The Vanguard School (Elementary)

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: February 9, 2024

Steer clear, don’t let the appearance of an open private school and test scores make you think this school is amazing. This place does not foster a nurturing environment and only focuses on discipline. Yes discipline and character is important but you still need to allow children to be children. Staff can be very biased towards children with Learning disabilities or emotional disabilities, don’t be fooled but the toxic positivity you see.

Posted: February 9, 2024

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: December 7, 2023

I have my two older children in this school. They threatened to kick out my older son due to his behaviors. He is still there years later.

I started my 5 year old in kindergarten, she is literally just about the perfect child. She is very sweet and does as she's told. (I'm not just saying this because I'm her mother, I firmly believe in holding children accountable for their actions and that not every child, especially mine follows the rules) however, during the first two weeks of school, my shy child who was scared was kicked out of school. The teachers were rude to her, they let other children bully her and throw her on the ground. They took out their frustrations on my daughter. I stood outside the door and listened to the teacher. When I told the horrible principal about the behavior his response was "I'm sure that's not what that was" the principal and vice principal cornered me as a single mother.

Their behavior to a small girl was despicable and reprehensible!!

Posted: December 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: September 7, 2023

Is this the school that employs a teacher that thinks the Gadsden flag is a symbol of slavery in the United States? If so , the right thing to do is fired that teacher, revike her teachers liscence , and petition the court to order her to stay away from schools and anywhere else that children congregate. Disgusting.

Posted: September 7, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: August 15, 2023

I taught at this school for my first year of teaching and I must say it was a horrible experience due to the administration. Thankfully I very much still love teaching and have been teaching for many years after teaching at Vanguard’s Elementary Campus, but that school’s administration truly crushed my love and passion for teaching after just a few short months there. Additionally, my classroom assistant was extremely unprofessional, towards me as well as others. She asked if I could babysit her kids on the weekends and help her out, and had also a relationship with a parent of a student in my class at the time. Shockingly, she still works there now. The principal at the time, who is now still very involved with the school was also very unprofessional and did not offer any support and then blamed me for not understanding the “Vanguard Way” of doing things. The conversations and comments that I heard by other staff members and colleagues while I was there are things that I would never want my child’s teachers to be saying or speaking about. I would not recommend this place for anyone to work at. Extremely toxic work environment and they a complete lack of support was offered. Horrible place to teach. Thank goodness I got out of there.

Posted: August 15, 2023

Posted: February 10, 2020

Posted: February 10, 2020

Posted: February 10, 2020

The teachers are not even certified. Stay away this place is so stressful just add your children to anti depressants or the suicided list. Check the number of kids in 1st grade then watch how that changes to half in middle and then half again.

Posted: February 10, 2020

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BE CAREFUL WE BOUGHT INTO THE WHOLE IDEA against everyone we know and we are paying for it. Take a ride and park in the parking lot in the back and ask the kids what its like to go there. Then check the rate of children in the elementary school then look whats happening by the time they are in high school 90% loss. If your child doesnt hit their marks then they will find a way to get rid of those children one way or another and when your child tells ypu they hate going there get them out then. The Vanguard School will go as far as drugs accusations to dress code depending on gthe kids backgrounds. FYI

Posted: February 10, 2020

Posted: February 10, 2020

Posted: February 10, 2020

Posted: October 7, 2018

This is a fast paced learning environment, focused on character development and core knowledge. My 01st and 04th grader are engaged throughout their structured day. Still time to forge friendships with friends and teachers and have a little fun too. Kids are taught respect and discipline and kindness to each other, you won’t find too much bullying going on here. Every moment is focused on learning from day one which includes weekly quizzes in most subjects, a fair but manageable amount of homework and a few extra credit activities if your student chooses to participate. Homework is not regimented daily - there are many days there is a reduced amount and I love that there is homework time at the end of school based around flexi pickup times (30 minute after school end to pick up) so that your student can complete most of their homework before pick up and there’s a supervising teacher on hand for questions. I LOVE that they wear a uniform and that teachers also have a conservative business dress code which makes a difference. We’re in our second year and so far so good. Our family of four is happy with our choice. We feel it’s a great foundation to set your kids up well for the rest of their lives. We will assess as we go along and if we move (military) or choose to switch school for any reason, we know this basic standard of education and environment will stay with our kids and pay dividends in their future. As far as the teachers - we’ve been part of a few schools and I’ve NEVER seen a group of more dedicated educators - The Vanguard expectations are high and the pay is low so you know that these teachers are here for the right reasons and because they choose to be - it shows! Thanks Vanguard - we’re glad we found you.

