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.
Lottery Results:
Magnet Policies state that parents/guardians have three business days to accept or decline offers.
Results will be shared exclusively with applicants via the SchoolMint platform.
VIDA, VMMS, Mission Vista High
Lottery results released March 14, 2025
VAPA and Casita Center
Lottery results released March 21, 2025
Access your SchoolMint account here
Click on flyer to expand and view in Spanish
Important Information
- Policies and Procedures
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I remain on the waitlist and pursue an Intradistrict Application?
- Application Support
- Magnet School Roadshows and Tours
Policies and Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remain on the waitlist and pursue an Intradistrict Application?
Application Support
Magnet School Roadshows and Tours
2025-26 Magnet Schools Application Window
The application window for the 2025-26 school year opened January 8, 2025, and is now closed.
Application Closure Dates:
- 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
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.
Magnet Lottery Live Stream
Our live lottery streaming will not announce student names. Results will be shared exclusively with applicants via the SchoolMint platform. You can view the Live Stream by clicking on the links below. These links will be the same for both the secondary lottery and the elementary lottery. Once the results are available, parents/guardians will have the ability to view them on the School Mint platform.
- Secondary Lottery: Held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
- Elementary Lottery: Held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Click the links below to view the recordings
How to Apply:
Please note that the application window for the current school year (24-25) and for 2025-26 is now closed.
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).
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
