Vanguard Children’s Academy in Coral Gables, Florida stands out as a family-owned preschool that creates a nurturing and welcoming environment for young learners. The facility maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization while offering a structured curriculum that includes music, physical education, and Spanish classes. The dedicated staff builds strong relationships with both children and parents, providing regular updates through their app and hosting special celebrations that bring the whole community together.
Day Care Information
Address
924 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone
Website
Reviews
41 Reviews
Day Care Features
Is this day care considered safe?
Yes
Multiple reviews praise the safety measures and the caring environment provided by the staff.
Reviews:
Author: Aria T Rating: 4/5 Date: 4/3/2025, 6:20:24 PM Review: Kids are safe here, the teachers are kind, and the school is very clean and organized and fairly priced. My only complaint and why I can't give five stars is that I feel like the curriculum they use does not foster creativity and most of the activities are far too teacher-led. I can't stand the cookie cutter art projects that they do because a child shouldn't be told how to do art. They should offer materials to the kids, let them explore, and let them get a little messy. I also feel like it's too academic for preschool. Despite this complaint, my child is happy here and has definitely learned a lot. ----- Author: Carolina Leon Rating: 5/5 Date: 10/11/2021, 3:25:08 PM Review: We cannot thank Vanguard Childrens Academy enough for our unforgettable time there. We have two boys, both who attended there from ages 2-5. We were new to Miami and VCA became an extension of our family, most importantly they made it so easy for us to go to work. Academically, both boys were extremely prepared for kindergarten and had a smooth transition. During their last year at Vanguard they prepared them to be more independent for kinder. The school is always impeccable and they have taken all measures to keep the children safe during COVID. We have made long life friends at VCA and have missed them very much! We love Ms. Kiko and all the staff who were part of our parenting journey during our time there. I cannot recommend this school enough!
Does this day care follow a specific curriculum?
Yes
One review mentions the incorporation of occupational and speech therapy services, suggesting some special learning support.
Reviews:
Author: Leslie Isaza (US) Rating: 5/5 Date: 3/16/2023, 3:52:19 AM Review: I highly recommend Vanguard Children's Academy. My 2 kids have attended VCA since 2020 and they have both thrived at this school. The quality of teachers, assistants and administration at this school are fantastic. This school is family owned and managed but a fantastic family of educators that are passionate about educating young children. They continue to think about what the children and our family need and bring great ideas and solutions to continue to strive for greatness for our children. For example, this year they invited both a occupational and physical therapists to help assess our kids (optional) and work closely with our teachers so they can help our kids and manage any development items as a team. They continue to add music, physical education and even Spanish classes provided by other educators. The curriculum is great and is focused on themes, after each theme (month-2 months), there is a celebration and families are invited to participate. This shows our children to have a sense of great pride in their work. My son attended a Montessori school prior to VCA and I did like that VCA had some Montessori like set up that helps children build their independence. Also, my son attended VPK and VCA follows the Florida VPK curriculum. His teacher did meet with me 3 times in that year to share his testing results and thoroughly discuss their development, this helped to show the growth he had from the beginning, middle and end of the year and showed his readiness for Kindergarten! I'm confident that VCA helped him prepare for his Kindergarten year. VCA also learns through play. My children have always loved to attend school. All educators, even outside of my children's assigned class, know my children by name and are very professional. The communication is fantastic, you can always reach someone in the office. The app the teacher uses keeps us engaged on what the children are learning as well as another form of communication directly into the classroom teachers/assistants. You are always greeted everyday with a welcoming smile. We'll miss our VCA family as our second child wraps up her last year at VCA. We'll continue to recommend this great school to our friends and family and we will always cherish these early memories we had here. Thank you so much for loving and developing our children.
Working Hours
- Monday7:30AM-6PM
- Tuesday7:30AM-6PM
- Wednesday7:30AM-6PM
- Thursday7:30AM-6PM
- Friday7:30AM-6PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Latest Reviews
Kids are safe here, the teachers are kind, and the school is very clean and organized and fairly priced. My only complaint and why I can't give five stars is that I feel like the curriculum they use does not foster creativity and most of the activities are far too teacher-led. I can't stand the cookie cutter art projects that they do because a child shouldn't be told how to do art. They should offer materials to the kids, let them explore, and let them get a little messy. I also feel like it's too academic for preschool. Despite this complaint, my child is happy here and has definitely learned a lot.
