Maddie Dortilus

Vanguard Class of 2027


WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I love how much freedom we have at Vanguard and how many opportunities there are for us. 


DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

I believe Vanguard is different from other schools in Waco because the academics are more challenging than the other schools.


VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

To me, our motto is what Vanguard teaches us as students. At the end of our time at Vanguard, we are expected to show rigor, respect, and responsibility. 

Caroline Rice

Vanguard Class of 2025


WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I love the Vanguard teachers are staff because they are so encouraging and are always willing to help you better understand concepts and answer questions.


DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Vanguard is completely different from other high schools because of the freedom they grant their students with our large campus and many rooms to go to during modules or breaks.


VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Whether being rigorous in studies, respecting teachers and peers, or being responsible getting to classes, the three words ‘Rigor, Respect, and Responsibility’ describe the things a person needs to survive at Vanguard and what every student should strive for.

Andrew Holze

Vanguard Class of 2023

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I like how the teachers treat each student like an adult. I also enjoy how teachers sometimes tailor the class around how students work and learn. The freedom to go of the campus and to go outside during lunch helps us learn responsibility which also adds to my love for Vanguard.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Vanguard is different from other schools in Waco because the teachers care more about the students and create more rigorous and challenging work to teach us. Vanguard also gives us the freedom to make our own decisions within reason to teach us responsibility.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

To me, Vanguard’s motto means that students will be challenged and will have to actually try in their schoolwork without being too overwhelmed with work. It also means that students respect teachers, the school, and each other which is not always found in other schools. Lastly I believe that the motto states how students are responsible enough to do their work and turn it in without being constantly pressured by teachers to do so but also they must be responsible enough to make the right choices and be good all-around people in the choices they make.

Danae Simmons

Vanguard Class of 2024

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

What I like about Vanguard is that the teachers encourage us to do our best. They push us to try new things and learn. We are treated as adults and we learn to be responsible and respectful. Vanguard teaches us not only education but life skills too.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Vanguard is definitely different from other schools. The education pushes us to do better than we thought we could do. I believe we have more freedom and opportunities due to our small size.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Rigor describes the education that we get at Vanguard. We are expected to always do our best and try hard. To me, respect describes both the students and teachers. The students are respectful to teachers and peers, and the teachers and peers are respectful to us too. At Vanguard, we have to be responsible for our time. We are expected to act like adults and be responsible for homework and studying. We also have to be responsible with the dress code.

Kaitlyn Peavy

Vanguard Class of 2024

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I like Vanguard because it is a small environment. You can easily get to know every kid in your class personally. Everyone around the school knows who you are including staff and students of all other grades. I enjoy walking on campus and in the classes feeling welcomed. Vanguard has an amazing faculty and staff that will sit down with you to ensure you understand your lesson. They also go to extremes to make sure each student is mentally ready for class and life skills.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Vanguard is totally different from other schools. Especially on campus, the school is spread out just like a regular college campus. At the end of the day, Vanguard students will have gained valuable experience by going to a school that is modeled after a college. Vanguard is very diverse from other schools in lots of ways. All the teachers truly care about your education and want to do everything possible for your success. They will make one on one time with you to go over material learned in class that you may not understand or pick up as easily as other students.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Students at Vanguard are held to high standards with the motto, “Rigor, Respect, Responsibility”. Rigor challenges students thinking in new and different ways and leads to success. Respect is expected of us to give to anyone that it should be given to at any certain time. We are taught proper etiquette to give speakers, teachers, and fellow classmates. Responsibility comes hand in hand with all the freedom we’re given. With an outdoor, open campus and relaxed dress code we are really trusted with the responsibility.

Annabelle Reece

Class of 2024

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

What I absolutely love about Vanguard is that the teachers are already preparing you for college. We are being taught by teachers that really care about our success and want us to do the best that we can do. What I genuinely love about Vanguard is it is like a big family. When you first start a new school, it can be scary, but you feel very welcome here. You also get a bunch of freedom at Vanguard. During passing periods, you get to walk outside to different buildings to get to other classes. It is nice to get fresh air during the day instead of being inside all of the time.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Vanguard is entirely different from other schools. The main thing that I feel is different about Vanguard is being able to walk outside to classes. I also enjoy playing outside during lunch with my friends. We have an hour lunch so it is really nice to have some time to run around and relax. The teachers at Vanguard are enthusiastic about teaching us, we do a lot of fun projects in all of the classes that help us learn in a more relaxed environment. 

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Rigor, Respect, and Responsibility are huge words when you are at Vanguard. The curriculum at Vanguard are rigorous, and I love that because it challenges me in a way I don’t believe any other school could. Respect is something that I think you have to earn. When you respect your teachers during class, you earn their respect back. Responsibility is definitely the most essential value at Vanguard. You have to have the responsibility to plan out your week, figure out when your test is, and how you need to approach studying. I have a planner that I write down all my homework, quizzes, and tests. I love the Vanguard motto because it is all of the things that Vanguard truly is put into three words. I love it here!

Landon Hanshew

Class of 2023

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I love the freedom here at Vanguard. Also, I love the teachers here. They are so willing to help me whenever I need help even after school. 

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

I do believe Vanguard is different from all schools, because of how the teachers are willing to help you. Also, because of all of the freedom you have.  

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

I love the rigor here at Vanguard. I know all of my hard work will be worth it later in life. Respect is everywhere here on campus. All of the teachers respect my friends and I. Responsibility is extremely important here at Vanguard. You need to take responsibility for many things. The responsibility you do at the school rubs off and I have started to become more responsible. This motto is the core at Vanguard. I love this school, the teachers, my friends, and freedom. I know all of my hard work and dedication will be worth it in the end.

