Our Approach to Academics
The curriculum for all students aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and national standards for activities of daily living. Academic learning is distinguished by several critical advantages: meeting students where they are, small student-teacher ratios, and high engagement. Vanguard has been Cognia accredited since 1998.
Multiple Learning Pathways
Small student-teacher ratios mean more individualized attention, better connections between teachers and students, more opportunities to participate, greater ability to adjust teaching strategies to meet students’ needs, and fewer classroom distractions.
High Student Engagement
High engagement means connecting learning to real life situations and students’ interests, developing positive relationships with peers and Vanguard staff, and using a variety of instructional methods such as technology applications, group discussions, hands-on assignments, project-based learning, and lesson outcomes targeted to individual strengths and needs.
Differentiated Instruction
Meeting students where they are means recognizing and addressing each student’s current level of knowledge, skills, and understanding. This approach helps ensure that each student receives the appropriate challenges and support to succeed, regardless of their starting point.
21st Century Skills
Vanguard emphasizes sensemaking—helping students learn how to interpret information, make meaning from their experiences, and apply knowledge in new situations. Through guided inquiry, problem-solving, and reflection, students learn to ask better questions, connect concepts across content areas, and use evidence to support their thinking. This focus on sensemaking builds essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and responsible use of technology. By strengthening these competencies, Vanguard prepares students not only to meet today’s academic expectations but to navigate an ever-changing world with confidence, adaptability, and independence.
Measuring Progress
At Vanguard, we take a holistic view of student success, tracking both academic growth and social-emotional development. Families meet with our team quarterly, or as needed, to review progress, set goals, and adjust plans.
Academic Progress
Academic progress is tracked through classwork, progress monitoring, and teacher observations. Standardized tests such as i-Ready, Brigance, and Woodcock-Johnson, along with classroom assignments, help identify strengths, address learning gaps, and guide student growth
Therapeutic Progress
Therapeutic progress is equally important. Vanguard uses Wayfinder to evaluate social-emotional development in alignment with the CASEL framework. Grounded in resilience theory, Wayfinder measures growth in areas such as self-awareness, relationship skills, decision-making, and optimistic thinking. Each student receives biannual ratings to reflect areas of strength and areas where additional support is needed.
Reporting Results
Families receive both an academic report card and a therapeutic progress report, providing a holistic view of each child’s development. These insights show how social-emotional learning and academic growth support each other, reflecting Vanguard’s integrated approach to helping every student thrive.