C O - E D U C A T I O N A L
2018 2019
T H E V A N G U A R D SCHOOL
B O A R D I N G S C H O O L
w w w . v a n g u a r d s c h o o l . o r g
Message from the Head of School
I am excited, honored, and humbled to serve as Head of The Vanguard School. This is an amazing school of intelligent, passionate, and dedicated staff whose sole objective is to find the key to learning for each child they encounter. Whether it is in the classroom or in our residential program, we seek to find innovative ways to meet the needs and learning differences of each child. Our motto, “We Are Vanguard” ensures that everyone on campus is part of a family with responsibilities that support the health and safety of all. “We Are Vanguard” focuses on our students as the school’s primary source for inspiration and motivation. The year 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of The Vanguard School. Our goals are both to continue to be a school that responds to the individual needs of our students as a teaching institution, and to achieve a higher level of growth for our students through continuous innovation and collaborative education. We will stay firmly dedicated to earning the trust of our parents and ensuring a challenging education in an ever-changing world.
“We Are Vanguard!”
Vanguard has grown into an internationally recognized institution with students representing around the world.
The Vanguard School is a fully accredited (SACS - AdvancED, FCIS), co-educational, boarding and day school for students in grades 6-12. Since 1966, The Vanguard School has specialized in educating students who experience academic learning challenges in an environment that acknowledges their differences, celebrates their strengths, and assists them in transitioning into higher educational opportunities and independent living.
INTERNATIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY
Vanguard understands that each child learns differently, and provides an individualized educational environment for students to learn. Most commonly, Vanguard students experience difficulties with: ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Anxiety, Auditory Processing Disorder, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (High Functioning) & Executive Functioning.
ACADEMICS The focus at The Vanguard School has always been to ensure that each student is individually prepared for life after high school. With this in mind, Vanguard provide differentiated instruction, targeted interventions, small classes, highly qualified teachers, and innovative technology.
INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION The Vanguard School, caters to the whole student. Instructors adjust their levels of support, and set instructional levels according to each student’s unique academic abilities. Student goals are identified, as well as accommodations necessary to achieve those goals, and made in the classroom to ensure student success.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT The Vanguard School goes beyond traditional classroom instruction, integrating social emotional learning, executive function, personal hygiene, and basic life skills into teachable moments within the curriculum. Additionally, classes and clubs specifically targeting areas such as communication and life skills, are offered as components of our curriculum.
COLLEGE & CAREER ADVISEMENT DUAL ENROLLMENT The Vanguard School's Senior Class Advisor works closely with high school students to assist them in applying for college, making career choices, and sometimes even taking college classes while completing their high school diploma. Vanguard encourages schools and programs offering the services and support necessary to help the Vanguard Graduate.
JOB SHADOWING Vanguard Career shadowing program allows our students to complete internships with local businesses and attain on-the-job experience while attending Vanguard. By providing our students this opportunity to select students, they are able to engage in experiential hands-on learning where they can try a variety of working environments within their projected career field and gain helpful knowledge and skills for the future. Vanguard have partnered with local business such as Publix, Habitat for Humanity, and Lake Wales Care Center to provide some of these invaluable experiences.
MENTORING PROGRAM Vanguard provides Academic and Residential mentors to each of its students as a constant line of communication for both students and families. Academic Mentors work with students to provide instructional help in subjects where improvement is needed. These mentors also monitor each child's daily progress, attendance, grades, and class participation. Residential Mentors guide students daily through after school activities, homework, independent living skills, and social skills. These mentors ensure that each child is being an active member of their Vanguard community, and they are prepared for their daily responsibilities as Vanguard Students.
There is always something happening on The Vanguard School campus. Swimming, athletic meets, holiday parties, open gym time, movies, chess club, gaming club, billiards, fitness, and having fun with friends are just a few of the many things that place on a regular basis on campus. Vanguard strives to create a sense of community within its students, and provides a home like environment for each child to enjoy.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
ATHLETICS The Vanguard School offers an exciting athletic program for its students. Vanguard is a class 2A member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which sanctions sporting events and monitors student eligibility. Athletes are able to participate in statesanctioned competitions against area private and public schools, and learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship and how to work together as a team.
BASKETBALL
SOCCER
GOLF
WEIGHTLIFTING
TENNIS
TRACK
ARCHERY
TESTIMONIALS
DWIGHT BOWE (PARENT) “All of these children are under construction and The Vanguard School is a safe place for them to Grow!”
