Small School - Big Education - Founded in 1973
Vanguard College Preparatory School is a non-parochial, independent school in Waco, Texas that prepares our students for academic success and fulfilling lives.
The foundation of the Vanguard experience is based on our core values rigor, responsibility, and respect.
The community of Vanguard students, faculty, administrators, and parents is committed to a personalized learning experience that prepares each student to excel at the collegiate level.
This commitment is what truly makes Vanguard Waco`s best high school.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked TX School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 283 students
- Yearly Tuition: $16,000
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Vanguard College Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
283 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 41%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
54%
Average Class Size
13 students
Number of AP Courses
17 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art, Calculus
Average SAT score
1350
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$16,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition Assistance Available
% on Financial Aid
60%
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Chelsa_Ressetar@vanguard.org
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
14 student Clubs and Organizations, Chess Club, Investment Club, Latin Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Robotics Club, Spanish Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Dedicated Art Building (painting, drawing, sculpting, welding, woodworking), Dedicated Strings program, Drum Line, Glee Club, One Act Play
Recreational Athletic Programs:
All inclusive sports program
14 student Clubs and Organizations, Chess Club, Investment Club, Latin Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Robotics Club, Spanish Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Dedicated Art Building (painting, drawing, sculpting, welding, woodworking), Dedicated Strings program, Drum Line, Glee Club, One Act Play
Recreational Athletic Programs:
All inclusive sports program
School Notes
- OVERVIEWSince 1973, Vanguard College Preparatory School has offered Central Texas students in grades 6-12 a superior educational experience. Modeled after a college-style campus, Vanguard maintains small academic class sizes taught by educators who are passionate about what they do and provide students with individualized attention.
- VANGUARD ADVANTAGEWhat sets Vanguard apart Families and students love our school because of the true sense of community. Teachers and students are given the freedom to strive towards the honest pursuit of knowledge together, instead of learning how to take a test. The student to teacher ratio is 1:13. Academic counseling and college preparation begin in 7thgrade to ensure students have the tools to be successful in college and beyond. Vanguard focuses not only on academics, but also time management, the ability to work in volume and prioritize, and the soft skills that are critical to success.
- TEST RESULTSVanguard has had 40 National Merit Finalists in the past 17 years. The Vanguard Class of 2024 average SAT was 27%higherthan the Texas average. (1350) A combined 145 students from the graduating classes of 2020-2023 have received $19.4 million in academic scholarships.
- EXTRACURRICULAR (FINE ARTS & SPORTS)The Vanguard experience allows students to excel in extracurricular activities. Vanguard`s approach to clubs and sports is all-inclusive.In addition to our renowned art program with over 2000 square feet of dedicated building space, Vanguard boasts an established Strings program and an expanding theatre program that is competing in its first One-Act Play competition.Vanguard students have the opportunity to play multiple sports. The 11 sports programs we offer have over 49 team state titles, including the Varsity Boys golf team`s 11 consecutive State Championships and High School Tennis has back to back champoinships.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Vanguard College Preparatory School cost?
Vanguard College Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $16,000 for private students.
What schools are Vanguard College Preparatory School often compared to?
Vanguard College Preparatory School is often viewed alongside schools like Live Oak Classical School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Vanguard College Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Vanguard College Preparatory School is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 85%.
What sports does Vanguard College Preparatory School offer?
Vanguard College Preparatory School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Vanguard College Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Texas for most sports offered.
What is Vanguard College Preparatory School's ranking?
Vanguard College Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Texas for: Highest average SAT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Vanguard College Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Vanguard College Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Vanguard College Preparatory School located?
Vanguard College Preparatory School is located in the Mountainview neighborhood of Waco, TX.
School Reviews
5 1/19/2024
I love Vanguard it is a place where I am encouraged to better myself. I learn lots of valuable and important skills like time management. Vanguard has helped me become a better more productive and efficient student. I love Vanguard!
5 1/19/2024
Vanguard is a great school for preparing students for college. The teachers are very helpful.
5 1/19/2024
A wonderful school that prepares students academically and encourages independence and responsibility. Vanguard has a diverse student body that is inclusive and encouraging, and teachers and coaches that provide individual attention with a rigorous course of study. Everyone who attends Vanguard receives an excellent education and graduates with a wide variety of top colleges to choose from.
5 1/19/2024
Vanguard College Prep is a great school that has great teachers and staff. The school has many sports and clubs that are easy to get involved with. I think anybody who has the opportunity to go to Vanguard should take that opportunity.
