The Vanguard School

previous
The Vanguard School Photo #1 - Hands-on learning is critical for applying skills and understanding. Our student population is diverse, and our classroom applications are, too! From university to trade school, our students find their educational paths that lead to success in a diverse world.
next
The Vanguard School Photo #1 - Hands-on learning is critical for applying skills and understanding. Our student population is diverse, and our classroom applications are, too! From university to trade school, our students find their educational paths that lead to success in a diverse world.
The Vanguard School Photo #2 - Average class sizes are 6-10 students with full accommodations for diverse learners. Whether students are completing credit recovery, building skill gaps, or excelling in their academic strengths, students learn self-advocacy and executive functioning in every facet of the school.
The Vanguard School Photo #3 - Beautiful, scenic views surround our 77 acre campus, and provide a calming setting for their individualized learning.
The Vanguard School Photo #4 - Our school demonstrates spirit and community throughout the year with events such as monthly formal meals, spirit week, holiday dinners, community service events, and more!
The Vanguard School Photo #5 - Our school and club athletics include swimming, soccer, basketball, archery, golf, tennis, weightlifting, cross country, and track and field. All students are welcome to participate in all sports to help make connections, build confidence, and engage in their community.
The Vanguard School Photo #6 - Vanguard graduates thrive knowing the path they have created, and a greater understanding to themselves. Contact us to learn how to join our community.
The Vanguard School Photo #7 - Located in sunny central Florida, our mostly outdoor 77-acre campus provides many activities for students to engage. From culinary to studio arts, athletics, community service, canoeing, clubs, and many other opportunities help students explore their interests in a natural environment.
The Vanguard School Photo #8 - Our ResLife includes clubs, teams, independent life skills, social connections, and so much more. Students build confidence and friendships that propel them to the next levels of development. With guidance, all students find their place in the community.
The Vanguard School is an independent, co-educational, boarding and day school for children who learn differently in grades 6-12.
We have been providing educational excellence to students who learn differently since 1966.
Our purpose is to provide quality education to students and prepare them for post-secondary education and independent living.
Vanguard's program is for learners on an average to above average learning scale.
We provide a structured program that focuses on each student's capabilities in and out of the classroom.
Vanguard offers immense support for students who have been frustrated with their learning in other academic settings.
By helping to eliminate these frustrations, Vanguard successfully provides its students with new opportunities for college placement and various other interests they may not have been able to achieve without the support and direction provided in this program.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $50,500
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Language-based, ADD, ADHD, Dysgraphia, Dyscalcula, Highly Independent Aspergers Students
Year Founded
1966
Summer School Offered
Yes

Student Body

Total Students
102 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
The Vanguard School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Average Class Size
8 students
Advanced Courses
Biology, English, Physics
Average ACT score
22
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform polos and jackets, navy/khaki/grey/black cotton pants or appropriate blue jeans

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
7-day boarding is $50.500; 5-day boarding is $46,500; Day student tuition is $26,000
Summer Program Cost
$6,000
% on Financial Aid
60%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,000
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Susi Vacek
Endowment Size
$7 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Billiards, Community Service Clubs, Gamers' Club, Intramural Chess, Wood Shop Club

Arts and Music Programs:
Cooking Club, Drama and Theater

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Sports, Tennis

School Notes

  • The Vanguard School provides opportunities for students to participate in sports including basketball, soccer, golf, cross country, tennis and volleyball.Vanguard is sanctioned by Florida High School Athletic Association, and our courses are all NCAA-approved. We have a student center, gymnasium, junior-size Olympic swimming pool and lakefront access. Trips to Disney World, Legoland, Busch Gardens in Tampa, SeaWorld, MGM Studios, UniversalStudios, and many other points of interest in Florida are all a popular part of the Vanguard experience.
  • LD types supported: Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Language-Based Learning Disabilities
  • School accreditation: FCIS
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Vanguard School cost?
The Vanguard School's tuition is approximately $50,500 for private students and $6,000 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Vanguard School?
The acceptance rate of The Vanguard School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What sports does The Vanguard School offer?
The Vanguard School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
What is The Vanguard School's ranking?
The Vanguard School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Vanguard School?
The application deadline for The Vanguard School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
My son started in 6th grade and the experience has been amazing for him. Small class sizes, teachers care, making friends and many extra curricular activities.
- Posted by
5  
actually I am a grandparent who was anxious about our asperger grandson. I watched public schools just move him along. I watched his self esteem diminish. I feared he would need a basement to spend the rest of his life in...BUT Vanguard turned all of that around. He is thriving and has a future...and he plays tennis!! I'm not kidding! He got a four point the first semester he was there and those grades I trust..HE has friends and his self esteem has returned..and he has a lovely sense of humor!! thank you Vanguard school.....
- Posted by
5  
Our son is just finishing up his first year of high school and has almost straight A's and absolutely loves this school. Huge improvement in academics, independence and Social Skills! Having mentors assigned play a huge part. Of course the Principal and teachers are terrific too! I would highly recommend Vanguard to any parent!
- Posted by

Endorse The Vanguard School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • School Type: Special Education School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 102 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $50,500
  • Acceptance rate: 85%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Polk County, FL is $12,621 for elementary schools and $13,774 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Polk County, FL is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links