The Vancouver School District realizes that not every student learns the same. While the basics still need to be covered, many students find that non-traditional ways of learning not only help them keep pace, but excel. Many other students need to be challenged with rigorous academic programs while others still find learning a trade will help them later in life.
That’s why the Vancouver School District offers several different choices for their students. Here are a few of the options:
• Architecture, Construction and Environmental Services (ACES)
• Culinary Arts
• Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies (CIS)
Architecture, Construction and Environmental Services – Full-Day Magnet
Housed at Hudson’s Bay High School, ACES “offers a unique experience for students who are interested in horticulture, natural resources, ecology, architecture and related fields.” Working with a solar-powered treatment facility, using mushrooms to break down paper, and holding an annual plant sale in the spring are just a few of the ways ACES give students a chance at hands-on learning. The school tackles other complex subjects as well, ranging from the future of fossil fuels to city planning.
Go to http://vansd.org/choices/aces/ to learn about the application process.
Culinary Arts – Half-day program of choice
Aspiring cooks, caterers, and restauranteurs would be wise to check out the Culinary Arts option at Fort Vancouver High School. The half-day program gives students a taste of what it’s like to prepare food as well as teach skills needed to cater professionally or enter the restaurant management business.
Students gain experience through catering jobs, working in the Food Court Lunch Program at Fort Vancouver, or interning at the Jim Parsely Center. Much of the program is hands on as students work alongside chefs to learn techniques they can use and out of the kitchen.
Go to http://vansd.org/choices/culinary/ to learn about the application process.
Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies (CIS) – Full-day magnet
Another magnet option at Fort Vancouver High School is International Studies, which focuses on learning about global issues and offers expanded language options. Students will also become aware of learning opportunities both here at home as well as overseas.
CIS students will gain skills to research local and global problems, learn how different perspectives affect global events and communicate to diverse audiences with the goal of increasing understanding and collaboration.
Go to http://vansd.org/choices/cis/ to learn about the application process.