5 1/19/2024
Vanguard is a very nice school. The teachers are very nice and they have your best interests at mind. The education is hard but with effort can be accomplished.
5 1/6/2024
A big draw for moving to Waco years ago was knowing Vanguard would be the secondary educational option for my kids. I work [elsewhere] in education and we have a treasure right here at our fingertips. When secondary education seems less safe and more and more crowded, impersonal, and rehabilitative, Vanguard is more safe, more personal, and truly student-focused (not just an empty claim). Vanguard provides unequivocally the highest quality secondary education in this entire area.
5 11/10/2023
Our family loves Vanguard. The teachers really know their subjects and their students and tend to stay a long time at the school. The administration is very on top of things and intentional. The number of classes, clubs and sports opportunities available to the kids really allow for a diverse range of interests, and students. The school excellently guides the students to grow in the school's stated tenets: rigor, respect, and responsibility.
5 1/13/2022
Vanguard gives you lots of independence and freedom; I love the challenging academics and amazing sports!
5 1/13/2022
It is my first year at Vanguard, and I absolutely love it! Our teachers are great, and the academics are challenging without being too hard. There are so many options for extra-curricular activities and sports. I would highly recommend Vanguard!
5 1/13/2022
Vanguard is a very welcoming place and everybody can find a peer group. It is rigorous but fair. The staff is so helpful and they want you to succeed. I love being able to walk outside from class to class and eat lunch wherever I want on campus.
5 1/12/2022
I love Vanguard one on one time with the teachers! I also enjoy the extracurriculars Vanguard has to offer. Some of my favorites include Cross Country, Colorguard, and Orchestra! I also love how safe we feel here at Vanguard.
5 1/12/2022
From my 7th grade year to my senior year, Vanguard has exceeded my expectations. The small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and rigorous coursework have shaped me into a hardworking individual ready for college. I feel confident that this school has prepared me with the essay writing and critical thinking skills I need to succeed in whatever career I decide to pursue.
5 1/12/2022
Vanguard is a great school with caring and attentive teachers. The work is rigorous and not just busy work. The freedom is a great plus as well.
5 1/12/2022
Deciding to attend Vanguard was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Nowhere else in the central Texas area offers as rigorous courses as Vanguard. The friends you meet and the lessons you learn truly get you where you want to go.
5 1/12/2022
Vanguard is such amazing for me personally, and I have had such an amazing time here!
5 1/12/2022
I love vanguard because I can be friends with everyone in my grade because of the great small community, and I love how they push us to be our best selves.
5 1/11/2022
This school provides great opportunities to learn new things and try new sports. The teachers are very dedicated to helping their students learn!
5 2/11/2021
I love Vanguard College Preparatory School because all the students and teachers are very friendly. Everyone is very inclusive, and Vanguard gives a great education!
5 2/11/2021
Vanguard is a great school that gets you ready for college. It helps you learn how to study for college and teach you the steps to become a great college student.
5 2/11/2021
The teachers and staff are doing the right thing when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. 100% recommend this school!!!!!!!!!!
5 2/9/2021
Vanguard is the best private school in Waco, the learning environment is amazing, and the students and teachers are amazing to be around.
5 1/12/2021
Vanguard has been an exceptional experience for my daughter. It is an uplifting environment with inspiring teachers and small class groups. The teachers encourage class discussions and motivate each student to exceed their own expectations. Vanguard is an excellent private school!
5 12/30/2020
This is my second year at Vanguard, and the student body is like a family.
5 12/30/2020
This school is absolutely recommended by me!
5 2/27/2020
Vanguard has more opportunities socially, educationally, and extracurricular than any other school in Waco. They truly have the student in mind and tailor to their individual needs. They are constantly looking for other opportunities to offer and change with the times. They have exceeded our expectations and our son has blossomed socially and academically. No other school in Waco can prepare my child for college like this one is doing. Highly encourage people to visit.
5 2/14/2020
Vanguard is among one of the best private schools I have ever encountered.
5 2/14/2020
This school is so amazing. I love going here. It really prepares people for college. The teachers are so helpful and amazing.
5 2/14/2020
I love Vanguard;It has a very friendly campus and prepares you for college. There is a lot of homework, but it is good in the end. The teachers know what they are talking about and the teach the material very well.
5 2/14/2020
The athletic, academic, and extracurricular programs here are all great and engaging, with teachers willing to stay and help any student succeed in and out of the classroom.
