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Vanguard Charter Academy

Charter | K-9 | 726 students

 

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Living in Wyoming

Situated in an urban neighborhood. The median home value is $82,000. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $720.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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23 reviews of this school


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Posted May 2, 2013

Vanguard has one of the best selection of teachers I have ever worked with. They always keep me informed on what is going on in the class and how my child is doing. They are always willing to talk and help when one of my children has struggled in an area. I love helping out when I can because I hear how much they appreciate the help. Vanguard is always willing to help families who need it and that says a lot about the staff and families of Vanguard!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 30, 2012

Could do better academically and administratively. Prinipal does not address bullying issues and a few children were physically hurt while my child attended the school and nothing was done to the child who caused the injuries (one was a broken arm!). Academically they cater to the lower achievers and minimal attention is given to the accelerated learners. They are regulated to extra work in the hallway. Some excellant teachers do teach at this school but a majority are mediorcre at best. Disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 12, 2012

The middle school staff is less receptive than the elementary, but they may feel that they need less parent particiaption than the younger grades. I appreciate the efforts, and the attitudes of most of the staff, especially the principals!!! Vanguard is a MUST, if you want your children to be well-loved and value-driven!!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 12, 2010

Parental involvement along with concerned staff makes Vanguard Charter and wonderful school. I considered private school but it was financially impossible. I was fortunate enough to find NHA as a alternative that is not a sacrifice.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 25, 2010

It is an all around great school to be a part of. It has a warm family feel to it.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 14, 2009

My daughter has been going to this school since kindergarten and will be in 8th grade this coming year. I absoulutely love it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2009

I have two children who have been attending Vanguard for 3 years now. My oldest went to a local public school and experienced bullying and the principal, as well as the superintendent wouldn't attend to the issue. There is NO such situation at Vanguard. Its just education at its finest. The staff is great. I love going to the conferences and them giving me pointers to help my children at home, which in turn helps the kids achieve the best quality education possible. They believe in communication and that is one thing I love to have with the teachers.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 7, 2009

I am a mother who researched many area sshools before deciding upon VGC. I came to the open house with a yellow pad filled with questions. The staff answered each one to my satisfaction and relief. I left feeling impressed with the school and my husband decided then and there that we would be on their waiting list even if it took a year. He knew in his heart that this school was where our son needed to be. HE WAS RIGHT! The credentials of the staff are most impressive and the people in all areas of the school are kind and considerate to our son and ourselves. We made a great choice and are thrilled our 2nd son attends here too! We have so many features and qualities of a Christian school without all the fees that a family is required to pay. We feel very grateful for VGC!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 24, 2008

I went to Vanguard for 9 years, and I loved it. I really enjoyed going to middle school at Vanguard, because I became such good friends with the whold class, now, as a junior in high schol, I have friends all over in different high schools that I still talk to. When I transferred into the local public high school, I was able to make friends easily, as well as stay friends with some of the others in my graduating class that went to the same school as me. I aslo found that I was weel ahead of the other students in many subject areas, especially English.
—Submitted by a student


Posted December 5, 2008

I am EXTREMELY impressed with Vanguard Charter Academy. Finally got my child into this school and there is a huge difference from this school compared to the previous public school she went to for the past two years. I work in a school district and based on all the knowledge I have about how a school system works, Vanguard impresses me. All public schools have their problems, but I wouldn't have her anywhere else within the Kent County School district. Only con I have at this point is the lack of teaching Spanish (which they do at Cross Creek Charter Academy) and recreational activities after school.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 4, 2008

We just had Parent Teacher Conferences. I was so impressed with the details the teachers had about my children. We worked on a plan together to help my children improve their abilities during the school day. The teachers are genuine.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 23, 2008

This school has the usual problems plus a few more: the parking lot situation is ridiculous, the middle school teachers are always changing, all the talk about moral virtues is just talk, the administrators are pretty uninspired, and the focus of teaching is geared towards the slow students. So, welcome to a public school. The class size right now is quite full (almost crowded). There really are some great teachers, but it is a pretty average school overall.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 22, 2008

The school rocks, the teaching is excellent. The all around teachers knowledge and/or experience with special education laws or kids, is lacking. The principal as well.
—Submitted by charles warner, a parent


