We Are Montessori Inspired and Learner-led
We like that Montessori schools offer a unique educational approach that respects each child's individuality and fosters a lifelong love of learning by tailoring the learning environment to the child's developmental age. For adolescents (ages 12-18), this includes their intense need for social connection, desire for independence and personal autonomy, understanding of social groups and how they fit in and make valued contributions, and how they can develop their identity and express themselves creatively.
We have structured an environment that leans into these concepts and leaves room for individualized one-on-one instruction for core-subject mastery in math, language arts, and science through the supplemental use of technology.
Our teachers, guides, and staff provide the support, guidance, and framework that brings this vision to life, empowering each child to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In the traditional adolescent Montessori education model, emphasis was placed on tending to the farm and engaging in producing and selling goods and services derived from agricultural activities. However, at Vanguard, we recognize the evolving needs of today's adolescents and the demands of the modern world.
Today’s students need to understand how to conduct digital research, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication skills (both written and verbal), cultural competence, environmental sustainability, and technological proficiency. Additionally, they should have a firm grasp of ethics, empathy, resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate and leverage information effectively.
Our curriculum emphasizes practical life skills that prepare students for real-world challenges, guiding them to understand and appreciate differing viewpoints and life circumstances. Our micro-economy is set up to prepare students for the many paths available for exploration.
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Vanguard Learning is centered around the child. We emphasize the importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace and pursue their interests within a prepared environment.
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We’ve carefully designed a space to facilitate optimal learning for this aged group. You'll find a harmonious blend of collaborative tables, cozy reading nooks, serene quiet areas, and state-of-the-art tech stations seamlessly integrated into an open-concept environment. Free from clutter, these spaces are meticulously organized and staged for success, offering students an inviting atmosphere conducive to exploration and discovery.
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We offer mixed-age groups, allowing children to learn from and support their peers. This setup promotes collaboration and a sense of community. It allows children to advance at their own pace without the pressure of an arbitrary grade level connecting them to a course of study. Vanguard combines ages 12-14, 15-16, and 17-18.
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While children are encouraged to explore and learn independently, guidelines and boundaries are in place to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. This balance between freedom and structure helps children develop self-discipline and responsibility.
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Students are given long-term, interdisciplinary projects. These projects are designed to address real-world problems or topics of personal interest, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways. Through project-based learning, adolescents develop critical problem-solving skills, collaborate effectively with peers, and gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts, preparing them for success in both higher education and the workforce.
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Our educators recognize that each child is unique and has their own learning style, interests, and pace of development. Therefore, the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of each child rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach.
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We aim to foster the whole child's development—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Activities in the classroom are designed to promote cognitive growth, emotional intelligence, and social skills and offer physical movement options to explore.
