Top Charter School in Colorado Springs, CO
Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence
The Vanguard School is a tuition-free, K-12 Colorado Springs charter school that serves students from across the Pikes Peak Region.
Academic Excellence
Delivering a rigorous, classical liberal arts education based on the Hillsdale Academy Model that builds critical thinking, leadership, and lifelong learning in a safe, supportive charter school environment.
Family & Community
Strong partnerships with families and the Colorado Springs community create a welcoming culture where every student is encouraged, supported, and inspired to succeed.
Future Ready
Preparing students for college, careers, and life through a college preparatory curriculum, character development, Courser athletics, and real-world experiences.
About
Building Bright Futures Through Academic Excellence
At The Vanguard School, we provide a tuition-free, classical charter school education where academic excellence, strong character, and student success come first. Our curriculum focuses on the western tradition emanating from the Greeks and Romans, and through the study of great literature and important historical events, students prepare for success in college, careers, and life.
Discover MoreHighly Qualified Teachers
Safe Learning Environment
College Preparatory Curriculum
Character Development
The Vanguard School Difference
The mission of The Vanguard School is to help guide students in the development of their character and academic potential. Education extends beyond the classroom: we cultivate curiosity, resilience, leadership, and compassion through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a supportive school culture that prepares students for lifelong success.
Discover MoreWhy Families Choose Vanguard
A School Where Academic Excellence Meets Community
Families choose The Vanguard School because we believe exceptional education begins with meaningful relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to helping every student succeed. Our approach combines rigorous classical academics with character education, leadership development, and personalized support to ensure students are prepared for both academic achievement and lifelong success.
Rigorous Academic Programs
Our classical curriculum is designed to challenge students through engaging, content-rich instruction that promotes critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and become confident independent learners.
Exceptional Teachers
Our experienced educators are passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping every student succeed. They create supportive learning environments that encourage curiosity, resilience, and academic growth while building meaningful relationships with students and families.
Student-Centered Learning
Every student learns differently. We provide differentiated instruction and personalized learning opportunities that allow students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while reaching their individual goals.
Leadership Development
Leadership is woven into everyday learning. Students develop responsibility, communication skills, integrity, teamwork, and confidence through classroom activities, extracurricular programs, National Honor Society, and community involvement.
Safe and Inclusive Environment
We are committed to creating a welcoming school culture where every child feels respected, valued, and supported. Our focus on positive relationships and student well-being helps every learner thrive.
Family Partnerships
Families are essential partners in education. We encourage open communication, parent involvement, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative decision-making that strengthens our entire school community.
Supporting the Whole Child
Academic, Social, and Emotional Growth
Success extends beyond test scores. At The Vanguard School, we are committed to educating the whole child by supporting academic achievement alongside emotional well-being, leadership development, and social responsibility.
Discover MoreStudents benefit from:
Individual Academic Support
Social-Emotional Learning
Positive Behavior Programs
College & Career Planning
Leadership Opportunities
Student Recognition Programs
Helping Every Student Reach Their Highest Potential
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in everything we do, from our engaging classrooms and dedicated educators to our proven programs and supportive school culture. We celebrate every milestone because every achievement represents another step toward lifelong success.
At The Vanguard School, students are encouraged to dream boldly, work diligently, and become compassionate leaders who positively impact the world around them.
Begin Your Child's Journey Toward Academic Excellence
Choosing The Vanguard School means choosing an educational experience focused on academic achievement, character development, leadership, and lifelong success. We invite you to discover what makes our school community unique and why families continue to choose The Vanguard School year after year.
Whether you are exploring school options for the first time or seeking a new educational environment where your child can thrive, we welcome you to experience everything The Vanguard School has to offer.
Schedule a Campus Tour
Meet our educators, explore our classrooms, and experience our vibrant learning community firsthand.
Apply Today
Take the first step toward providing your child with an exceptional tuition-free public charter school education that prepares them for a bright and successful future.
"College is the meeting point where the river of your dreams meets the river of your realities."
Academic Programs
Comprehensive Learning Opportunities for Every Student
The Vanguard School offers a dynamic academic experience designed to meet students at every stage of their educational journey.
Elementary (K-6)
Our elementary program builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and history while nurturing creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning.
Junior High (7-8)
Students strengthen academic skills, explore new interests, develop independence, and prepare for increasingly rigorous coursework.
High School (9-12)
A college preparatory program in the classical liberal arts and sciences with advanced coursework, leadership opportunities, and college readiness support.
College Counseling
Testing guidance, college planning timelines, scholarships and resources, and monthly newsletters for the aspiring college student.
Global Studies Program
International study experiences that broaden students' understanding of the world and deepen their study of the western tradition.
Athletics & Student Activities
Courser athletics in the Class 3A Tri-Peaks League, plus clubs and extracurricular programs that promote teamwork, discipline, leadership, and school pride.
Student Life
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Student life at The Vanguard School is filled with opportunities for exploration, creativity, leadership, athletics, service, and personal growth. Whether participating in academic competitions, performing arts, Courser athletics, or community service, students develop confidence while building lifelong friendships.
Every experience helps students become well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Family & Community Partnerships
Strong Schools Begin with Strong Families
Education is most successful when schools and families work together. We value the trust parents place in us and strive to build lasting partnerships that support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
Families are encouraged to participate through:
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Volunteer Opportunities
- School Events
- Family Workshops
- Academic Celebrations
- Parent Advisory Groups
- Community Partnerships
- Student Showcases
Together, we create a learning environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and inspired.
Schedule a Campus TourReady To Shape Your Child's Bright Future?
Give your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in a supportive tuition-free charter school dedicated to academic excellence, leadership, and lifelong achievement. At The Vanguard School, every student is empowered to reach their full potential through exceptional education, caring educators, and a strong school community. Take the first step today: schedule a campus tour, explore our programs, or begin your enrollment journey and become part of the Vanguard family.
Apply NowAwards & Recognition
National Level Accolades
The Vanguard School is recognized in the U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
#402
Nationally in Charter High Schools
#7
in Colorado High Schools
#2
in Colorado Springs High Schools
#1
in Harrison District 2
State Level Accolades
Colorado Department of Education recognition for achievement and growth
John Irwin Award
2022 and 2023 | High School and Junior High
Given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. These schools received an Exceeds Expectations rating on the Academic Achievement indicator in math, English language arts, and science.
Governor's Distinguished Improvement Award
2022, 2023, and 2024
Given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth. These schools exceed expectations on the indicator related to longitudinal academic growth at all grade levels.
High School Academic Growth Award
2023 and 2024
Recognizes high schools demonstrating the highest levels of student academic growth in reading, writing, and math within each classification. Only 9 schools out of 641 high schools in Colorado received this award.
Vanguard Alumni
Once a Courser, Always a Courser
Graduated from Vanguard? We would love to know where you landed. Add yourself to the alumni registry for reunion invitations, news from the school, and a way back in touch with your classmates.
Every Class, Every Year
Wherever you landed, you are still part of this community.