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Welcome to VISTA Education Center

At VISTA Education Center, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for special education students. As a Federal Setting IV facility, we offer specialized programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our goal is to empower students by valuing their individual talents and abilities, providing personalized educational experiences, and fostering an environment where every student can thrive. We envision a future where every student can thrive.  We envision a future where all students, regardless of their abilities, are equipped with the skills, confidence, and independence they need to achieve their full potential. This setting caters to students with significant disabilities who require intensive, individualized support that cannot be adequately provided in less restrictive environments. Some of the key components of setting IV program includes:

  • Specialized staff, including special education teachers, therapists (speech, occupational, physical), and behavioral specialists who are trained to address complex needs.
  • Access to specialized equipment and materials that support the educational and developmental goals of students with significant disabilities.
  • Higher staff-to-student ratio, allowing for more personalized and intensive support.
  • Structured environments that are crucial for students with severe disabilities, promoting safety and stability.
  • Customized to focus on both academic learning and essential life skills, such as communication, social interaction, and self-care.
  • Emphasis on functional skills prepares students for greater independence. 

School News

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Group of Students in hijabs
Salam Club Hosts Iftar Night

On March 27, Salam Club hosted Iftar Night to celebrate the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. During

Five FPS staff standing in front of a screen in professional clothes
FPS Shines at MASA/MASE Spring Conference

This week, District Leaders had the opportunity to connect with superintendents, administrators, and educational leaders from across the state at the MASA/MASE Spring Conference.

Four photos in the FHS Chinese classroom handing out food to students
Learning to Live Greener – with Help from ZIRAN

Last Friday, March 21, we welcomed the founder of the ZIRAN organization to Fridley High School to speak with our Chinese language students about environmental protection. ZIRAN focuses on helping people understand how to take part in protecting the environment through practical, everyday habits—like recycling correctly, reducing waste, and using energy wisely.

Steve Holt Employee Excellence Award
Employee of Excellence - Steve Holt

Fridley Public Schools is proud to recognize Steve Holt, IB History Teacher at Fridley High School and Fridley Youth in Government (YIG) Advisor, as our latest Employee of Excellence!

Athena Award: Honoring Excellence in Athletics
Athena Award: Honoring Excellence in Athletics

What is the Athena Award?
The Athena Award recognizes one senior girl from each participating school who has demonstrated outstanding individual athletic achievement or excellence in one or more sports.

A mother and daughter pose for a photo.
National African American Parent Involvement Day 2025

Hayes Elementary, Stevenson Elementary and Fridley Middle School invited parents and guardians to have lunch with their students on Feb 10 as a part of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID). NAAPID was created by Joe Dulin, an educator and principal from Ann Arbor Public Schools, in 1995 as a call to action to get parents more involved in their students’ education.

Group of four people play heads and tails while Stephen Keeler emcees game.
Fridley Schools Foundation raises more than $28,000 at annual Black & Gold Gala

The Fridley Schools Foundation raised more than $28,000 at its annual Black & Gold Gala at Jax Cafe on Thursday, January 30. The event was emceed by Stephen Keeler, Director of Community Education. Attendees were able to help raise money for the foundation through various avenues, such as a silent auction, a Plinko board game, a heads/tails game, and Fund a Need, which gives attendees the opportunity to directly pledge money to the organization.

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