5 2/14/2020
Vanguard is an amazing school! The large amount of opportunities and the ability to join whatever you are interested in is a great quality and helps students really find themselves and their hobbies. The teachers are also very patient with you and find ways to help you understand whatever you are struggling with.
5 2/14/2020
I love Vanguard college prep school because the faculty gives the students freedom and the teachers give students one-on-one time.
5 3/14/2019
Vanguard College Prep School has helped our son reach toward his potential. He has high-aspiring peers--they're all-around good kids--and he admires and works hard for all of his devoted teachers. Vanguard is superb!
5 3/2/2019
Vanguard has been a phenomenal learning experience for my child. He attended public school from Pre-k to 5th grade, and we couldn't be happier with his transition. The teachers are passionate about what they do, and it shows in student results.
5 3/2/2019
Vanguard`s academics are outstanding. The teachers are knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects they teach, creating a stimulating and engaging learning environment. We have seen the academic rigor produce amazing study and time management skills in our child. The art program is excellent, producing the most amazing creative works after taking just one class. The tennis program is amazing - offers excellent instruction, match play, and it`s lots of fun!!
5 2/23/2019
Vanguard is an amazing school that offers a lot to the student body. It is a very challenging school when it comes to academics. Students at this school really learn how to study and how to manage their time. The best part about this school is the teachers. They are willing to help any student with questions about their classes and schoolwork. Students at Vanguard can play whatever sports they want to play and can participate in any club. Vanguard is definitely an outstanding school.
5 2/23/2019
We love the education our son receives at Vanguard. As someone who has spent over 20 years working with college students, I have seen what happens when a student is not prepared for the academic demands at the college level. I have no concerns about the education and preparation my son is receiving at Vanguard. He enjoys learning and the academic environment provided by the school. The teachers are fantastic and always available when he has questions. If you are looking for a great education for your student, I highly recommend Vanguard as an option to consider.
5 2/23/2019
Choosing Vanguard College Preparatory School for our daughter`s education was an easy decision. It just felt right from the start. We love Vanguard for obvious reasons such as its dedication to academic success with a personalized learning experience, plenty of extracurricular activities and student club choices, including sports and arts. Vanguard is a diverse and welcoming college-style campus. The teachers, faculty, and staff are all dedicated to the students and it shows. It feels like our extended family because everyone gets to know each other quickly from being involved with a variety of school functions. We also love how the school encourages new experiences for the students. Our daughter always reminds us how much she loves her school while she thrives academically, socially, and personally. We are so thankful to have Vanguard!
5 2/23/2019
The teachers are very helpful and are willing to individually help every student with their work if they need it.
5 2/23/2019
I love Vanguard! I moved to Vanguard after sixth grade at Waco Montessori. The transition was pretty easy with the help from the wonderful teachers and my friends.
5 2/23/2019
Vanguard is a great school. teachers are nice and help if you don't understand stuff and answer you questions. The students are nice and are helpful.
5 2/23/2019
This is a great school that teaches a lot and gives a great education.
5 2/23/2019
This school is AMAZING! I have learned so much in a very little time, and vanguard makes sure the information stays ion your mind, because the education here is great!!!!!
5 2/23/2019
I used to struggle a lot in math in my old schools. I was not confident in my ability. But when I came to Vanguard my math teacher Ms. Garcia really helped me a lot. I've definitely grown a lot academically!
5 2/23/2019
As a senior at Vanguard, I can truly say that I had very rigorous classes that I was able to engage in and enjoy thoroughly. The teachers were all heedful to me and they cared about my wellbeing and my preparation for college. Vanguard is distinctly different from other private schools in Waco because of the responsibility and freedom they allow to the students who attend. I feel more than prepared for college because of my experience.
5 12/27/2018
All 3 of my children attend Vanguard. Vanguard is an excellent education and they were very prepared for college and careers. They all did very well in college and have been successful. The study skills that the teachers instill were priceless and the community of parents and faculty are very supportive. Excellent faculty and administration.
5 3/10/2018
Vanguard is a great place to learn and thrive. This school focuses on core classes with a variety of electives. These academic programs are top notch. I have learned material at a higher level than at my old school. Teachers are very intentional to make you the best that you can be in all aspects of school. They strive to help you learn the material. Smaller classes create the good classroom environment, that allows the teachers to give you one on one attention when help is needed. The facilities are great at this school. Even though Vanguard is a college prep school and focuses on core classes, it still offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. The art program here is amazing. People create cool new things that make the art program a fun learning environment. Music also is great here. The teachers are very helpful in increasing your skill in music. Sports is one of the best things about Vanguard. There are no cuts to any sport. You can play as many sports as you like and the coaches are intentional about making you better, or even teaching you the sport if you are new to the sport. Both the Academic and Athletic aspects of Vanguard are awesome. Vanguard is a very welcoming environment that all students can thrive in.
