Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis (VC Indy) recognizes the importance of creating a safe and secure learning environment for our sixth to eighth grade scholars. Navigating new social dynamics, academic tests, and personal growth can make middle school a jungle for many scholars trying to find their way. That’s why our administration and staff take several steps to catch all other threats to scholar well-being before they can reach campus.

Here’s how we’re proactive with school safety and security:

  • Strong safety protocols: VC Indy takes safety seriously and has protocols for emergencies, including lockdown drills and procedures for severe weather events. We have a visitor check-in system, ID badges for staff and students, and security cameras throughout the building to monitor activity.
  • Emotional support: Our staff knows emotional well-being is as important as physical safety. We offer small classes, one-on-one attention, mental health counseling and wrap-around social service referral to help scholars who may need more outside of academics.
  • Inclusive environment: We’re diverse, welcoming and inclusive of diverse student backgrounds. Our staff is culturally competent and treats all scholars with dignity regardless of their identity. VC Indy celebrates diversity and encourages students to respect and value differences among their peers. This reduces the potential for social isolation, bullying and a buildup of negative emotions.
  • Prioritizing emotional safety: Emotions drive behavior and every scholar at VC Indy has an adult on staff that they can go to if they’re having challenges. If that staffer is not available, “hot passes” are provided. These passes allow scholars to go to the office to cool down and get themselves together (think of it as a self-appointed time-out for mental health reasons). We find this approach incredible in helping learners assess and manage their emotions in a healthy and safe way. Additionally, we have a therapist on staff, Ms. Lomax.

Vanguard teacher shows student something on laptop.

Regular staff training: Our staff gets training on creating safe spaces for conversations. We also have annual implicit bias training, which focuses on race and LGBTQ issues.

At VC Indy, safety and security are integral components of our mission to empower students to become leaders who can change the world. Our commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment sets us apart and makes us an excellent choice for families seeking a middle school education that prioritizes the well-being of all our scholars.

We are a tuition-free charter school with a heavy emphasis on creating young adults who know how to learn, serve and lead. We take both traditional and alternative approaches to keeping scholars safe, like allowing class discussions, giving hot passes (mentioned above) and even using theater projects to give students space to express themselves using improv! Our programs and community partnerships and laser focus on creating a safe, secure and fulfilling learning environment make us a school of choice. Contact us today to learn more!

About Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis

Vanguard Collegiate of Indianapolis (VC Indy) is a close-knit middle school with a big impact. Serving grades 6-8, we are a public charter offering innovative learning and wraparound social services. Our goal is to prepare our scholars for success in high school and beyond. At Vanguard, we believe in “opening doors” for our scholars through engaging academics, a safe environment, leadership development, and a strong sense of community. Enroll your scholar today!