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: October 7, 2018

Posted: June 20, 2016

Posted: June 20, 2016

Posted: June 20, 2016

I fell in love with this school from the moment I read their website; even more so after I attended an information night. I was even a little arrogant, wondering why every parent wasn’t clamoring to send their kids to one of the best schools in the city. I recommended it to other parents in a heartbeat. Alas, it fell off of my pedestal-hard. My experience is only with the elementary (K-6) portion. [They changed the name now so that the whole school (K-12) is The Vanguard School.] The best comparison I can think of for the way the elementary school is run is the military. Students are told to sit up straight, stand tall, fold hands on their desks, don’t touch walls when walking, pay attention immediately, don’t talk out of turn, etc. Everything is structured a certain way and scheduled-without a lot of flexibility for any individual learning needs a student may have. Students wear uniforms. They teach using Direct Instruction, saying commands and words that the kids are expected to react to/repeat immediately. Sometimes the teacher is going a mile a minute. They have high moral/character expectations, and a behavior system consisting of punishment in the form of losing recess time. They have 3 recesses! I really like their curriculum (Core Knowledge). The students are placed in different groups for reading, math and spelling based on their ability. And I love the fact that kids can go all the way from K-12th grade at the same school with the same classmates. I thought this school would work for my kids, but I am sad (even heartbroken) to say I was proven wrong. If your child thrives on structure, is relatively obedient, and is a “typical” learner, then I think this school should work well for them. However, independent, defiant, gifted and/or mentally “challenged” learners may not thrive in this environment.

Posted: January 12, 2015

This school is not for everyone. But for the child who loves learning and is willing to be pushed beyond what they ever thought they could do, it's great. My kindergartener enjoys school and has never complained about the workload which is a lot. He is extremely proud of what he has learned and accomplished. He often tells people what he is learning. My 5th grader does have a heavy workload but she is proud to do well in a school that is challenging. She recognizes the difference in this school compared to others she has attended (we are military and have moved a lot). They have neat ideas for motivating students and are quick to recognize their accomplishments. The study skills being taught to my children are invaluable.

Posted: October 4, 2014

Can NOT say enough about this school. Amazing teachers.They really keep the kids engaged.My children have gained so much knowledge by attending this school. I will be eternally grateful to these teachers and this principal for instilling in my children a love for learning, and the desire to learn more.Our family had to relocate this summer (military) and the absolute hardest thing I've ever had to do was to pull my children from this school.Starting in kindergarten, students are taught excellence in work and in character. This theme is carried out through all grades.The teachers are incredibly compassionate and tuned in to each child.They welcome parents to come any time.I've sat in on classes, and I'm just amazed with the style of teaching and the level of engagement with each student as they are being taught.Parents have to be ok with a good amount of homework.It was a lot, but I was ok with that knowing they were getting such an amazing education.My kids would come home, sit down and get started.Sometimes it was a crazy amount, but they just did it.I encouraged them and helped them. As a parent, you've got to have a positive attitude about the schoolwork! It's worth it.

Posted: October 3, 2014

It could be a great school but they are too extreme! Full day Kindergarten is close to $300 monthly. No computers or language classes are offered. The homework load is ridiculous & starts the 1st day of Kindergarten. Kids complain of their lil fingers hurting. On top of the daily (including on Friday) homework load the school requires the kids to do corrections, which means you have to spend evenings teaching, reteaching & focusing on how wrong your kids are. Not good for self esteem. They have so many tests, quizzes, poems, book reports & daily homework that their school life WILL be your home life too! The homework is insane and continues through high school, where kids bring suitcases just to carry it all. So expect to lose your precious time with your kids. After school includes studying for so many subjects that your kids will NOT want to do anything else educational. My daughter use to do math for fun, not anymore! She no longer loves to learn, just does what she has to. They teach by continuously repeating everything, so much is quickly forgotten. No questions or critical thinking just memorization! 1/3 teachers are bad including the principle. He's fake & the worse of all

Posted: August 25, 2014

CMCA/Vanguard is the top-ranked school academically in the State of Colorado. It is not a school for everyone. If you believe in a classical education with an emphasis on character development, this is the school for you and your children. If not, there are plenty of other choices in, and around, Colorado Springs. The staff is excellent. Those teachers who understand the mission of the school stay on and happily educate our children. Those who do not, leave. The administration, and Board of Directors, are dedicated to the mission and are outstanding examples for our children. I would recommend this school highly, to those who seek academic excellence and moral values.

