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GreatSchools Rating

The Vanguard School (Middle)

Charter | 7-8 | 216 students

Our school is best known for our rigorous acadmics and character development.
Last modified
Community Rating

5 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
No new ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 4 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted April 28, 2011

My daughter has attended CMCA since kindergarten and is getting ready to "move up" to 9th grade at The Vanguard School. The rigorous academics and teaching method have truly suited her learning style. Although not a perfect school, at times the homework load seems too great, I would not even consider another school for her. She has learned excellent time management and organizational skills. The ability based groups have allowed her to work to her full potential. She is proud to be a part of this school. I appreciate the diversity of students, as we have kids who come from every district in the city.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 27, 2010

It's a classical education where kids are exposed to original documents - not just text books alone. It has the feel of a private school while actually being a public school. We love it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 23, 2010

My daughter started in the Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy system in 7th grade. It was a very hard transition for her because after being in the traditional public system she wasn't prepared for the rigors required of this school. After several months in her new school she commented that her younger brother and sister were lucky because they had started in this school at a younger age and were going to be smarter than she is. She routinely chastises her friends her put the school down telling them this is the best school she's ever been to-she's been in 4 schools. I can't more highly recommend this school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 18, 2010

The school has taken my student who was on an IEP in our regular public school and has advanced her to an honor student in one semester. Their demand for striving and achieving is remarkable. The teachers are very caring and helpful. The school also demands parent involvement that needs to happen everywhere. It takes a community to raise a child.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 8, 2010

The expectations are very high for the students.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 27, 2010

Fall Sports: Boys' Soccer, Girls' Volleyball, Boys' & Girls' Cross Country (6th grade included), Forensics (6th grade included) Winter Sports: Boys' Basketball,Girls' Basketball Spring Sports: Girls' Soccer, Boys' & Girls' Track (6th grade included) Matchwits
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted September 26, 2010

The Vanguard Middle School (aka Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy) is phenomenal. They are able to meet the needs of all of the students (those below, at and above grade level) with a challenging curriculum. They manage to provide a PE class EVERY DAY when many other schools are cutting their programs. The only drawback to the school is the lack of sports and extra curriculars. The academics are excellent.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 25, 2010

I have an 8th grader at Vangaurd andshe loves this school because her teachers really care and are very supportive. It is small enough for the students to know each other but large enough to have a quality sports program and super- great teachers!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2010

Our 4 kids have attended CMCA / Vanguard school for almost all of their school years. Our oldest will graduate this year from Vanguard and has scored incredibly high on her ACT and SAT scores - in huge part due to the wonderfully competent and caring teachers at CMCA / Vanguard. This school will challenge and encourage your children to achieve their best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 24, 2010

My daughters are in their third year at CMCA/Vanguard and I am beyond impressed with the high academic standards this school has set.My daughters enjoy learning and they work hard .The school is challenging and structured.I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants their child to have an A+ education that is college focused,a school that treats students with respect and expects the same integrity and respect from each child in return,a school that i feel safe leaving my children at each day.Bottom line this school is excellent and worth checking into.
—Submitted by a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 53% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 62% in 2012.

105 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
84%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 52% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%
Science

The state average for Science was 49% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
75%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 55% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students73%
Female69%
Male77%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic59%
White (not Hispanic)81%
Free lunch eligible50%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch79%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities73%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable75%

Reading

All Students91%
Female90%
Male91%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic85%
White (not Hispanic)94%
Free lunch eligible90%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch91%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities91%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable94%

Writing

All Students84%
Female89%
Male79%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Asiann/a
Hispanic70%
White (not Hispanic)94%
Free lunch eligible75%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities84%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable88%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Math

All Students82%
Female82%
Male82%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)82%
Free lunch eligible63%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch87%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities83%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable81%

Reading

All Students95%
Female96%
Male94%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)97%
Free lunch eligible81%
Reduced lunch eligible100%
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch97%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities96%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable96%

Science

All Students75%
Female80%
Male70%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)77%
Free lunch eligible44%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Not eligible for free/reduced price lunch80%
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities76%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable77%

Writing

All Students91%
Female98%
Male84%
Black (not Hispanic)n/a
Hispanicn/a
White (not Hispanic)89%
Free lunch eligible75%
Reduced lunch eligiblen/a
Students with disabilities (IEP)n/a
Students without disabilities90%
Limited English proficiency (LEP)n/a
Language proficiency status - not applicable90%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Colorado used the Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) to test students' skills in reading, writing and mathematics in grades 3 through 10, and in science in grades 5, 8 and 10. The TSAP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Colorado. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the test. The TCAP replaced the CSAP as Colorado's state assessment program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.

The different student groups are identified by the Colorado Department of Education. If there are fewer than 16 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Colorado's state standards

Source: Colorado Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 75% 61%
Hispanic 14% 28%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 4%
Black 5% 6%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1% 1%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 17%N/A35%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 14N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Special education / special needs

Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math (STEM)

School facilities
  • Computer lab
  • Science lab
Clubs
  • Robotics club

Arts & music

School facilities
  • Art room
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing and written arts
  • Dance

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Gym
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")

Gifted & talented

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
Clubs
  • Forensics club
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:45 am
School end time
  • 3:00 pm
Gender
  • Coed
Is there an application process?
  • Yes

Programs

Bi-lingual or language immersion programs offered

Don't understand these terms?
  • No
Level of special education programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students
Foreign languages taught
  • Latin
Level of ESL/ELL programming offered
  • Basic - the school offers or partners to provide services based on the needs of individual students

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Acceleration
  • Remediation
Transportation provided for students by the school / district
  • None
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Art room
  • Auditorium
  • Cafeteria
  • Computer lab
  • Gym
  • Internet access
  • Library
  • Multi-purpose room ("cafegymatorium")
  • Music room
  • Performance stage
  • Playground
  • Science lab
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Track
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Track
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Performing arts
  • Dance

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Forensics club
  • Robotics club
School leaders can update this information here.

Apply

 

TIP: Don't forget to ask about documents required for enrollment, such as your child's birth certificate, proof of address, or a record of immunizations.

 
Apply now
 

What are your chances?

Students typically come from these schools
Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy

Planning ahead

Students typically attend these schools after graduating
The Vanguard School (High)
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

1605 S. Corona Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Website: Click here
Phone: (719) 471-1999

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