OUR PHILOSOPHY
Vibrant Minds Charter School is a TK through 6th grade, free, public charter school. The school first opened on Monday, August 17, 2015, as GOALS Academy. Through a material revision of our renewed charter in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, our school's name has been changed to Vibrant Minds Charter School. We are no longer under the umbrella of GOALS Inc. While providing a rigorous academic program, there is also a focus on discovering scholars’ interests and talents and transforming them into strengths through mentoring and character development. In order to provide this personalized mentoring, the school has a commitment to remain small, with a current enrollment of 240 and a future maximum enrollment of 468.
Our charter was initially approved by the Anaheim Elementary School District for the 2015-2016 school year, and it was renewed for the next eight years beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. All teachers are fully credentialed. To provide additional support to the scholars, a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) is assigned to every two grade levels. Each classroom is also assigned a 5.5-hour instructional assistant. Furthermore, volunteer support from parents, university students, and community members is cultivated to reduce the adult:scholar ratio.
Our charter was initially approved by the Anaheim Elementary School District for the 2015-2016 school year, and it was renewed for the next eight years beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. All teachers are fully credentialed. To provide additional support to the scholars, a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) is assigned to every two grade levels. Each classroom is also assigned a 5.5-hour instructional assistant. Furthermore, volunteer support from parents, university students, and community members is cultivated to reduce the adult:scholar ratio.
IMPORTANCE OF ENRICHMENT
Vibrant Minds Charter School provides a highly enriched program during the school day, as well as after school. During the school day, our scholars exercise and develop an appreciation of and skills in the arts and sciences taught by specialists. For TK, P.E. (Physical Education) and VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) are integrated into the daily curriculum. The kindergarten through Grade 6 schedule for P.E. (Physical Education) and VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) during the school day is as follows, and each session is 45 minutes in length:
Because we believe authentic and meaningful learning experiences need to occur beyond the fences of a school, each class participates in at least three field trips that are closely linked to the grade level's curriculum. Teachers will share field trip plans at Back-to-School Night. If additional field trip opportunities arise, there may be more than three field trips offered to a grade level.
After school, there are four different programs to choose from.
- Monday -- Physical Fitness
- Tuesday -- Visual Art
- Wednesday -- Computer Skills and Digital Citizenship
- Thursday -- Music Appreciation and Vocal Application
- Friday -- Physical Fitness
Because we believe authentic and meaningful learning experiences need to occur beyond the fences of a school, each class participates in at least three field trips that are closely linked to the grade level's curriculum. Teachers will share field trip plans at Back-to-School Night. If additional field trip opportunities arise, there may be more than three field trips offered to a grade level.
After school, there are four different programs to choose from.
- Little Labs -- Free program for Grades TK-2 available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. There is flexibility in terms of days and schedules.
- Little Labs ASES -- Free program for Grades TK-2 funded through an ASES Grant. This is for scholars who consistently attend the after-school program Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Big Labs Electives -- Free program for Grades 3-6 available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. with three elective time blocks featuring VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), life skills, and homework support. There is flexibility in terms of days and schedules using an elective format.
- Big Labs ASES -- Free program for Grades 3-6 funded through an ASES Grant. This is for scholars who consistently attend the after-school program Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. They have access to the electives on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then, on Tuesday and Thursday there is a focus on Project-based learning.
INFORMATIONAL BROCHURES
Choosing a school for your child is an important process. We have put together a series of brochures so you can learn about what sets us apart from other schools. Through the brochures, you will capture a glimpse of our foundational philosophies, teaching/learning strategies and resources, and enriching experiences. Above all, we hope you can discern that we are a co-created school with the support of scholars, staff, and parents, and we care. As a parent once said, "We are a family dressed up like a school."
