-12): A program featuring rigorous science, math and technology content asks students to solve difficult problems using a hands-on approach.

Application deadline: 10 p.m. March 6.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at Skyview High School, 1300 N.W. 139th St.

Enrollment in these programs is free, but students must apply for admission in most cases. Applications should be submitted at www.vansd.org between 4 p.m. Jan. 12 and the program deadline. The link to the online application will appear in the “events” section of the home page on Jan. 12. Admission is based on qualifications, and not on the order in which the application is received. Applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline.

Students who live within Vancouver Public Schools’ boundaries will be given priority over students from other districts. Transportation is provided for in-district students.

Acceptance letters will be mailed March 13. Students who are not accepted may be placed on a waiting list.

Learn more at the district’s website, by attending an open house or by contacting the school.