Vanguard School

The Vanguard school provides comprehensive special education and clinical services with a unique focus on the individual student and his or her readiness for life. The Vanguard School offers an integrated approach to academic, social, community integration and career-transition skills within a supportive environment where the goal is for each student to become a contributing member of the community.
The Vanguard School offers PreK and Elementary School (ages 4-11), Middle School (ages 12-14), High School (ages 14-18) and Vanguard Transition Center (ages 18-21) programs. Additionally, specialized classes at The Vanguard School support students with complex needs who require highly individualized and specific instruction for success.
Across programs, we offer a diverse curriculum and a wide range of activities to support students' abilities and needs. Programs such as art, community-based instruction, music, daily living skills and physical education provide an opportunity for students to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom.
As part of The Vanguard School, the VTC offers post-secondary education support, career exploration, skills assessments, counseling, self-advocacy training and community-based vocational experiences.
Therapists and specialists are actively involved in the student's entire day and often co-treat across disciplines and consult with teachers and other professionals on a regular basis. Clinical services include speech-language, occupational and physical therapies, school psychology, school counseling, behavior support, nursing services and Board Certified Behavior Analysis. The clinical staff have extensive experience with special education populations and their unique educational and behavioral management needs.

Quick Stats (2024)

Top Rankings

Vanguard School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
The school provides programs for students with Pennsylvania Department of Special Education exceptionalities including autism, emotional disturbance, speech-language impairment, specific learning disability and other health impairment.
Year Founded
1959
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
265 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 26%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
6 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
In most cases, a student is placed here by the school district and parent, with the school district of residence funding the full tuition costs for new placements. The district continues to pay the full tuition costs until such time when state funding becomes available. There is limited funding through the PA Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education. When state funding does become available for a district placement, The Vanguard School contacts the school district which then submits the appropriate paperwork to PDE. If PDE approves the funding, costs for school-age students placed at The Vanguard School are shared between the school district of residence and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A small percentage of parents have chosen to pay privately to place their child at The Vanguard School, in cases where state and district funding are unavailable.
Summer Program Cost Notes
SY eligibility and services are determined by the child’s IEP team.
Admissions Director
Anita Bilotta
Admissions Associate
Melissa Flowers

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Student Counsel

Arts and Music Programs:
Drama - Annual Musical, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music

School Notes

  • The Vanguard School provides programs for, and is licensed to, accept students with a PennsylvaniaDepartment of Special Education exceptionality ofautism, speech-language disorders, emotionaldisturbance and/or other health impairment (OHI). Students who experience developmental disabilities, specific learning differences or social-emotional or behavioral difficulties are also eligible for our program.
  • Curriculum at The Vanguard School is created through research-based programs and aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards Aligned System. Education consists of rigorous academic programs, enriching classroom activities and community-based experiences. We set high expectations for students, teaching them to transfer skills acquired at school and apply them in real-world settings.
  • Vanguard's PreK-12 and post-secondary education are the hallmarks of the school's "Learning-for-Life"philosophy, and has resulted in measurable successfor graduates. The Vanguard School is a state-licensed academic day school that is one of 36 PennsylvaniaApproved Private Schools for Special Education selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
  • All students receive instruction in the following areas Reading, language arts, handwriting, math,science and social studies, health, physical education, music, art andtechnology, life-centered and community-based instruction focusing on daily living, employment, self-determination and interpersonal skills
  • The Vanguard School has a rolling admissions policy. The admissions process at The Vanguard School is generally initiated by local school districts.An IEP Team meeting involving parents or legal guardians and the school district may be held. If it is decided that the student needs the intensity and frequency of servicesprovided by The Vanguard School, the school district sends a letter and a referral packet to The VFES Admissions Office requesting consideration for a pre-enrollment assessment to determine appropriateness of placement. The referral packet will include a copy of the student's Individualized Education Program, Reevaluation Report and other relevant assessments and evaluations.A family may apply privately if they are willing to assume the full cost of tuition for their child. If a student is accepted for admission to The Vanguard School and the school district has not referred the student, the district is not obligated to pay the tuition.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vanguard School offer a summer program?
Yes, Vanguard School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Vanguard School's ranking?
Vanguard School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Vanguard School?
The application deadline for Vanguard School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Chester County, PA is $22,168 for elementary schools and $30,071 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Chester County, PA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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