5 3/10/2018
Vanguard offers an outstanding academic program. The teachers are passionate about what they teach and as a result they create an amazing learning environment. The breath and depth of each class is comprehensive -tapping in one's full learning potential. We couldn't be more pleased with all our child is learning! The sports program is also a highlight. The coaches are amazing - true mentors with excellent attitudes- we truly appreciate their approach to coaching. The coaches intentionally draw out potential by developing each child's skill set to the next level. This school truly seeks out each child's potential and develops it!
5 3/9/2018
Vanguard encourages all of it's students to work hard. This is my first year at Vanguard and I am a freshman. The education and structure was a bit different when I first switched. I come from a 6A school that was preparing me for a IB high school. My family had to move so I chose Vanguard. I wasn't really ready for the switch at first. I was used to a student base of over 500, but my class only has 36 students in it. Less than a semester into the year, I was completely loving this new atmosphere. I have made many friends and school is fun to me. I never thought that I would want to come to school, but Vanguard has done the impossible. Even my teachers are amazing by how they support me throughout everything. It's truly one of the best high schools.
5 1/25/2018
I came from a 5A and the change was a scary process for me! To say the least it was the best decision I've ever made!!! The first thing I noticed was the size difference Vanguard is small but a perfect size!! I love the one-on-one you have with the teachers, they genuinely care for you're education and you're well-being. Not to mention the food as well is super delicious! Def come check out this school!
5 1/25/2018
I am attending vanguard and it is amazing the teachers are always there for you and will do anything to help. i am so happy that i am at this school!
5 1/25/2018
I am currently a Junior at Vanguard and have enjoyed every single year I`ve been here. The teachers prepare you for everything you need to know, academically and mentally throughout your years at vanguard. The environment Vanguard provides is unlike anywhere else, and I truly believe it has better prepared me for college.
5 1/25/2018
I am a current senior at Vanguard, and I absolutely love the teachers here- throughout my time here, I have had some of the best teachers, especially in the english department. Vanguard teachers are helpful and caring and have helped me every step of the way through my college application process.
5 5/20/2016
I attended Vanguard from the 7-12th grades. Vanguard instills in its students the desire to learn and to do their best. My experiences there prepared me for the demands of college as well as medical school. Compared to many of my other college classmates, I seemed much more prepared for the demands of college. One concept that I learned from Vanguard was life time of learning. That even when you graduate from high school, college, or graduate school, you never stop learning or striving to educate and improve yourself. While this is not an uncommon concept (It was discussed often in both college and medical school), I don't think it is something that most high school teach. Vanguard takes a personal approach to each of its students. I was very different than my siblings, who both attended Vanguard, and Vanguard tailored the learning around our individual needs and interests.
5 10/31/2015
Vanguard prepared me for college and beyond. The faculty is so engaging and focused on individualizing the experience to push students to do their best. I found the University of Texas much easier than high school. Vanguard prepared me not only for college but also my corporate career.
5 10/31/2015
The quality of education at Vanguard is above all others in the Waco area. I would consider it a very well rounded education as well. In addition to quality education, Vanguard offers opportunities in orchestra, drama, art, sports, clubs. For such a small school, I have found that Vanguard offers a great variety for whatever interests my children. I have one that has graduated after attending since 8th grade, another graduating this year, and one that just started.
No matter what type of learner your student may be, and I have 3 different learning types in my family, I have found that they are and will be very well prepared for college. My oldest struggled through Pre-Cal at Vanguard, but is receiving an A with very little effort in Pre-Cal in college. I know this is because of the rigor that was imposed on her while at Vanguard.
A student can be as involved or uninvolved as they choose. Opportunities for involvement range from sports to community service adventures. Mine have been involved in several different areas and different levels of participation depending on their specific personality.
I highly recommend this school to anyone that recognizes the importance of being prepared for College.
5 10/31/2015
My son, who is a Jr, has high expectations of what he wants to learn during his high school years. He is extremely happy with the high expectations and standards Vanguard has and the ability for his teachers to still challenge him. It is easy to be socially active at the school, and the students are friendly and there is an atmosphere of "Its great to be smart!" We LOVE Vanguard!
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