Posted September 19, 2008

Sept 2008, Very impressed with Vanguard, my kids love it. Love the fact that they have sibling priority. and my son loves that they have lunch in their class room.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 4, 2008

I'm really pleased with this school. I did allot of research and visited different schools before choosing Vanguard. My son just finished 1st grade and is looking forward to being a second grader. They do leveled reading groups which was nice for him, since he's been reading since preschool. The communication between home and school is great. You can see test scores and other information plus e-mail teachers at the schools website. I've always gotten quick responses when I've had concerns. When compared to the other schools in Wyoming, nothing seemed to come close to Vanguard. The only real bummer is that you have to provide your own transportation, but it's worth it. Your child has to be put onto a waiting list to get in, so don't wait to check it out!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 1, 2008

I LOVE Vanguard Charter. My boys are doing great in school. The teachers care about the students. Parents have every opportunity to volunteer and be involved. I appreciate the moral focus. I like the fact that the rules are firm and they stress following them.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 8, 2008

My 2nd grader is doing very well at Vanguard. I've been pleased with the communication between staff and parents. Fairly strict - but I like that. No uniforms which I also like.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 26, 2007

it's ok teachers strictor than public and expect a lot more out of you
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 27, 2007

Excellent all around! God Bless Em!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 26, 2007

The academic level is pretty high at Vanguard. The teachers seem to have positive attitudes about teaching. Music, art & sports are a bit limited. Right now (fall 2007) there is a transition with a new Principal and Vice Principal and lots of new middle school teachers. The middle school program doesn't seem as solid as the elementary program. The middle school may be hurt with kids leaving for their next school district in high school.
—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 41% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
71%

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
100%

2010

 
 
99%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
89%

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
97%

2010

 
 
100%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 45% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
66%

2012

 
 
46%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
85%

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
96%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 47% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
70%

2011

 
 
61%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 46% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
46%

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
91%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 70% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
79%

2012

 
 
82%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
97%
Science

The state average for Science was 13% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
17%

2011

 
 
82%

2010

 
 
89%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 40% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
58%

2012

 
 
49%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 68% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
78%

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
94%

2010

 
 
95%
Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 30% in 2013.

81 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
33%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
91%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
56%

2012

 
 
59%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
95%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 62% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
74%

2012

 
 
84%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2013.

82 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
64%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 33% in 2013.

79 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
52%

2012

 
 
54%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
82%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 66% in 2013.

79 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
79%

2012

 
 
72%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
87%
Science

The state average for Science was 16% in 2013.

78 students were tested at this school in 2013.

2013

 
 
21%

2011

 
 
90%

2010

 
 
84%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan Department of Education

Social Studies

The state average for Social Studies was 29% in 2013.

2013

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2012-2013 Michigan used the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in math, reading and writing; in grades 5 and 8 in science; and in grades 6 and 9 in social studies. The MEAP is a standards-based test, which measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Michigan. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, the Michigan State Board of Education implemented new definitions of what it means to be proficient on the MEAP test. The new standards for proficiency are higher than in previous years and the percent of students earning a proficient score is expected to be lower as a result of this change.

See Michigan's state standards

Source: Michigan 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 73% 70%
Hispanic 13% 6%
Black 6% 19%
Two or more races 5% 2%
American Indian/Alaska Native 2% 1%
Asian 2% 3%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 0% 0%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 52%N/A46%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A18
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Special education / special needs

Specific academic themes or areas of focus
  • Special education

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing and written arts
  • Drama

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

School start time
  • 7:55am
School end time
  • 3:15pm
School Leader's name
  • Mr. Daryl Vriesenga
Special schedule
  • Block scheduling
Fax number
  • (616) 538-3646

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Core knowledge
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Special education
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Resources

Extra learning resources offered
  • Title I Schoolwide program (SWP)
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

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

Arts & music

Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
Performing arts
  • Drama
School leaders can update this information here.

Upcoming Events

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School culture

Dress Code
  • Dress code
School leaders can update this information here.

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1620 52nd St SW
Wyoming, MI 49519
Website: Click here
Phone: (616) 538-3630

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