To supplement academic curriculum and instruction, The Vanguard School incorporates a number of program enhancements to ensure the education and development of each student is well-rounded and comprehensive.

Art
Art instruction at the Middle School level focuses on developing skills in using various art media and learning new techniques. Communication and expression through the creative process is encouraged. Students study artists, their methods and cultures in depth. Student projects reflect the styles they learn about. For example, in the past, Middle School students created a large, colorful mural in the main hallway of the Mierley Building. Each student participated in the design process that included a trip to Philadelphia to tour the city’s famous murals. Back at Vanguard, each student drew and painted a part of our mural. This was an exciting, year-long project with wonderful results the entire Vanguard community continues to enjoy.

Educational Technology
Middle School students are taught the technical fundamentals of computer use that include researching information, making appropriate and ethical choices and using applications to craft reports, spreadsheets and presentations. They are also instructed basic skills in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

The Mierley Building is equipped with a computer lab and computers are available in each classroom. Additionally, The Middle School has a mobile laptop cart with eight laptops which is rotated between classes as a lab station. Each classroom has an interactive white board and access to iPads. This advanced technology allows for computer-based instruction while enabling students to remain engaged in learning.

Media Center
The Edward L. Reed II Learning Center is available for student, staff and parent use. The library houses an excellent collection of reading, curriculum, reference and professional materials and 11 networked computers. Middle School students have weekly assigned library time in addition to free access.
The Library is staffed by a full-time librarian and one assistant and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, during the school year.

Music
The goal of The Vanguard School’s music program is to provide a multi-sensory and holistic music environment that provides each student with the opportunity to explore their musical creativity, enhance self-esteem and self-awareness, expand knowledge of music concepts and develop performance skills. Students learn about various styles of music and integrate academic core-curriculum subjects into individual and group music activities when appropriate. Public performances afford the opportunity for students to incorporate learned skills into a positive social environment. This year, Middle and High School students participated in a first-ever musical production, Disney's Aladdin, Jr.

Program of Adventure-Based Counseling Experiences (P.A.C.E.)
The Program of Adventure-Based Counseling Experiences (P.A.C.E.), is an innovative adventure-based counseling program. Utilizing an outdoor ropes course, games, group problem-solving initiatives and trust activities, P.A.C.E. has its foundations established on a set of behavioral expectations and values that our students are taught at the beginning of each school year. The students use skills relating to communication, cooperation and trust to meet the concepts of challenge and adventure.

As an avenue for building personal, social and developmental satisfaction, P.A.C.E. enhances a student’s resiliency and ability to cope with peer pressure, manage conflict and gain confidence. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle, prevention of risk behaviors, community involvement, community service, self-awareness, decision making and the engagement in lifelong learning process.

Physical Education
Physical education is a regular part of each student’s educational program in the Middle School. Classes take place in the Musser Gymnasium which is complete with ample equipment for learning a multitude of physical activities. Our experienced, certified physical education staff plan developmentally-appropriate lessons designed to meet the diverse needs of our student population. The staff also works closely as a team with our physical therapists to develop individualized programs where needed.

In addition to the regular physical education curriculum at The Vanguard School, several special activities provide opportunities for our students to practice and enjoy their skills. The unique learning opportunities provided through the physical education curriculum emphasize the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to choose and enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.