What goals do you have for your program?
Vanguard Christian School aims to provide a quality education, accountability, and support in partnership with families as they fulfill the Biblical mandate to raise their children to know, obey, serve, and love God, resulting in young adults who graduate not only prepared for college, but also equipped for life.

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What does the University-Model® school week look like? 
We follow a five-day academic program with students spending two days in the classroom at school and three days in their “satellite classroom” at home. Both “classrooms” are under the supervision of the professional educator at the school. Students attend classes on campus Tuesday and Thursday and complete detailed assignment plans at home Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. See more below. 
 

What does it mean that Vanguard is a Religious Education Organization? 
We are a church-affiliated educational ministry that integrates Biblical values into academic and enrichment programs. As a church-affiliated ministry, Vanguard Christian School is a 501(c)(3)  organization and enjoys automatic tax-exempt status and strong religious liberty protections under the First Amendment, Title VII, and Title IX. This allows us to operate fully in alignment with Biblical faith and conservative values, ensuring that our faith-based hiring, admissions, curriculum, and conduct policies remain protected from government interference.
 

Do you expect parents to hold the same Biblical views outlined in your handbook?

The UMSI *(University-Model® Schools International) Statement of Faith is fundamental to basic Christian tenets and contains doctrines to which we unreservedly adhere and teach. We desire to maintain this position as an educational community and to do so in all fairness to each school community and their families.

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Parents or guardians enrolling their child(ren) in Vanguard Christian School must understand and accept the Biblical foundation, educational philosophy, and doctrinal positions that guide the school’s programs. While parents may not personally hold all of these beliefs, they must sign a form agreeing to respect and not undermine the ministry’s Biblical teachings. This ensures that all families participating in the school’s programs are aware of and respect the faith-based nature of the curriculum and activities provided. 

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We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding the dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctives. With that in mind, there shall be no attempt made by any staff or board member to promote or disparage any doctrinal or denominational beliefs, practices, or positions regarding issues upon which UMSI has assumed no official stance.

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Is Vanguard a certified University-Model® school?

Yes! Vanguard Christian School is a member of NAUMS, Inc. (National Association of University-Model® Schools).

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Is Vanguard accredited?

As a new member of the National Association of University-Model® Schools (NAUMS), we’ll begin the accreditation process within the next two years with the international accreditation agency, Cognia. 

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What is the student/teacher ratio?

We believe that small class sizes are essential to the success of this education model, and that education is most successful when it is relationally-based. With that in mind, we have chosen to cap our classes at 10-12 students. When classes are full, families will be given the option to join a waitlist. This ensures more individualized attention and a chance for the teacher to learn each student’s unique learning style, for better collaboration with the students’ parents. 

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How are parents expected to be involved in the school?

Parents are responsible for instructing their students at home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This can take from 1-2 hours per day per student, about a 3-6 hour commitment per week per student. We also strongly encourage parents to read aloud with their children, discuss what they’re learning over meals and during car rides, explore the world together, learn about God and the Bible, and be creative in how they supplement their child’s schoolwork. This is where the University-Model® truly shines. 

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At Vanguard Christian School, we believe parents—not institutions—are the primary educators and spiritual influencers of their children. We intentionally choose not to use the word “homework” to describe our students' at-home schoolwork, since the University-Model® is much more intentional, with parents sometimes introducing new concepts in the “satellite classroom”, at home.  Research consistently shows that the strongest predictor of a child’s long-term success is an engaged, involved parent. We come alongside parents to provide structure, resources, and fellowship, while keeping the home as the center of learning and discipleship, in the spirit of Deuteronomy 6:6-7. 

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What curriculum do you use?

Vanguard uses Abeka curriculum, as well as Bible curriculum by Answers in Genesis. 4th and 5th grades also use a literature-based curriculum for reading comprehension through classic novels. 

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What are the age qualifications for K-4 and K-5? 

In keeping with the Mississippi Department of Education guidelines, a child must turn five on or before September 1 of the school year to be eligible for 5-year-old kindergarten, or four on or before September 1 of the school year for 4-year-old kindergarten.

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Does Vanguard follow a traditional school calendar?

Our school calendar begins in mid-August and includes 5-6 teacher work days, including parent success meeting days. We take off a week for fall break, a week for Thanksgiving, December 12-January 12 for Christmas holidays, and a week for spring break, with our last day of school in early May. School days cancelled for inclement weather may be made up in December and May.

What are the estimated tuition costs? 

For our inaugural year (2025-26), annual tuition costs* were as follows. Tuition does NOT include application, registration, or student supply fees, or curriculum materials (although we offer tips to parents to save money on curriculum purchases). 

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One Child..............................$2,900

2nd Child...............................$2,500 ($400 discount)

3rd & Subsequent Children.......$2,100 ($800 discount)

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*These costs may be subject to change in the future. 

 

How can I learn more? 

You can continue to read more about our mission, staff, and the University-Model® here on our site, and follow us on social media. The best way to stay updated, especially if you plan to apply for registration or join our waitlist, is by signing up for our newsletter. 

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How do I apply for the next school year? 

Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will open in the spring of 2026. We will hold up to six parent interest meetings on both weekend and week night dates in February, March, and April. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for our newsletter, and you can read more about our application process here. Contact us with any specific questions. 

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