Use creativity to explore ideas and solve real-world problems.

About the program

VITA is a project-based learning school of choice with a focus on innovation, technology, arts and the development of downtown community partnerships that enhance student learning.

Students will develop 21st-century skills in:

critical thinking
collaboration
creativity
innovation
communication

VITA is a K-5 elementary school. Kindergarten through second grade will be a child-led, hands-on and discovery-based learning model, based on the Reggio Emilia Approach®. This approach values the uniqueness of every child and is based on the belief there are many ways children best learn and express themselves. The program also centers the child’s five senses (hearing, smelling, touching, seeing and taste). As a result, VITA’s learning spaces are larger, more open and filled with more natural materials than in more traditional settings.

The project-based learning model is unique and this will be one of only a small number of schools with this model in the state of Washington.

Transportation is provided to all students in the VPS district.

Learn about the VITA experience

Profile of a successful VITA student

Critical Thinker

defines and approaches problems and situations from many different viewpoints and analyze possible solutions

Collaborative

open to being a contributing team member who can work with others towards a shared goal

Innovative

willing to take risks and offer creative, even quirky ideas

Communicative

conveys ideas to people of varied backgrounds, including those who have less or more technical expertise

Creative

uses skill and imagination to explore different ideas and take risks

Apply

VITA applications are open for KING, ROOSEVELT and OGDEN students because enrollment spots have not been filled even though the lottery has closed. As a result, parents from those neighborhood schools have additional time to apply for their child to attend VITA.

Please submit your application and entry into the lottery no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 12.

Questions?

Frequently asked questions

Where is the school located?

VITA is located at 1111 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98661. Being near downtown Vancouver will help us establish community partnerships with downtown businesses and organizations.

The school does not have any “neighborhood boundaries” and all students in the VPS district are invited to apply.

How can I learn more about whether VITA is right for my child?

You are encouraged to explore VITA and attend an Open House on March 15, at 5:00 p.m. Spanish and Russian interpreters will be present. Please RSVP using this form.

How do I apply?

To apply for admission to the school, please complete this form. Applications open on February 21, 2023 and close on March 16, 2023.

What is the timeline and selection process?

Timeline
Applications open on February 21, 2023 and close March 16th. Offers go out no sooner than March 24th, 2023. Students must accept or decline by April 24th, 2023.

Selection process
There are roughly 50 spots per grade level in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade and 5th grade.

VITA uses a blind lottery system for student acceptance

Each VPS elementary will have a designated number of openings based on the student’s neighborhood school’s community population size and risk factors.

Related to this lottery, the Vancouver Public Schools board approved a new equity-based selection policy for choice schools and programs of choice during their Feb. 14, 2023 meeting. The rationale for the policy change states: “The district’s magnet program policy and procedure are revised to reflect the board’s goal of providing enrichment and equity in choice schools and programs for all students.”

Based on this, the selection process for all programs of choice, secondary and elementary, will allot a designated number of openings based on the student’s neighborhood school’s population size and factors of that school community. This selection process is an effort to assure the enrollment within programs of choice mirror those of the district.

Do you have to reapply each year once you’re in?

Once your student is accepted to attend VITA, they will continue in the program at the school through grade 5. It is not necessary to reapply every year.

Is transportation provided?

Yes. Students in the VPS district are provided transportation to VITA.