Special education school in Malvern, PA for ages 4-21 with autism and learning disabilities
Vanguard School is a comprehensive special education school serving students ages 4–21 with autism, emotional disturbance, speech-language impairment, specific learning disabilities, and other health impairments. Located in Malvern, PA, the school provides individualized instruction in small classes (average size 6) designed to help each student succeed academically and prepare for life as a contributing community member.
The school offers integrated academic, social, and community-based learning across PreK through High School, plus a dedicated Transition Center (ages 18–21) focused on post-secondary education, career exploration, vocational skills, and self-advocacy training. A team of speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, school psychologists, behavior analysts, and counselors work alongside teachers throughout the day, providing co-treatment and individualized support tailored to each student's complex needs. Programs include art, music, daily living skills, community-based instruction, and physical education to help students apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
Most students are placed through their school district with full or shared tuition funding; a small number of families choose private enrollment. The school was founded in 1959 and serves approximately 265 students. For admissions questions, contact Anita Bilotta (admissions director) or Melissa Flowers (admissions associate) at (610) 296-6700.
At a Glance
TypeSpecial Education School
GradesPrekindergarten-12
Students265
Class Size6:1 ratio
Tuition$68,500
Est.1959
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
Other school association(s)
Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS)
School Information
| School Type | Special Education School |
| Year Founded | 1959 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $68,500 |
| Tuition Notes | In most cases, a student is placed here by the school district and parent, with the school district of residence funding the full tuition costs for new placements. The district continues to pay the full tuition costs until such time when state funding becomes available. There is limited funding through the PA Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education. When state funding does become available for a district placement, The Vanguard School contacts the school district which then submits the appropriate paperwork to PDE. If PDE approves the funding, costs for school-age students placed at The Vanguard School are shared between the school district of residence and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A small percentage of parents have chosen to pay privately to place their child at The Vanguard School, in cases where state and district funding are unavailable. |
| Total Students | 265 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 80 |
| Average Class Size | 6 |
| Grades Offered | Prekindergarten-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Anita Bilotta |
| Admissions Associate | Melissa Flowers |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 15 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Learning Difference ProgramsADD/ADHD Support
Learning Programs Supported
The school provides programs for students with Pennsylvania Department of Special Education exceptionalities including autismemotional disturbancespeech-language impairmentspecific learning disability and other health impairment.
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · Student Counsel · Arts and Music Programs: · Drama - Annual Musical · Instrumental Music · Vocal Music |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
| School Memberships | Other school association(s) · Association of Delaware Valley Independent Schools (ADVIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| Summer Program Details | View Summer Program Details |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
| Offers Post Graduate Year | Yes |
Contact the school
(610) 296-67001777 N. Valley Road, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355
vanguardschool-pa.org