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Vancouver district’s magnet schools prep for applications

Prospective students can apply for 2016-2017 beginning 4 p.m. Tuesday

By Susan Parrish, Columbian Education Reporter
Published: January 11, 2016, 6:01am
3 Photos
Biology students Gabe McMahon, left, and Michael Lovine dissect sheep brains at Skyview High School in 2015. NW Noggin, a nonprofit organization of volunteer neuroscientists, brought the sheep brains to the class for dissection. Lovine covered his face with his t-shirt to mask the smell.
Biology students Gabe McMahon, left, and Michael Lovine dissect sheep brains at Skyview High School in 2015. NW Noggin, a nonprofit organization of volunteer neuroscientists, brought the sheep brains to the class for dissection. Lovine covered his face with his t-shirt to mask the smell. (Natalie Behring/The Columbian files) Photo Gallery

It is time for middle and high school students interested in attending one of Vancouver Public Schools’ magnet programs or programs of choice during the 2016-2017 school year to submit applications. Current fifth- through 11th-graders may apply for any of the programs that serve the grade they will be in next school year.

Magnet programs are full-day programs with a themed focus across all content areas. Programs of choice are half-day programs that provide a concentrated focus in a particular area. Programs can help students explore their interests and gain the knowledge and skills needed for college and careers. Areas of interest include arts; science, technology, engineering and math; medical arts; culinary arts; welding; architecture; construction; environmental services; International Baccalaureate and more.

Enrollment in magnet programs and programs of choice is free, but students must apply for admission. Recommendations or counselor approval may be required.

Applications should be submitted at www.vansd.org/choices between 4 p.m. Tuesday and the program-specific deadlines noted below. Admission is based on qualifications, not the order in which the application is received. Applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline.

Priority is given to students who live within Vancouver Public School boundaries, although students from other districts may apply. Transportation is provided only for in-district students to and from their home school to the magnet school. Transportation is not provided for students who live in other school districts.

Acceptance letters will be mailed on March 11. Students who are not accepted to a program may be placed on a waiting list.

Parents and students can learn more about the district’s magnet programs by attending an open house or via one of the ways outlined below.

International Baccalaureate at Columbia River High School

International Baccalaureate is a worldwide honors program with an internationally designed curriculum emphasizing the importance of expertise in all academic areas. Students will develop critical-thinking and research skills that will facilitate their success in college and within the larger global society. In order to be accepted, students must have completed Algebra I by the end of eighth grade and have received an A or B grade. Once accepted into the program, students must study a world language in addition to meeting other academic requirements.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application deadline: 4 p.m. Feb. 8.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/ib, talk to a school counselor, email river.ib@vansd.org or call 360-313-3900.

Vancouver School of Arts and Academics

VSAA offers rigorous academics and an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on the arts — visual arts, dance, literary arts, moving image arts, music and theater.

Grades: Six through 12.

Application and recommendations deadline: 4 p.m. Feb. 8.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at VSAA, 3101 Main St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/vsaa or arts.vansd.org, talk to a school counselor, email vsaa.arts@vansd.org or call 360-313-4600.

Vancouver iTech Preparatory

This is a project-based comprehensive program 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.

Grades: Six through 12.

Application deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 or 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Jim Parsley Community Center, 4100 Plomondon St. Interested parents and students must attend one open house.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/itech or itech.vansd.org or email itech@vansd.org or call iTech Prep’s middle school counselor or program coordinator at 360-313-5200 or high school counselor or program coordinator at 360-992-6021.

Vancouver Flex Academy

Vancouver Flex Academy blends online education on individual student laptop computers with student-created schedules, face-to-face instruction from teachers and small group work.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 or 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Vancouver Flex Academy, 2901 General Anderson Ave.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/flex or flex.vansd.org, talk to a school counselor, email vfa.flex@vansd.org or call 360-313-4350.

Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies

The Center for International Studies 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.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application: No application required. All students who attend Fort Vancouver High School participate in the program.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/cis, talk to a school counselor, email allison.darke@vansd.org or call 360-313-4000.

Medical Arts at Fort Vancouver High School

The Medical Arts magnet introduces students to the expanding field of health care with curriculum rooted in health, wellness, science, math, technology and medicine.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application and recommendations deadline: 4 p.m. March 4

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/medical, talk to a school counselor, email fort.medical@vansd.org or call 360-313-4000.

Culinary Arts at Fort Vancouver High School

Extensive hands-on opportunities in catering, restaurant management and food service offer Culinary Arts students real-world job experiences while developing leadership and job skills.

Grades: 10 through 12.

Application and counselor approval deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/culinary, talk to a school counselor, email fort.culinary@vansd.org or call 360-313-4000.

Welding/Fabrication Technology at Fort Vancouver High School

The Welding/Fabrication Technology program provides students with the technical knowledge and skills to pursue machining, welding and related careers.

Grades: 10 through 12.

Application and counselor approval deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/welding, talk to a school counselor, email fort.welding@vansd.org or call 360-313-4000.

Bay ACES (Architecture, Construction and Environmental Services) at Hudson’s Bay High School

The ACES magnet offers a hands-on experience for students who are interested in horticulture, natural resources, ecology, architecture and related fields.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/aces, talk to a school counselor, email bay.aces@vansd.org or call 360-313-4400.

Science, Mathematics, Technology at Skyview High School

The SMT program challenges students with rigorous science, math, and technology content to solve problems using a hands-on approach.

Grades: Nine through 12.

Application and recommendation deadline: 4 p.m. March 4.

Open house: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Skyview High School, 1300 N.W. 139th St.

Learn more: http://vansd.org/choices/smt or http://skyview.vansd.org/SMT, talk to a school counselor, email skyview.smt@vansd.org or call 360-313-4200.

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Columbian Education Reporter