1:1 Chromebooks
VIDA was a 1:1 school from the beginning. That means we have been doing it longer than almost everyone. This also means that students are checked out a Chromebook when they register, and we expect students to keep them in their possession until they leave VIDA. This means students can always be connected to the Internet doing research, exploring and collaborating. Insurance is available through VUSD for $20/year.
Design Labs
The core of our magnet experience is through unique opportunities specifically designed for students to develop their creativity, provide them technical skills & experience, and to actively engage in the Design Thinking process. Such Design Labs themes include: Game Design, Comedy Sketch, Skateboard Design, Sculpture/Ceramics, NASA Space Exploration, Entrepreneurship, Architecture, Rocketry & Flight, Robotics, Pintrest Creations, Psychology, Computer Technologies, Video Production, Photography, Innovative Garden Design, Wearable Technology, Coding, Creative Writing, Jewelry Design, Digital Music Design, Cryptozoology, Sea Perch Robotics, Hacker Scouts, Graphic Novels, and more!
Through these Design Labs, students participate in rotations for different experiences that build their strengths as designers and innovators. All students receive formal Public Speaking training. In addition, we use a rotation model to get students to work in our Qualcomm Thinkabit Replication Lab doing creative engineering feats!
iStudio and/or Qualcomm Thinkabit Replication Lab
At the center of our campus is a 1334 sq foot space where students are encouraged to explore, create, play, tinker, try and make as they explore innovative design efforts.
6th Grade Transition
6th grade students will gradually assimilate into middle school by interacting with other grades before school, after school, and in their Elective or Intervention classes. Each grade level has a separate lunch period, separate Design Lab period, and 6th grade students will all be scheduled into 6th grade PE together.
Strengths, Interests, and Values
Our schedule allows students a "touching-base" time to connect deeper with our Strengths, Interests, and Values. Students maintain a Personal Brand Website, and all 8th Graders produce a professional 8th Grade Resume documenting what they have done, what they can do, to help guide their aspirations for the future.
Inclusive
We offer an inclusive magnet model for all students. We offer robust, engaging and exciting course offerings in the S.T.E.M. subjects, the Humanities, and the Creative Arts. Like the most successful design firms in the world, we believe in the brilliance of joining together the minds, strengths and talents of diverse people in order to create the richest learning experience possible for students.
Wellness
As an aspect of design, we offer a unique and innovative Physical Education experience for students. Because of our block schedule, we are able to revolutionize the way "PE" is approached and make a true Wellness experience.Students are able to choose from Dance PE, Aquatic PE, and Wellness that focuses on team sports, and fitness.
Innovative Scheduling
We offer a hybrid block schedule to maximize the learning time for all students. The schedule provides the necessary time for teachers and students to dig deep into their learning experiences. Students will see all of their teachers on Late Start Mondays, and then they will see their teachers every other day Tuesday-Friday. The exception is the student's Design Lab teacher. Design Labs meet 5 days a week.
