VUSD Magnet Application

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.

In This Section

2025-26 Application Window

Applications window is OPEN:

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 8:00 AM

Link to SchoolMint Application

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

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.

Important Information

Policies and Procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I accept a Magnet School offer and still pursue an Intradistrict Application?

Once you accept an offer to attend a magnet school, your request for an Intradistrict Transfer will be automatically revoked.

If you are accepted on an Intradistrict Transfer to a different neighborhood school, your acceptance to a magnet school or your position on a magnet school waiting list will be automatically revoked.

Please visit the Enrollment and Transfers page for more information.

Application Support

Magnet School Roadshows and Tours

Each of the 5 Magnet Schools will provide extra opportunities for families to get to know their programs during the Application Window.

Please contact the school(s) you are interested in applying to for more information regarding tours.

Casita Tour Sign Ups 2025

VAPA Tour Sign Ups 2025

Casita Center and Vista Academy Information Nights

VIDA Information Nights

VMMS Information Nights

MVHS School Tours (English Flyer)

MVHS School Tours (Spanish Flyer)

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.

How to Apply:

VUSD uses the SchoolMint platform for parents to submit magnet schools applications.

Click here - Link to SchoolMint application platform.

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.

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.

VAPA and Casita Center

Lottery results released March 21, 2025

VIDA, VMMS, Mission Vista High

Lottery results released March 14, 2025

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.

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