Admissions FAQ's What is a Charter School? Who Can Attend? Does my family need to live in a certain district? Do You Have to Pay Tuition? Who Governs the Charter School? Why Do People Form Charter Schools? What are the Unique Features of The Vanguard School? Curriculum: The E. D. Hirsch Core Knowledge® Series provides the scope and sequence in the basic disciplines. The Core Knowledge approach to American history is inclusive, teaching that while Americans have many different national and racial origins, we have a common culture and common values which bind us as a nation. It affirms the characteristics of American government and society that are admirable while not ignoring the darker aspects of American history. The Core Knowledge Curriculum is complemented by Direct Instruction Reading, Math and Spelling. Discipline: A discipline code contract is signed at the beginning of each school year by the student, parent and teacher. This code spells out standards of conduct that will assure safety, civility and an optimum learning environment. The Vanguard School employs the "CHAMPs" model for classroom management. Character Development: The values taught at The Vanguard School will help each student develop strong moral character. Moral behavior will be emphasized within the curriculum and outside it. Examples from literature and history will serve as models of virtue in action, while they will be constantly reinforced by emphasis on the child's own conduct and interaction with others. Small Class Sizes: The Vanguard School uses achievement level grouping for Reading and Math in Grades K-3, limiting group size to no more than 10 to ensure students are receiving the individual attention they need to succeed. Teacher's Aides: There is an aide in each K-3 classroom to help the teacher in all aspects of education delivery. This, along with class size restrictions, will maximize the attention available for the individual learning needs of each student. Annual Student Testing: Upon enrolling at The Vanguard School, each student takes a standardized test to establish an achievement baseline. Each spring thereafter, the student takes another standardized test to monitor his or her academic progress. Teacher Accessibility: At the end of the 1st quarter of every school year, teachers meet with each student's parents. Conferences will help inform the teacher of any special needs the student may have or areas that need extra work. This school challenges all children to perform up to the limits of their abilities, regardless of their gifts or talents. Teachers also welcome parent communication whether it be conferences or via email. Length of the School Year: The school year of the Academy is two weeks longer than the calendar published by Cheyenne Mountain School District 12. The Vanguard School's central mission is to maximize the academic achievement of each student. This extra class time will further this goal. Click here to access our Calendar page, which includes a printable calendar for the current school year. After-School Activities: The students are offered a variety of after-school activities throughout the school year to complement their academic studies as resources and interest dictate. These activities will be offered by parents, teachers and members of the community willing to share special skills and expertise. School Grades Offered: The Vanguard School offers grades K-12. The Vanguard School has been the top school in Colorado since its existence based on assestment scores. College Preparation: We want all of our students to attend college and we prepare them accordingly. Starting at ninth grade, our students are learning about colleges and the skills and knowledge they need to be successful. We also help our students complete scholarship applications. Our first graduating class received over $3 million dollars in scholarships. Click here to learn more about college preparation at The Vanguard School. School Location: The Vanguard School is conveniently and centrally-located. The K-3 campus is behind the Southern Cross Shopping Center off S. Nevada Avenue near downtown Colorado Springs at 1832 S. Wahsatch Avenue. The Vanguard School campus (Grades 4-12) address is 1605 S. Corona Avenue. Our phone number is 719.471.1999.
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Welcome to the Vanguard School The Vanguard School is a tuition-free K-12 Colorado Springs charter school that serves students from across the Pikes Peak region. Founded in 1995 by several parents interested in a more rigorous academic curriculum and character education, Vanguard continues to provide excellence in education in a safe, structured environment by adhering to its mission statement.
We are dedicated to a rigorous classical education designed to train students to think critically, communicate effectively in both oral and written form, and develop habits of virtue and intellect that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our curriculum is challenging from the first day of kindergarten to the last day of high school and prepares our students to be leaders within our school and in their communities. Learn More |