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The Vanguard School

22000 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859

Quick Facts (2026-27)

The Vanguard School Photo #1
The Vanguard School Photo #2 - Located in sunny central Florida, our mostly outdoor 76-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 #3 - 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 #4
The Vanguard School Photo #5 - 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 #6 - 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 #7
The Vanguard School Photo #8
The Vanguard School Photo #9
The Vanguard School Photo #10
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

School Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Facts

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
School Calendar
Campus Size
76 acres

Student Body

Student Body Type
Co-ed

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6-8:1 (median number)
National avg.:
Average Class Size
8 students
Average ACT score
22
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform polos and jackets, navy/khaki/grey/black cotton pants or appropriate blue jeans.
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyEnglish
Physics

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
See our tuition rates on our website:
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Application URL

Sports

Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Mascot
Panthers

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

  • 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.
  • 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

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 84%.
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.
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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Polk County, FL is $11,489 for elementary schools and $12,054 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Polk County, FL is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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