VALLEY INQUIRY CHARTER SCHOOL

Valley Inquiry Charter School is a public charter elementary school that is part of the Salem-Keizer SD 24J school district, located in Salem, OR with about 167 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. With about 7 teachers, Valley Inquiry Charter School has a student/teacher ratio of about 23:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Valley Inquiry Charter School (VICS), located in Salem, Oregon, is a public charter school within the Salem-Keizer School District that serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is distinguished by its commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, an inquiry-based curriculum designed to foster global-mindedness, critical thinking, and academic rigor. By focusing on conceptual learning, VICS encourages students to take an active role in their education, connecting classroom lessons to real-world challenges and diverse perspectives.

Beyond its academic framework, Valley Inquiry emphasizes the importance of community and social-emotional development. The school prides itself on maintaining a close-knit environment where students are encouraged to become "inquirers" who are knowledgeable, caring, and reflective. Through a blend of student-led projects, collaborative learning, and a focus on essential life skills, VICS aims to prepare its students not only for middle school success but also to be responsible, engaged citizens in a global society.

For more information, contact Valley Inquiry Charter School at (503) 399-3150 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.