VUSD Magnet School Admissions
Vista Unified is excited to offer magnet school experiences to students. Magnet schools are schools of choice that operate within existing public school systems and offer specialized programs and curricula. We are fully committed to ensuring that all families have an equitable opportunity to participate in the application process.
We have five magnet schools serving elementary, middle, and high school students.
Students residing in the VUSD boundaries and students living outside of the VUSD boundaries are eligible to submit an application. The District’s magnet schools accept students without regard to disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or English Language Learner status.
2025-26 Application Window
Students residing in the VUSD boundaries and students living outside of the VUSD boundaries are eligible to submit an application.
The District’s magnet schools accept students without regard to disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or English Language Learner status.
All applications received during the application window result in the same chance of admissions, there is no time-order preference.
Applications will OPEN:
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM
The application window will CLOSE:
- Vista Innovation & Design Academy (VIDA), Vista Magnet Middle School (VMMS), and Mission Vista High (MVHS) - February 21, 2025 at 4:30 PM
- Casita Center and Vista Academy (VAPA) - March 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Important Information
- Policies and Procedures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I accept a Magnet School offer and still pursue an Intradistrict Application?
- Application Support
- Magnet School Roadshows and Tours
Policies and Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I accept a Magnet School offer and still pursue an Intradistrict Application?
Application Support
Magnet School Roadshows and Tours
Board Approves VIDA's Move to New Campus for 2025-2026
At the November 7, 2024 regular meeting of the Board of Education, the School Board voted on the date for the relocation of VIDA to its new home at 2245 Foothill Drive for the 2025-2026 school year. This move will place VIDA at the new location starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Magnet Steering Committee
The Magnet Steering Committee includes representation from magnet and non-magnet schools to provide input and guidance into the magnet school lottery process.
View the 2024-25 Running Agenda
Date and Locations
5:00 - 6:30 pm (in person)
October 23, 2024 - Vista Magnet Middle School Library
December 3, 2024 - Vista Innovation Center (VIC) Multipurpose Room
May 8, 2025- Casita Center Elementary Library
How to Apply:
VUSD uses the SchoolMint platform for parents to submit magnet schools applications.
1. Create a guardian account using SchoolMint.
*If you have previously created a SchoolMint account, you can use the same account to apply for the 2025-26 Magnet School lottery.
2. Submit the magnet application.
*You must submit separate applications if applying for multiple students (ex: siblings).
Please note that the application window for the current school year (24-25) is closed.
Magnet Lottery Live Stream
Our live lottery streaming will not announce student names. Results will be shared exclusively with applicants via the School Mint platform. Stay tuned for updates!
Once the results are available, parents/guardians will have the ability to view them on the School Mint platform.
Lottery Results:
Magnet Policies state that parents/guardians have three business days to accept or decline offers.
Parents were able to log into their School Mint parent account to view results.
