A Transformative Educational Experience

At Vanguard, Everything Changed

Instead of dreading school, Calvin now loves going every day. Even as a fifth grader, he gets genuinely disappointed when school is canceled or if he has to miss a day.

Before discovering Vanguard Gifted Academy, our son Calvin was struggling in a traditional school setting. Despite his deep love for learning, he found himself disengaged and frustrated in kindergarten because the material was far below his academic level. He was reprimanded for not wanting to complete tasks he had already mastered and often seemed inattentive—though, in reality, he was absorbing everything around him. School quickly became a place of boredom rather than inspiration.

When the COVID shutdown gave us time to reflect, we realized that Calvin’s difficulties stemmed from being significantly academically ahead of his age-level peers. We knew we had to find a school that would nurture his intellectual curiosity rather than stifle it. That search led us to Vanguard Gifted Academy, and enrolling Calvin was the best decision we could have made.

From the moment he started at Vanguard, everything changed. Instead of dreading school, Calvin now loves going every day. Even as a fifth grader, he gets genuinely disappointed when school is canceled or if he has to miss a day. He has found a community of like-minded peers who understand and appreciate him, allowing him to grow socially as well as academically.

One of the things we didn’t fully understand at the time—but now see as invaluable—is how deeply the teachers at Vanguard understand gifted children. Giftedness is not just about being academically advanced; it often comes with challenges like attention difficulties, emotional intensity, and executive dysfunction. The teachers at Vanguard recognize that while these students may be years ahead intellectually, they are still developing emotionally and behaviorally at their own pace—sometimes even below their age level. This awareness allows them to support each child holistically, meeting them where they are in all aspects of their development.

Another thing that sets Vanguard apart is its commitment to meeting students where they are—not just in their abilities but in their passions. The teachers take the time to truly know each student, tailoring instruction to their intellectual level and personal interests. The school’s thematic, interdisciplinary approach makes learning cohesive and exciting, and the depth of understanding Calvin gains from each subject is beyond anything we could have imagined. The projects he brings home are remarkable, not just for their academic rigor but for the enthusiasm and creativity they reflect.

Vanguard Gifted Academy has not only provided Calvin with an education that challenges and excites him, but it has also given our family peace of mind, knowing he is in an environment where he can truly thrive. We are incredibly grateful for this school and the opportunities it has given our son.

Heidi Hummel

Parent of a Class of 2025 

Vanguard Gifted Academy graduate