Our School
Valley Inquiry Charter School is a free K–8 public charter school in Salem, Oregon, sponsored by the Salem-Keizer Public Schools District (24J). As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, VICS provides an inquiry-based learning environment where students are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, explore new ideas, take action, and grow as internationally minded, lifelong learners.
Admission is open to any student in the Salem-Keizer School District through a lottery system.
Our Vision
Develop internationally minded, lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide an environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities can share in the joy and discovery of each day; acquire the skills to approach new problems thoughtfully and creatively; develop an appreciation and understanding of other cultures and traditions; and become actively engaged in their communities.
Our Mission
Inquiry-Based Learning
Valley Inquiry focuses on an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. This means that students have agency over their learning, with teachers serving as guides to help them as they inquire into the world around them.
International Mindedness
Valley Inquiry emphasizes internationalism, multiculturalism, and global-mindedness. We embrace diversity as an important construct that helps to shape the world around us.
Enriched Curriculum
Valley Inquiry creates a solid and challenging curriculum that is enriched by music, Spanish instruction, and the arts.
Nurturing Learning Community
Valley Inquiry is a small, nurturing environment rooted in the IB Attributes that help define us as an IB community.
School Colors: Black & Yellow
School Mascot: Cheetah
Our History
Valley Inquiry first opened as Baker Charter School in Fall 2005, serving students in grades K–2. Each year, the school added an additional grade level, and in Fall 2008, Baker Charter School graduated its first fifth-grade class.
In March 2010, the school became the first public elementary school in the Pacific Northwest to be authorized as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School. Shortly after, Baker Charter School changed its name to Valley Inquiry Charter School to better reflect the school’s values, mission, and inquiry-based approach to learning.
In October 2025, Valley Inquiry Charter School entered candidacy to become an authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) World School. With the addition of MYP, students now have the opportunity to continue through a full K–12 IB pathway, from the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme at VICS to the Diploma Programme offered at South Salem High School and North Salem High School.