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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.  

Important Information

Lottery Results:

Magnet Policies state that parents/guardians have three business days to accept or decline offers.  

  • Results for Casita Center and Vista Academy were released April 26, 2024.

  • Results for Mission Vista High School were released on Friday, March 15, 2024.
  • Results for VIDA and Vista Magnet Middle School were released on Friday, March 22, 2024.

Parents were able to log into their School Mint parent account to view results.

Elementary Magnet Schools

Grades K-5

Casita Center

Vista Academy

VUSD uses the SchoolMint platform for parents to submit magnet schools applications. You may access the platform by clicking the link: vistausd.schoolmint.com/login

All applications received during the application window result in the same chance of admissions, there is no time-order preference.

The lottery for Casita Center for Science, Technology & Math and Vista Academy of Visual & Performing Arts was held on April 12, 2024.

Secondary Magnet Schools

Vista Magnet Middle School (VMMS) 6 - 8th grade

Vista Innovation Design Academy (VIDA) 6 - 8th grade

Mission Vista High School (MVHS) 9 - 12th grade

VUSD uses the School Mint platform for parents to submit magnet schools applications. You may access the platform by clicking the link:  vistausd.schoolmint.com/login

All applications received during the application window result in the same chance of admissions, there is no time-order preference. The application window for secondary magnet schools is now closed.

The magnet school lottery for secondary schools was held on Friday, March 8, 2024. Over 2,300 applications were received for our secondary school openings. This Friday, March 15, results for Mission Vista High School will be released through School Mint, our online platform.

Results for VIDA and Vista Magnet Middle School will be released on Friday, March 22nd. Parents will be able to log into their School Mint parent account to view results. 

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!

Live Stream

English Live Stream for both March 8th and April 12th

Spanish Live Stream for both March 8th and April 12th

Once the results are available, parents/guardians will have the ability to view them on the School Mint platform.

How to Apply:

Please note that the magnet school application window for the 24-25 school year is now closed.

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 24-25 Magnet School lottery.

2. Submit the magnet application.

*You must submit separate applications if applying for multiple students (ex: siblings).