The Vanguard School is a co-educational learning diverse boarding community for children in grades 6-12 since 1966.
Our campus provides a family-style community to engage and launch learners to higher educational opportunities and independent life.
The Vanguard School embraces students who have different learning styles and may have been diagnosed with dyslexia, executive function difficulties, attention deficits, or other language-based learning disabilities.
Vanguard's program is for learners on a wide spectrum of academic and social learning skills. We include twice-exceptional, average, and modified curriculum learners who support each other in the Vanguard community.
We provide core values to guide students in building their empathy, integrity, and sense of community. Students thrive from their acceptance and resilience as a result of the confidence they derive in leadership.
We offer a variety of arts, athletics, community service, dual enrollment, internships, and more for students to gain the necessary skills that will serve them lifelong.
Vanguard offers a safe and welcoming environment to support students who have been frustrated with their learning progress in other academic settings.
By helping to eliminate these frustrations Vanguard successfully provides its students opportunities for college placement and various other interests.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 120 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $52,000
- 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 boarding schools (out of 280 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
6-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1966
1907
Campus Size
77 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
120 students
314 students
% Students of Color
64%
27%
% International Students
30%
20%
% Students Boarding
70%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
30%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$7 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$52,000
$66,200
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
n/a
$35,600
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$46,000
$49,400
Summer Program Cost
$6,500
% Students on Financial Aid
60%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$18,500
(based on financial need)
(based on financial need)
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate
85%
60%
Director of Admissions
Susi Vacek
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
10
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
9
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Anime Club, Cooking Club, Dance Team, Gamers' Club, Intramural Chess, Money Management, Movie Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery, Intramural Sports
Anime Club, Cooking Club, Dance Team, Gamers' Club, Intramural Chess, Money Management, Movie Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery, Intramural Sports
School Notes
- The Vanguard School serves diverse co-educational learners in 6th through 12th grades in sunny central Florida. Our campus provides space for outdoor athletics (tennis, swimming, soccer, a running track) and leisure activities (fishing, canoeing, and more).
- Vanguard's mission is to support students who learn diversely and may be of high intelligence but low socialization, require more direct motivation, or students who learn best through applied knowledge. Our students excel in small targeted education settings and utilize the targeted support in academics, self-confidence building, social and independence skills. Our safe and diverse environment is designed to build confidence, share cultures, create connections, and build a path that is individualized for each student.
- Our core value-based open mindset helps students gain empathy, leadership, and contribute to the community while shaping their journey forward. We prepare diverse learners to thrive in a diverse world.
- The Vanguard School accreditations: FCIS
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Vanguard School cost?
The Vanguard School's tuition is approximately $52,000 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Vanguard School?
The acceptance rate of The Vanguard School is 85%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 60%.
What sports does The Vanguard School offer?
The Vanguard School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does The Vanguard School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Vanguard School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Vanguard School's ranking?
The Vanguard School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of students on financial aid and Small average class sizes.
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).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Vanguard School also viewed these schools: Admiral Farragut Academy, IMG Academy, The Bolles School, Darlington School and Saint Andrew's School.
The nearest boarding school to The Vanguard School is Windermere Preparatory School (37.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
467 students 70.4 miles 501 Park Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 384-5504
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 384-5504
70.4
8-12
K-12
K-12
467
1,351 students 70.2 miles 5650 Bollettieri Blvd
Bradenton, FL 34210
(800) 872-6425
Bradenton, FL 34210
(800) 872-6425
70.2
6-12, PG
1,351
1,756 students 159.8 miles 7400 San Jose Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 256-5030
159.8
9-12, PG
PK-12, PG
PK-12, PG
1,756
770 students 483.6 miles 1014 Cave Spring Road, SW
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
Rome, GA 30161
(706) 236-0436
483.6
9-12, PG
PK-12, PG
PK-12, PG
770
625 students 139.6 miles 3900 Jog Road
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
Boca Raton, FL 33434
(561) 210-2020
139.6
9-12
625
Recent Articles
Dealing With The Pandemic: International Students
The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for international students planning to attend American boarding schools. We look at the situation as it stands in July 2020.
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
This in-depth article explores the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment. It provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.
