An important component of Vanguard’s philosophy has always been to ensure each student is individually prepared for the future. With that in mind, we also understand that each individual has a specific path. These paths may take a student to college, technical schools, work, or the military. Navigation 101 is a career locator software program that has been implemented to provide students with needed direction when planning for careers and future education.

Our focus on the individual is primarily achieved through differentiated instruction, targeted interventions, small class sizes (most have eight or fewer), highly qualified teachers, innovation and technology. In all classes, we ensure students can move ahead with expectations at a pace suitable to their individual capabilities. Learning materials are presented in a simple, straightforward language; the successive steps forward are gradual; and there’s room for flexibility when scaling the academic challenges presented to students. Moreover, students receive access to special therapies, which include: language and speech, reading, and math. Vanguard’s programs emphasize the acquisition of fundamental academic skills including instruction in specific organizational skills and study techniques.

As a further example of Vanguard’s position on preparing students for the future, we have implemented several computer based academic programs (APEX, A+Learning, Fast ForWord). These courses offer opportunities for skills remediation, credit retrieval, and advanced placement. Beyond our virtual classrooms, there are also “honors” sections within each discipline which provide more challenging academics for those who desire it.

The Vanguard School and its academic programs are fully accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Vanguard School is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS).

The Vanguard School is also an active member of the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA) and the Southeastern Association of Boarding Schools (SABS). Through FCIS, the Vanguard School is represented with other private school associations in the Florida Association of Academic Non-Public Schools (FAANS), an organization which monitors legislation affecting private schools.

Various school staff maintain memberships in the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA), the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC), and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).