The Vanguard School (2026 Profile)

5.00 (3 reviews)

22000 Highway 27
Lake Wales, FL 33859

Tel: (863) 676-6091

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The Vanguard School Photo #1 - 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, clubs, and many other opportunities help students explore their interests in a natural environment.

The Vanguard School Photo #2 - Beautiful, scenic views surround our 77 acre campus, and provide a calming setting for students individualized learning.

The Vanguard School Photo #3 - Students enjoy a wide variety of programs, events, and trips beyond the classroom, from recreation and community-building to off-campus experiences.

The Vanguard School Photo #4 - Students participate in community service through a campus-wide clean-up, working together to collect leaves and branches and care for our shared spaces.

The Vanguard School Photo #5 - 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 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 Facts (2026)

School Type: Special Education School
Grades: 6-12
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

School Type

Special Education School

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)
Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

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

Colors

White, Navy Blue

Summer School Offered

Yes

School Calendar

Last Day of School

Mon. May 25, 2026

Campus Size

76 acres

Student Body

Total Students

n/a

Student Body Type

Co-ed

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

11 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6-8:1 (median number)

National avg.:

Average Class Size

8 students

AP/Advanced Courses

BiologyEnglish

Physics

Average ACT score

(Out of 36)

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

Tuition Notes

See our tuition rates on our website:

Acceptance Rate

85%

National avg.: 82%

Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered

9 sports

Sports

ArcheryBasketball

Cross CountryGolf

SwimmingTennis

Track and FieldVolleyball

Weightlifting

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

9 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Anime ClubBilliards

Community Service ClubsGamers' Club

Wood Shop Club

Arts and Music Programs:

Cooking ClubDrama and Theater

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Intramural SportsTennis

School Notes

School Mascot: Panthers

The Vanguard School provides opportunities for students to participate in sports including basketball, weightlifting, 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 81%.

What sports does The Vanguard School offer?

The Vanguard School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting.

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 9/28/2020

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 Parent - Maria

5 9/20/2018

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 Parent - marti

5 5/17/2016

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 Parent - bonni

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