The Vanguard School is an independent coeducational boarding and day school for students who thrive in a small nurturing learning community.  Vanguard celebrates nerodiversity, cultural diversity, and diverse personalities.  Each student aspires to higher educational opportunities and independent life. 

In 1960 Dr. Milton Brutten, an expert in dyslexia, led the way in education for students who learn differently when he partnered with Dr. Henry Evans, and founded The Vanguard School in suburban Philadelphia. The private school was one of the first in the country to identify and serve children with learning disabilities.

By 1966, The Vanguard School Residential Program expanded to Lake Wales, Florida with six students at Bon Aire Lodge on Lake Pierce.

From 1968-69 The Vanguard School acquired 75 acres of property on US Highway 27 in Lake Wales, and began the initial construction of the Upper School and other amenities. By 1971, the campus was consolidated to the Highway 27 location where we currently reside.

In 1975, we were accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools. The Vanguard School of Lake Wales, Florida was incorporated as an Independent Florida Non-Profit Organization, and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools by 1983.

Today we continue to improve the campus with a new Performing Arts Center, and upgrades to various facilities and the technology infrastructure to support a 21st Century learning environment. Although our campus has evolved over the years, our purpose has remained constant – to individually prepare students who learn differently for a successful future

The Vanguard School is fully accredited through FCIS and SACS - AdvancED.

Education

The Vanguard School of Lake Wales

L. Shannon Graves

Mike Murphy Tom Owen

Ramanbir Kaur

Dan Taylor

Wendy Warman

Rosa Figueroa

Robert Allison

June Ullman Chase Brutten

Chase Brutten

Charles Baldwin

Pam Crump

Diego Fant

Susi Vacek

Sabrina Stratton

Rebecca Venable

Peter Konneh

Kieran Conrad

Dacia Bradford

Ashton Holliday

Tim Knavel

The Leadership Team at The Vanguard School of Lake Wales is responsible for setting the strategic vision and operational direction of the school, ensuring that it remains committed to its mission of supporting neurodiverse students. This team collaborates on policy development, resource allocation, and community engagement, while fostering a nurturing environment that promotes educational and personal growth for all students. By leading initiatives to enhance facilities and programs, they strive to provide a robust and inclusive learning experience tailored to the unique needs of each student.

Leadership Team

Educational Staff

Administrative Support Team

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at The Vanguard School of Lake Wales

Educational Staff

Administrative Support Team