VCA has been amazing for my daughter who went there for prek-3. My daughter has grown so much intellectually and socially since beginning of the school year. The teachers are all fantastic and have provided a nurturing environment for my daughter to flourish in. VCA has been like a second home to us. We have built great friendships with other parents and my daughter has found many close friends at VCA. Please don’t hesitate to put your child in VCA’s care!
My son is about to start his 4th and final year at VCA. We've been so happy with our choice to send him to Vanguard Children's Academy. I can't believe how fast the years have gone. VCA has provided wonderful teachers and classmates for our son. The teachers and staff go above and beyond for these kids. When I drop him off at school, I know he is learning, having fun and loved. That makes me a happy mom.
I'm thrilled to give VCA Preschool a 5-star review! This school has been an incredible experience for my daughter, and I couldn't be more grateful. The teachers and staff are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely care for each student. They create a nurturing environment with love, empathy, and understanding. I appreciate their open-door policy, which allows parents to freely communicate with the staff about their child's progress. Although sometimes the feedback may be challenging to hear, I know it comes from a place of kindness and a desire to see my child thrive. My daughter has flourished at VCA, and I attribute her growth and happiness to the dedication and support of the entire team. She absolutely loves going to school and has formed wonderful bonds with her teachers and friends.
I cannot express how happy we are to have our daughter start school at VCA! A true extension of home and a welcoming staff/teachers that have already become family in the last two months. We cannot thank them enough for going above and beyond to create such a loving atmosphere for the kids. Toured so many schools before realizing how quickly my heart felt at ease from the moment I walked into the building!
Both of our kids attend VCA and we are so pleased with the school, teachers and staff! This is a family owned business and it shows in the attention to detail and creative nature of their approach to childhood education. I like that they partner with an Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist to give parents the option for an annual screening and can host therapy on site. Your child’s development is top of mind for the teachers and we get so many updates from their app daily, including photos and videos. Best part about it - our kids love going! Highly recommend Vanguard Children’s Academy!
We are so pleased with VCA for both of our kids. The staff is wonderful, the location great, and it’s clear that the whole team really cares for our children. Highly highly recommend.
"Ode to VCA" by Mr. J It started with stories, Books & Books, songs and smiles The day I met Kiko Near Miracle Mile She spoke of a dream So wholesome and true “It’s my daughters new preschool, And the children need you... To lift up their hearts, Help them grow with a groove, Spread a message of love And of shared gratitude” So I grabbed a guitar, Some shakers and drums And with only 5 students We started the fun It was easy to see That the passion was there It was not just a school, But a family affair And they welcomed me in And made sure that I knew I was more than a teacher I was their family too I’m thankful each day For their love and their care For the memories we’ve made And the road that we’ve shared As our journey continues My heart’s here to stay With my wonderful family And friends at VCA Vanguard Children's Academy is a hidden gem! For nearly a decade, I've had the honor of being the music teacher at VCA. I wrote this poem to encapsulate the VCA experience. The school is run by a loving and caring family, and that love shines outward onto the school community, making it a real family experience. I love jamming with my friends at VCA!
While we were living in Miami, our daughter attended Vanguard. We knew it was great, and their staff is super. It wasn't until we relocated and had to find new care that we realized how great Vanguard is. We took it for granted a bit, but excellent childcare should never be taken for granted. I am sad I couldn't tell them thank you, one more time before we moved. They are great!!!
Mi hijo hizo VPK y fue una experiencia muy hermosa para él y para toda la familia. No hubo un solo día que con una sonrisa no quería ir a su escuela. Siempre tuvimos una excelente comunicación y trato. Académicamente los niños aprenden muchísimo y están súper bien preparados para Kinder. Gracias Ms Dayme y Ms Kiko por enseñar y acompañar con tanto amor a los peques y a toda la familia. ❤️