REBECCA VENABLE (TEACHER) "I came to Vanguard after working in a variety of educational settings. I have always worked with "remedial" students. The schools I taught in never recognized that those students have different needs, or that those needs do not end in "remedial classes", but transfer to all content areas. I have had a different experience here at Vanguard. Each day I chat with my colleagues about individuals in our classrooms. Together, we highlight behaviors and skill deficits we recognize in our students. What has surprised me, however, is how often we brainstorm solutions--teachers regularly share ideas of how to reach our kids. Recently, I complained that a young man was unable to focus on a single reading task for longer than two minutes. I listed the solutions I had come up with, all of which were yet to be successful.Our science teacher suggested something he used in his class. Low and behold, it worked! Additionally, this has built a school-wide classroom routine for this student. All of his teachers, now aware how to keep his focus for longer periods of time, implement this strategy. The student has seen an improvement in his grades and his confidence. I have never worked with such dedicated and helpful people. We have the same goal in reaching our students and it shows. Another huge difference I see at Vanguard compared to other schools, is our family atmosphere. I have worked in many environments where the company or school has a motto. I have never worked somewhere that the motto is actually held. My students have always been "my kids". However, these kids will never leave my heart. As we are the Vanguard family, there is an understanding that I can develop relationships that extend beyond simply "classroom teacher" and "mentor", but into "school mom". Each morning, the same group of young people come to hang out in my classroom before school. They work on assignments or play on their phones, but it is together time. We chat like one would expect at eight o'clock in the morning with teenagers, but, all the same, it is essential for my work day. I worry about them, if I don't see them. Additionally, it's these quiet moments are balm for my soul on hectic or hard days. Vanguard is no utopia; we do have hard days. Yet, the reward I receive as I see my students challenge themselves to try something that is difficult or when they come to celebrate a success with me, will always outweigh those hard moments. I am blessed to work here with these kids and this staff."
BEN AND ANN MATHER (PARENTS) “After way too many years of trying to make the public school system work for our son, we decided to give The Vanguard School a try. We noticed huge changes in our son within a month of being at Vanguard. His confidence at Vanguard skyrocketed because he was no longer overwhelmed with a huge student body. Because his confidence improved significantly, it became much easier for him to focus on his studies, making friends, and improving his social skills. Our son went from being a defensive boy, who hid in his bedroom when he wasn’t in school, to a young man, with polite manners, who enjoys interacting with his fellow students, teachers, playing sports that he never would have attempted in other school settings, and has developed a wonderful sense of humor that we rarely saw before attending Vanguard. I’m so thrilled that we took that leap with Vanguard because we’re proof that all children don’t learn successfully and excel in a traditional setting. Vanguard has provided our son with a safe, less overwhelming, diverse and encouraging environment, where he has been able to explore and grow his talents/proficiencies without criticism. Our son now likes school, smiles constantly and is comfortable with who he is, which is a complete turnaround since starting at Vanguard. Transferring to Vanguard is the best decision we’ve made for our son. Our only regret is not doing it sooner.”
BARBARA BONFRANCESO (PARENT)
"Connor was bullied in public middle school and in eighth grade he started attending a private Christian school where he struggled academically, barely passing. Having been diagnosed with ADHD made it difficult to manage an extra-large class size and standard curriculums. He was expected to learn according to their teaching methods vs the school teaching to the way that was best for him. He started at Vanguard during the 11th grade and I am so proud to say that I have seen this child change from a struggling student, barely passing to a confident young man with straight A's. A student that most of his teachers described as a leader in his classes who helps other students who struggle to grasp the material. Vanguard was and is the best investment in this child's future."
ALICE PEREZ (PARENT/STAFF) "Kris has been at Vanguard for two years now and the difference is amazing. To see how far he has come from being a shy young teenager he was when he first started, to a kid that he volunteers in everything he can possible do. He was bullied in his prior school and to see all the friends he has made here at Vanguard from his peers to the basketball team. The first year the team told him "we got you", you are part of the team and he was."
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Delk, My name is David Labardy, and I am a senior at The Vanguard School. I am from St. Maarten and currently attend Vanguard on a basketball scholarship. I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to receive a quality education and play basketball in the states, especially at Vanguard.
DAVID LABARDY (STUDENT)
In September of 2017, my island was devastated by Hurricane Irma. Along with the devastation, came many hardships that my family had to overcome. If it was not for the scholarship opportunity that was presented to me to attend Vanguard, I am not sure where I would be or what I would be doing. I have been offered a full paid scholarship to Western Oklahoma State to play basketball and earn a college degree. Without the scholarship and 22000 HWY 27 generosity of Vanguard, I do not think the Lake Wales, FL 33859 opportunity for me to attend college and play (863) 676-6091 basketball at the next level would have been an www.vanguardschool.org option for me. As you know, senior year can be expensive. Unfortunately, my family cannot financially afford some of the senior activities. Every year the senior class takes a trip to Destin, Florida. Seniors get to enjoy parasailing, go jet skiing, spend a day on pontoon boat, take a deep sea fishing trip, and stay in a beautiful beach house that is located right on the water. Thanks to your generous donation in memory of your daughter, Alison. I have the opportunity to participate in the senior trip with my classmates. Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity. I am forever thankful. Sincerely, David Labardy
CARLY MACALLISTER (PARENT) "I just wanted to thank you guys again for everything you all have done to support Carson. You are some of her favorite staff and, in my opinion, have shaped Carson's life for the better. You and Vanguard have been such gifts and it has been a blessing to watch her blossom into a beautiful young woman there."
AGNES BRISTOL (PARENT) "The Vanguard School helped my son to feel more secure because he's not getting bullied anymore more! He now gets to socialize with kids with the same interests he has. He likes the classes and it also gives me more time to pick him since it's a boarding school. I feel at ease knowing there is always staff on campus."
C O - E D U C A T I O N A L B O A R D I N G
“We Are Vanguard!”
S C H O O L
22000 HWY 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 676-6091 www.vanguardschool.org