Enrollment FAQ

Admission (Grades K-12)

What is the timing of the application process?

Each year the enrollment season begins at the end of January for the upcoming academic school year.  All enrollment applications received prior to the last Wednesday in January are included in the lottery which takes place on that day.

  • Kindergarten applications are placed on the waitlist according to their priority grouping and date of application. All other applications are randomly placed on the waitlist by grade of application and priority grouping.
  • 1st-11th-grade applications received before lottery day at the end of January will be placed in the lottery. Waitlist numbers will be randomly assigned according to priority grouping and applicants will be electronically notified of their waitlist number on lottery day.
  • 1st-11th-grade applications received after lottery day at the end of January will be placed on the waitlist according to priority grouping. You will be electronically notified of your waitlist number once your application has been processed.
    • Kindergarten applications are not placed in a lottery but are ordered by priority group and date of receipt.  You will be electronically notified of your waitlist number after the lottery or once your application has been processed.
  • After our lottery day, we begin filling seats on a rolling basis until grades are filled or we reach the close of our enrollment season at the end of September.

Does my family need to live in a certain district?

While families that reside within our chartering district receive priority, your residing district does not restrict you from submitting an application for enrollment.  All school districts are welcome to apply.  Our student body consists of families that reside in 15 different school districts across the front range.

Is transportation provided?

The Vanguard School does not operate a bus system and does not provide student transportation to and from school.

Is there a tuition cost for The Vanguard School?

The Vanguard School is a tuition-free, public charter school.  There is a yearly student fee for all grades ($125.00 for full-day kindergarten through 12th grade) payable at the beginning of the school year.  This fee covers individual student costs as well as costs associated with classroom supplies, textbooks, planners, etc.

Is testing required to apply?

Students applying for 1st-11th grade are required to complete a placement test.  These tests are not entrance exams; they are used to place each student in the appropriate level to ensure that children are appropriately challenged and successful.  Testing is available after the lottery season has begun.

Can prospective applicant families visit campus?

Virtual information sessions and virtual tours are available on our enrollment webpage. During the school year, in-person tours are available with our assistant principals.  The link for in-person tours can also be found on our enrollment webpage.

Is there a sibling admissions policy?

We value the relationships we have developed with current families and to that end, siblings are given a higher priority on the waitlist.  Enrollment for siblings is attempted but is not guaranteed.

Are there support systems for new students and families?

We are excited that families choose to continue their academic journey with us.  As a new student or returning Vanguard student that has recently transferred to a new building, we encourage students to attend our New Student Orientation prior to the first week of school.  For parents, each campus will have its own, unique orientation during Back-to-School Night to welcome families and share valuable campus resources that will provide guidance to navigate their voyage to success.

We also offer tours, a mentor program, the Coffee with the Principal event, and much more throughout the school year.  Teachers are also available during the school day between 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. to answer questions and offer support.

How diverse is your student body?

50% of the student population is comprised of Minority students:

  • Hispanic / Latino – 28.1%
  • American Indian or Alaskan Native – 0.2%
  • Asian – 6.1%
  • Black or African American – 3.6%
  • Caucasian – 50%
  • Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander – 0.5%
  • Two or More Races -11.5%

How old should my child be to apply to kindergarten?

You are welcome to apply at any age, however, all applicants must be five years old before October 1 of the year they wish to enter kindergarten.  There are no exceptions to that birthday deadline.

Is there a school uniform?

Uniforms are mandatory for all K-8th-grade students and high school students are required to adhere to the high school dress code. Wearing uniforms is intended to improve discipline and enhance the overall learning environment and shows pride in oneself and in The Vanguard School. 

Click here to view our K-8 Uniform Policy and click here to view our High School Dress Code.

What are your immunization requirements?

Students are required to be compliant with the Colorado School Immunization Law to attend school.  Your child must have an up-to-date vaccine record, certificate of exemption, or in-process plan for enrollment. For more information, visit cdphe.colorado.gov/schoolrequiredvaccines.

Does the school accept transfer student’s mid-year?

The standard enrollment season closes at the end of September of that school year.  Transfers after the close of the enrollment season are uncommon due to our academic rigor and availability of seats.  We do not fill from the waitlist once the enrollment season has ended.  Contact the Enrollment Office for more information.

Can I defer my offer of enrollment to the following year?

Enrollment cannot be deferred.  It is required to apply for every school year of interest.  Waitlists do not roll over to the next year.

Does The Vanguard School enroll international students?

We enroll a limited number of international students that apply for admissions through international exchange agencies.

Academics (Grades 9-12)

What academic support is provided to students?

Students typically schedule one study hall each semester.  Vanguard offers an after-school study hall from 3:30 – 5:00 P.M. for students who want additional support.  In addition to study halls, teachers are available to support students every day.  Teachers are available during the Activity Period built into the regular school day schedule and after school until 4:00 P.M. 

What college preparation do students receive?

Starting freshmen year, students participate in programming to help them start thinking about college and their future interests.  The Vanguard School uses a college counseling software program, “Naviance,” to keep track of our students as they progress through our high school and continue on to college.  Through the Family Connection Center of Naviance, students are able to search for and compare colleges that meet their requirements, track scholarships, and take the necessary steps to meet the milestones set by The Vanguard School, such as creating a resume and requesting transcripts and recommendations.  Parents have access to this information, as well, and can see the steps their students have taken to prepare for college.  Vanguard’s College Counseling Office also hosts a College Perspective series where families are invited to learn more about various aspects of college, including financial aid, scholarships, and athletics. 

Additionally, over fifteen AP courses are offered to students as an opportunity to earn college credit, and students have the opportunity to attend local college fairs and visit with college representatives at Vanguard throughout the school year. 

What are advocacy groups?

Each student in the high school has a faculty advisor who monitors progress and establishes a supportive relationship.  Each advocacy group is made up of approximately twelve students from grades 9-12.  Regular meetings as advocacy groups help students stay on target academically, physically, and socially by setting focused goals.

Athletics (Grades 9-12)

What competitive sports are offered at The Vanguard School?

Our offerings include soccer, basketball, volleyball, cheer, cross-country, tennis, lacrosse, golf, and track and field.  Visit our athletics webpage for the most current information.  The high school sports programs continue to excel, competing in the Tri-Peaks League and at the State level.  Vanguard’s basketball, cross country, tennis, golf, and track and field teams have all gone on to compete at the State level.  

What if my child wants to play a sport that isn’t offered at The Vanguard School?

There are some sports that Vanguard does not offer such as football, swimming, hockey, wrestling, softball, and baseball.  There have been many student athletes at Vanguard who have played those sports at other local high schools.  CHSAA allows students to attend one school and play a sport at another school if their attending school does not offer that sport.  Vanguard also allows those athletes to be released early from school when needed to attend their games and practices.

Clubs and Leadership (Grades 9-12)

What is Activity Period?

Activity Period is a 30-minute period built into the regular school day schedule. Students may use Activity Period to attend various clubs, get help from teachers, or complete homework.  

What leadership development opportunities does The Vanguard School offer?

The Vanguard School has a variety of student leadership opportunities, including Student Council, Class Officers, and Student Ambassadors.  Additionally, students develop public speaking skills by performing recitations at Friday assemblies, speaking at events such as High School Information Nights, and participating in the various service projects offered throughout the school year.

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