Vancouver School of Arts and Academics

Its a sham. I don't believe this school should be allowed to rate children. Lots of very dissapointed children , which I understand is how life is... But most the of the children that we know who made it in dont even care fir the arts. Infact, one of them complained because he was being "made" to go by his parents & they have no sports!! Where as my neighbors child who loves the arts couldnt get in. I dont know how they pick and choose their students, but it deffinetely isnt based on passion for arts or even talent. Its ridiculous! Anyone who recommends this school is a parent whos kid "got in" for "who knows" what reason? Sorry but I really do think it should be based on "talent" to get in. As for the neighbor boy...I feel AWFUL for him. :( Hes not interested in the arts...he wants sports... but his parents are forcing him to go. Very well played VSAA. I love how you "seem" to know who fits in your school & who doesnt. Bravo!

I have gone to VSAA for 2 year. i used to be bullied and picked on because i was a dancer. VSAA is a whole different environment. they welcome everyone no matter who you are. For me getting here is one of the best things that ever happened to me.

VSAA has proven to be the most amazing place for my child. For the first time he really fits in and loves learning. The integrated curriculum is a huge factor in this. He has been challenged to do things outside of his comfort zone and come out more confident . The staff really cares about the kids and work above and beyond to make sure every child, regardless of their learning style, has a chance to succeed. I would suggest this school but caution that the child needs to have a unique passion for the arts. It is not dependent on talent but passion. I also love how involved the parents are. This school has a very clear sense of community. I would imagine it is an ideal model for other schools to follow.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a wonderful school. Art emphasis is beautiful to see in action and test scores prove the effectiveness of the art integrated education. However, there is only one counselor for over 500 children. She does her best but it is not enough and this causes people who transfer in and those going on to college to have trouble with credits. The lack of any sports program is also an issue. No sports at all, nada. Dance is great but its not sports. The girl to boy ratio is high, up to 4 girls to 1 boy. Sometimes this is fine, other times it is not balanced. Ethnic diversity is minimal but it is Vancouver WA after all. Mr. Carr and Mr. Freeman are awesome.
--Submitted by a parent

I love this school because it teaches students to appreciate the arts as well as academics.

Because the arts are an integral part of our growth as individuals and as a culture. Here they excell at the arts!
--Submitted by a parent

VSAA it is the 2nd best art school in the US and people from England and Canada try to get in. We think students learn best when arts and academics are integrated. Vancouver School of Arts and Academics are for middle and high schoolers, 6-12 and is no ordinary school. We have Visual Art, Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Literary Arts, Moving Image Arts, Dance, and Theatre. We also have all of the classes a normal middle school has.

VSAA is the perfect school...the only thing they need improve on is sharing their model for success with more students and other schools. VanSD, why not open another Arts Magnet so that you can serve even more students this way?
--Submitted by a parent

Oldest child went to VSAA all 7 years, youngest just got in for HS. This is, by far, a great school. Teachers care. Students in general want to be there. My youngest looks forward to school and is very involved. If you can get in, do it.
--Submitted by a parent

The BEST school ever! They make it fun to learn and mix in art all the time, not to mention I've never been to a school with such great kids that are funny, artistic, and always nice!
--Submitted by a student