Why Vanguard is Special?
Small School - Big Education - Since 1973
The Vanguard College Preparatory School motto – Small School – Big Education – reflects the distinction that Vanguard is the place where children thrive!
The breadth and depth of the opportunities offered to our students from Grade 6 through Grade 12 make Vanguard unique, along with our outstanding faculty and staff with long tenures! Vanguard is an international community focused on instilling creativity and a love of learning!
Mission Statement
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, respect, and responsibility.
The community of Vanguard students, faculty, administrators, and parents are 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.
Core Values
These core values are intrinsic to the success of Waco’s best high school and middle school.
RIGOR
Located in the heart of Waco, Vanguard’s small class sizes empower students to pursue intellectual and personal passions through a challenging curriculum led by highly qualified educators. Beyond core academics, students think critically, engage complex ideas, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways within their communities and future careers. Our unified campus fosters a culture of excellence.
RESPECT
Vanguard fosters a safe, supportive environment built on a strong foundation of mutual respect among students, faculty, parents, and administration. This culture extends beyond the classroom to every aspect of campus life, from athletics to community interactions. By cultivating both self-respect and respect for others, we prepare students to build meaningful relationships and navigate the world with confidence and integrity.
RESPONSIBILTY
We cultivate responsibility by entrusting students with age-appropriate independence, balanced by clear expectations and accountability. Through this partnership between students, faculty, and administration, students develop integrity, self-discipline, and strong decision-making skills. This foundation prepares them not only for success at the collegiate level, but also for leadership and accountability in life beyond Vanguard.
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AWARDS
- Voted Waco’s Best Private School by the Waco Tribune-Herald and The Wacoan, ranked #19 Best Private School by Niche
- Over 60 TAPPS team state championships across athletics and academics
- Varsity golf, 12 consecutive TAPPS State Championships
- Varsity tennis, consecutive TAPPS State Championships from 2020–2022
- State award-winning Robotics Team, 2021
- Qualified for the National Debate Tournament
- Vanguard Review newspaper staff earned Distinguished Merit in UIL journalism, with multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals
- Literary magazine Liquid Paper ranked Superior by the National Council of Teachers of English
- 2025 Challenge Team Champions
- Art District winners across all categories in UIL competitions from 2018–2025
- Average SAT score of 1350 for classes of 2021–2025
- 18 Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered
Vanguard is committed to preparing students for college and beyond.
While college matriculation is often used as a benchmark, it represents only a small part of a student’s educational journey.
The true value of a Vanguard education lies in how well students are prepared for life after graduation.
We focus on developing critical thinking, resilience, creativity, and character, skills that empower students to succeed in any path they choose.
Rather than defining success by a list of college acceptances, Vanguard emphasizes growth, purpose, and long-term readiness. We recognize that meaningful futures take many forms, including traditional universities, specialized programs, and alternative pathways. Our goal is to equip each student with the confidence, discipline, and perspective to thrive wherever their journey leads.
For More Information:
Chelsa Brindley Ressetar
Vanguard’s Director of Advancement
Email: Chelsa Ressetar
Phone: (254) 772-8111