Posted: July 19, 2014

My child use to go here, I use to substitute as well. I wouldn't post if I did not have a conviction but I do. The teachers are great but the integrity and character of the principle and assistant principle were not up to what I had expected behind the scene. I felt they were friendly on the outside but lack communication with the staff and handling student to student incidents. I was excited about this school but it proved itself to be inconsistent in many ways. Plus, there are always good teachers leaving and it's not due to the military. It is what it is but this school lacks in administration and my child won't be coming here.

Posted: July 9, 2014

I've been to this school before, a few years back. Like maybe back in 2009. The students there weren't that rude, they were nice. The students, most of the time, kept quite and followed directions. I'm in 6th grade now, and I'm sad to say that I don't go to the Vanguard school attached to CMCA. My childhood memories are kept in Colorado and ever since I moved I wanted to go back. The teachers are SUPER nice and they care about student's feelings. You can really get educated and you can really get ahead! I reccomend this school, if you see the building, go and sign your child up!

Posted: March 7, 2014

I couldn't be more thrilled that my son has gone to this school since kindergarten. The teachers are definitely there to support your children but also teach them about independence and accountability. It amazes me the difference in knowledge and behavior I see between my child and my friend's kids who go to a public school. They make the children learn how to write specifically in cursive which is not something you see in public schools anymore. It blows my mind hearing all the things my son has learned and knows since I don't recall ever being taught these things when I went to public school in Colorado Springs. They have a ton of events to help parents be involved in their children's learning with having knowledge bowls to show what the kids learned that quarter. The only thing I don't really care for is the location of the elementary school, but I do appreciate that they recently made changes to make it way more safe and secure. Overall, I couldn't have made a better choice for my son's education and I can't wait to see how much this school helps him grow into a well educated young man and human being! I HIGHLY recommend it!!

Posted: January 27, 2014

Wonderful School. Academics, discipline, rigorous program, best test results, and fun for kids: CMCA has it all! I have two daughters at CMCA, one in Kindergarten, and the other in third grade they both love their school. It needs more parent involvement. For example, it will be a good idea if parents are supposed to volunteer a couple of hours per year , that will strengthen the parents' involvement in the school. Also I would love to see more technology involved : math practice from websites like Khan Academy, computer science coding classes as optional or after school . CMCA we 're proud of you!

Posted: December 17, 2013

Love, love, love this school! My kids get lots of quality time with instruction. My oldest is in 8th grade and my youngest in kindergarten. They all get instruction with peers at their same learning level so they aren't forgotten about like when a teacher has to teach an entire class with mixed learning styles and levels. My oldest is in a math class with 5 other students down to my kindergartener who is in a group of 5 for reading. That are pushed just enough to be challenged but not overwhelmed.

Posted: October 21, 2013

CMCA is the best elementary option in Colorado Springs for parents who want a structured, high academic environment.

Posted: October 21, 2013

This is a fantastic school. Direct instruction is absolutely the best way to learn. HOWEVER... If you have a disabled child, watch out. The staff, including the principal are unwilling to learn new methods on how to deal with a disabled child. They will keep that child to the same standards as all the others, whether they have a learning disability, autism, ADD, a developmental delay, a speech impairment, you name it. I did not ask for any special treatment for my child but I was appalled that instead of working with me, and TRYING to learn a different way to work with a student, they wanted to expel her. Absolutely unwilling to work with her other therapists. UNBELIEVABLE. Now I know why their scores are so high. They expel students with disabilities.

Posted: September 22, 2013

My daughter spent over 2 years on the waitlist to get her spot for Kindergarten and all I can say is; WORTH IT! We love CMCA! My daughter is excited to go to school everyday and I love the emphasis on character-building as well as the excellent academics.

Posted: May 1, 2013

Great school, I've been here since third grade, and I believe that the teachers provide a very rigorous program, and I've enjoyed almost all of my teachers since I've been here.Now, the only reason I gave it 4 stars, and not 5, Is that the academic quality of the school has declined drastically in the past 2-3 years.I am currently in 7th grade, and overall, I am very pleased with my school.

Posted: January 21, 2013

This is an excellent school! Not only are the academics top notch, but great emphasis on personal character is made. The entire staff makes a point to know the kids, not just by name, but their personalities too.

Posted: December 3, 2012

When we moved to Colorado Springs we intentionally moved to district 12 for the "fantastic" public schools. I wasn't impressed, put our children at CMCA and it has blown us out of the water. This is the best school we have ever attended and I am so thrilled that my children are getting such a marvelous education. The children are continuously challenged, and love going to school everyday. The principal and staff are amazing, and they lead by example. Also, every week they have a different character trait they explore....AMAZING SCHOOL