The North Texas school districts are gearing up for the 2021-2022 school year, and Mesquite district is preparing to open Vanguard High School, its first new high school in over 20 years. Vanguard High School is unique in that it offers innovative education with a strong focus on specific careers, making it an excellent option for students from any part of the city. The school provides dual credit for both college and high school, and students can graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree or certifications in their chosen field of study.
Vanguard High School is different from traditional schools in its schedule and layout, which mirrors colleges. Lunchtime is open, and there is no cafeteria, allowing students to choose where to eat and sit throughout the day. Teachers do not have assigned classrooms and use carts and laptops to teach in different workspaces and labs for each career field. The school offers 55 different certifications in various career fields, including phlebotomy, EMT, pharmacy tech, dental, automotive, graphic design, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, construction, robotics, computer science, and entrepreneurship.
Initially, Vanguard High School is accepting freshmen and sophomores on an application basis, and it can accommodate up to 2,000 students. Seniors and some juniors cannot transfer to Vanguard due to the course plan over four years. However, juniors who are currently enrolled in specific career programs at their existing school can transfer to Vanguard to continue their career track. Vanguard High School’s course plan meets all the state standards set forth by the STARR, with a focus on core classes in the freshman and sophomore years. It is an excellent example of the changing education system, and schools like Vanguard are becoming a growing trend across North Texas and the United States, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter college or the workforce. Read the full story on NBC DFW.
