Business Details
33 Years
experience
Vanguard High School: Empowering Future Leaders
Vanguard High School has been dedicated to cultivating essential resources for students to become literate, articulate, analytical, reflective, and empathetic citizens since 1993. Our educational philosophy, rooted in the Coalition of Essential Schools Common Principles, emphasizes high expectations, shared accountability, and performance-based assessment. We provide a student-centered environment where small, intellectual communities foster lifelong learning, productivity, and personal fulfillment. Our curriculum integrates Habits of Mind and Work, ensuring students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and metacognitive skills. Through partnerships and programs like FutureReady NYC, we connect students to internships, mentors, and college opportunities starting in 9th grade.Our commitment to equity and justice in education drives our progressive approach, preparing students to engage meaningfully with the world. As a founding member of the New York Performance Standards Consortium, we prioritize mastery-based learning and personalized growth over standardized testing. Our staff collaborates with institutions like Harvard's Project Zero to implement innovative teaching methods, including 'Making Thinking Visible' strategies. We maintain rigorous academic standards for all students, including those with special needs, through inquiry-based portfolio assessments. Our community values respect, diversity, and student voice, creating a safe space for self-expression and intellectual exploration.
Services
College Preparation
Portfolio Assessments
Internship Programs
Career Readiness
Cyber Security Pathway
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We implement performance-based assessment through portfolio presentations instead of standardized tests.
- Our FutureReady NYC partnership offers cyber security training and paid internships.
- Harvard Project Zero's 'Making Thinking Visible' strategies enhance critical thinking.
- Students receive college credits through College Now courses starting in 9th grade.
- Small learning communities ensure personalized attention and shared accountability.
Associations and certifications
- Coalition of Essential Schools
- New York Performance Standards Consortium
What people say
Supportive teachers
Personalized learning
Career connections
Safe environment
Student voice
Services
Portfolio Assessments
Our portfolio assessment system replaces traditional exams with comprehensive presentations demonstrating mastery across four core academic areas. Students develop critical thinking and communication skills through iterative project work evaluated by graduation committees. This approach emphasizes depth of understanding over standardized testing metrics.
College Readiness
We provide personalized college counseling starting in 9th grade, including application guidance, financial aid resources, and college credit opportunities through College Now courses. Our Overgrad platform streamlines document submission and application tracking for students and families.
Internship Programs
Our Internship & Opportunity Office connects students with real-world experiences in various fields. Partnerships with organizations like FutureReady NYC offer specialized pathways in cyber security, including two paid internship opportunities during high school.
Performance-Based Curriculum
Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning integrated across disciplines. Students develop Habits of Mind and Work through collaborative projects that require evidence-based reasoning, perspective analysis, and metacognitive reflection.
Student Support Services
We offer comprehensive support including academic advising, test preparation resources, and personalized learning accommodations. Our small school environment ensures individualized attention through advisory programs and targeted intervention opportunities.
People
Lizabeth Rodriguez
Parent Coordinator
Lizabeth serves as the primary contact for parent engagement and coordinates school tours for prospective students. She manages admissions communications and facilitates community connections.
Charan P Morris
Career Readiness Coordinator
Charan oversees internship opportunities and career development programs, connecting students with professional experiences and resume-building resources in Room 406.
Questions
What makes Vanguard High School different from traditional schools?
We use performance-based assessments instead of most state exams, emphasizing portfolio presentations and real-world application of knowledge.
Do you offer college preparatory programs?
Yes, we provide college counseling starting in 9th grade and offer College Now courses for earning college credits.
Are there internship opportunities available?
Our Internship & Opportunity Office connects students with professional experiences, including the FutureReady NYC cyber security pathway.
How does Vanguard support student learning?
We use small learning communities, personalized instruction, and Harvard-developed thinking strategies to enhance academic growth.
What special programs do you offer?
We have a cyber security pathway, arts programs, student-led associations, and partnerships with organizations like FutureReady NYC.
How can parents get involved?
Parents can participate through our PTA, attend events, and coordinate with our Parent Coordinator for school tours and information.
