Teaching Kids to Navigate Life

The Vanguard Preparatory School serves children and families who, for different, often complex reasons, are not well served by traditional public and private schools. Vanguard provides an environment where students can excel to the full extent of their capabilities. Excel might mean achieving academic honors and going on to college with a full scholarship or it might mean the freedom to live independently and pursue meaningful work. Vanguard is unique in our ability to integrate academic learning with social-emotional learning. We have been doing both―and doing both well—for a long time.

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OUR MISSION

Our mission is to enrich children’s lives by fostering independence, self-esteem, and compassion for others. Every child is valued regardless of diagnosis or challenge. We guide them in a positive direction and create a strong foundation for learning through social, emotional, and academic development.

WHY VANGUARD?

OUR STUDENTS

Vanguard has a diverse student population that includes students with ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders with the majority of our students in the average to high average range of intellectual ability. We offer a nurturing, therapeutic environment that allows all of our students to show off their strengths while helping in the areas where they need extra support.

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OUR CULTURE

Vanguard is an inclusive community. Every person plays an integral role in the development and success of our students. Our teachers and clinical staff bring years of not only extensive experience but also compassion and devotion to their students. With an active parent and teacher community, we are able to fulfill our mission daily.

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OUR APPROACH

The cornerstone of Vanguard‘s therapeutic program is our emphasis on the research-based method of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We recognize that for many of our students, social skills and self-regulation are concepts that must be taught. While students may be book smart, they will not be successful in life without these relational skills. With the support of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), we provide every student with practical social-emotional competence assessments to benchmark not only their academic progress but social and emotional as well.

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OUR PROGRAMS

Vanguard provides students and parents with several additional programs including the Vanguard Intensive Program (VIP), Ignite after-school program, and the 18+ Program. Additionally, the Vanguard Center for Neurological Health offers neurological, occupational, and speech-language evaluations as well as individual and family counseling. Understanding that collaboration extends beyond the clinic, our clinicians work closely with teachers and counselors to implement recommendations and support services to meet the needs of each student.

BEYOND SCHOOL

18+ PROGRAM

Because life doesn’t stop after graduation, Vanguard staff offers ongoing supportive services and mentoring for our young adults to encourage independent living skills, mood management skills, achieve a balance between physical health and fitness, maintain an organized environment, establish healthy relationship patterns, and build self-esteem and values.

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IGNITE

Ignite offers a wide range of recreational, educational, and cultural activities including study hall, fun fitness, arts and entertainment, cooking, instructional sports, nature, recycling and creative themed activities. Our program is designed to complement the school’s mission, offering a safe, therapeutic environment allowing students to learn and grow.

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INTENSIVE PROGRAM

Vanguard Intensive Program (VIP) is for students who require intensive intervention and a jump start on the road to a successful, stabile home, social and school life. The program is appropriate for ages 9 – 23 who are experiencing significant anxiety, social or behavioral issues, & benefit from daily therapy, family therapy, and structured school and home program.

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