Gettysburg, PA — This January, Vida Charter School proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of empowering students through bilingual education and a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and holistic development. Since opening its doors in January 2010 with just 11 students and a small team of staff, Vida has grown into a thriving learning community where 35 dedicated staff members educate approximately 250 learners, preparing them for success in a globalized world.
Founded by Dr. April Yetsko and a passionate team, Vida was created to unite Gettysburg’s diverse community through public education. As a public charter school, Vida is open to all studens and tuition-free. Rooted in its mission to promote bilingualism and biliteracy, academic excellence, sociocultural competence, and wellness, Vida follows a 50/50 dual-language immersion model, with students receiving balanced daily instruction in both English and Spanish. This approach not only builds cognitive skills and cultural appreciation but also prepares students to thrive in a multilingual, global society. “We wanted to build the kind of school we would want for our own kids—one that celebrates language, culture, and diversity while ensuring every child thrives,” shared Dr. Yetsko.
Many of Vida’s first students, now in college or beginning their careers, have achieved notable academic and professional success. Several have chosen to study abroad and pursue advanced language studies, building on the strong linguistic foundation developed during their time at Vida. These achievements underscore the lasting impact of Vida’s dual-language immersion model, which equally prioritizes English and Spanish instruction to promote fluency, biliteracy, and cultural pride.
As Vida celebrates this milestone, it also looks toward the future. With the launch of its People & Legacy 2029 strategic plan, the school aims to deepen its cultural and academic impact, strengthen bilingual programming, and secure its place as a sustainable and permanent fixture in the Gettysburg community. Vida board member Paul Miller emphasized this vision, sharing, “Vida is a significant resource — it develops future leaders who will effectively contribute to our local multicultural communities. We are excited that Vida’s future calls us to deepen our relationship with others who share this vision.”
“We are incredibly proud of how far Vida has come,” said Dr.Christine Miller, Executive Director of Vida Charter School. “This anniversary is a celebration of our community—students, families, and staff—who have built Vida into the vibrant, welcoming place it is today. We look forward to continuing to inspire and empower our students for many years to come.”
Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open, and Vida welcomes interested families to attend an open house or schedule a tour to explore the vibrant learning environment firsthand. Open house events are scheduled for February 20th and March 13th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. School Principal Dr. Elana Nashelsky encourages families to visit, stating, “There is a strong research basis for this model, especially for English Learners and heritage speakers of Spanish. Attending an open house or scheduling a tour helps families determine whether Vida is a good fit for them and their child.”
Those who wish to learn more about Vida Charter School can visit their website, www.vidacs.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. (@VidaCharterSchool)
About Vida Charter School
Founded in 2010, Vida Charter School serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade with a unique dual-language immersion program. Located in the former Eisenhower Elementary School building in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Vida provides tuition-free education in a nurturing, inclusive environment where bilingualism, diversity, and holistic education are at the heart of learning.
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Vida Charter School Unveils Strategic Plan: People & Legacy 2029
Gettysburg, PA — Vida Charter School unveiled its new strategic plan, People & Legacy 2029, this past fall. It is a comprehensive guide that will steer the school toward continued growth and excellence over the next five years. Rooted in Vida’s values of bilingualism, inclusivity, and holistic education, this plan reinforces the school’s mission of preparing students for success in a diverse, global community and becoming a sustainable and permanent fixture in the Gettysburg community.
Vida Charter School is a public, tuition-free school serving kindergarten through sixth grade. It offers a unique dual-language immersion model where students receive instruction equally in English and Spanish, helping them develop fluency and biliteracy in both languages. This approach not only provides a rigorous academic foundation but also fosters cultural appreciation and global citizenship among its students.
The People & Legacy 2029 plan outlines a vision to increase their commitment to biliteracy, strengthen connections with families and community partners, and build a foundation of financial sustainability. The plan will inform decisions from curriculum development to student recruitment strategies, ensuring Vida remains a leader in dual-language education.
Christine Miller, Executive Director of Vida Charter School, emphasized the significance of this new direction, saying: “This strategic plan reflects the shared commitment of Vida’s board, staff, and families to achieving academic excellence, building cultural pride, and ensuring long-term success. Through this plan, we are setting off on a journey to strengthen our identity and expand our impact. We want to be the premier destination in the Greater Gettysburg Area for an award-winning, bilingual education in the primary and elementary grades.”
Those who wish to read the strategic plan can find it on their website: vidacs.org/board-of-trustees/strategic-plan.
About Vida Charter School
Vida Charter School, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, serves students in kindergarten through sixth grade in a dual-language immersion model. With a commitment to bilingualism, diversity, and holistic child development, Vida provides a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.