Madlenne Braus

Class of 2026

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I love that Vanguard gives me the freedom to explore what I like to do. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities that all students have access to. I like that the focus is on academics and not sports. The sports program is great, though, and we can pursue any sport we want. The teachers and students are very caring and Vanguard is a judgement-free zone.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Yes, I went to a different private school in the Waco area before transferring to Vanguard and there are very distinct differences, and all of them are things that I love about Vanguard. The teachers actually care about your questions and opinions and they give us a good amount of school and class work. There is no bullying amongst classmates and everyone is very friendly. There are so many options and opportunities at Vanguard that can really help us in the future. I would say that overall, Vanguard is much better than all other schools in Waco.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

To me, rigor is paying attention and learning in classes, as well as, completing our work on time and done well. Respect means being kind and helpful to fellow students and teachers. Finally, responsibility means taking care of assignments on time and owning up to your mistakes, as well as learning from them.

Aria Cleveland

Class of 2026

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

At Vanguard, we are known for our small class sizes. These allow for better personal help from teachers which can help greatly, especially if you feel you are struggling in any specific class. I love the opportunity to meet the different people that I have through Vanguard’s considerable selection of various clubs, sports, and electives. Vanguard is both a high school and a middle school which is something that I have enjoyed from the very beginning of my experience here. Friendships between these two divisions are common. I frequently see high schoolers help middle schoolers with their homework, sports training, or even just to lend an ear and listen. Vanguard also has fun traditions that I look forward to every year including the Easter Egg Hunt, Powder Puff, and Emma’s Day. Vanguard has a multitude of opportunities despite being a relatively small school, and a kind of environment that has drawn me in since my first tour.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

 Yes, wholeheartedly. At Vanguard, because there are standardized state tests, the teachers are teaching for our benefit as opposed to teaching to possibility get a bonus from the state. Our campus is also very similar to a college set-up which adds to the “college preparatory” part of our name. Other schools tend to only have one building that students are in for most of the day. Vanguard, unlike these other schools, offers a ten-minute passing period between classes and five buildings that have classes in them and a separate building for our two gyms. This allows the students to be in the sunlight more, which has been proven in studies to increase serotonin production and therefore improve their mood. Because of our middle/high school combination, we also have a senior and seventh-grader peer program in which the seniors talk to the seventh graders about what they want to achieve and how to get there. When I was in seventh grade, I loved seeing my senior peers in the hallways and peer lunches were always something my classmates and I looked forward to. I believe that Vanguard’s unique and unconventional approach leads to a one-of-a-kind education that cannot be found anywhere else.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

I have always seen our motto as the method to success at Vanguard in addition to being Vanguard’s chief principles. The “three R’s,” as they are known, are the three traits that Vanguard instills in its students in the hopes that they strive to embody them throughout their lives and fulfill their full potential. Through the application of “Rigor, Respect, and Responsibility” I believe every student enrolled here is given the chance to reach their goals.

Katylu Offill

Class of 2023

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I like the campus setup. There are many buildings, and the staff trusts you to get to your assigned classes on time. The setup is like a college campus, so there are many freedoms. As well as the open campus, there are activities to do during our hour-long lunch. My favorite is the pergola, in which are iron swings and picnic tables. Others include a gaga pit, and an open field that is normally used for pickup soccer games.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Yes, Vanguard is very different from other schools. We have small classes, a relaxed dress code, and a relaxed campus. At Vanguard, there are very small classes. The student to teacher ratio is normally close to 1:13. This is good for both teacher and student because you have more one-on-one opportunities. Our dress code reflects our school motto, responsible and respectful. For boys, they can have long hair here unlike other schools. On campus, our buildings are spread out over our lot, and we get fresh air between classes, which is nice. In all, Vanguard has many differences from other private and public schools across Waco.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

The three R’s in our motto make up the recipe for success. Hard work is a necessity to succeed, especially at Vanguard. There is homework almost every night, but it is bearable as long as you manage your time. Respect is very important for success here at Vanguard. We have something called the Honor Code, and it is composed of our basic rules. Some of which is no cheating, no defaming others, no stealing – the basics. Respect is important in and out of the classroom. Finally, responsibility is vital to success at Vanguard, because of the assignments we get. Some nights, we have homework in all subjects. As long as you work steadily and manage your time, (procrastination is not a good idea here) then you will still get a good night’s sleep and complete all of your assignments.

Boyd Estepp

Class of 2025

 

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT VANGUARD?

I like the amazing community that we can build with all of the students and teachers and have individual relationships with those from other classes. I also like the freedom to pick and choose our classes and try many new and different sports, clubs, and activities.

 

DO YOU BELIEVE VANGUARD IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS IN WACO?

Absolutely, the environment at Vanguard is just different from other schools that I have attended before. You are able to build relationships with teachers and students unlike other schools. Vanguard sports also allows you to play and experience new sports while having good coaches to help you achieve your goals.

 

VANGUARD’S MOTTO IS “RIGOR, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY.” WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU?

Rigor to me means being challenged in academics, athletics, and relationships. It means that you must put forth effort in order to help achieve greatness throughout high school and prepare for college. Respect means that you have to respect others and adults that you interact with throughout your everyday life. This will help prepare me to talk to my professors in college and possibly my boss later in life. Responsibility means that you have to be independent and be able to turn in your assignments finished and on time while also being able to successfully accomplish certain tasks that are asked of you.