Vanguard Preparatory School

Vanguard Preparatory School Vanguard addresses unique needs of students experiencing academic, social and emotional differences. is the Founder and Executive Director of MazeScape.

At Vanguard, we recognize that all students have unique potential and can achieve when given relevant learning tasks in an atmosphere where appropriate behaviors are practiced daily. Our students receive a rigorous academic program that is delivered within a highly structured, predictable and nurturing environment. Therapeutic Approach

Our goal is to provide each student with the support to be a

happy, productive and successful person. We accomplish this through a holistic and therapeutic educational approach with the following focus:

Actively teaching social skills necessary for productive relationships
Providing regular group therapy
Developing coping skills
Teaching problem solving
Setting consistent limits
Clearly communicating expectations clearly
Rewarding conscientious hard work and effort
Building character, personal responsibility, and accountability
Teaching conflict resolution
Encouraging self-discipline and responsibility for personal growth
Valuing attitude over aptitude

History

Vanguard Preparatory School was founded in 1993 to address the needs of students experiencing academic, social and emotional difficulties. Drawing from more than 35 years of educational experience with special student populations, what began as a small program is now one of the area’s leading private therapeutic schools, which today serves over 140 students. The school is under the direction of Patti Pickering, MBA, LPC. She has Master’s degrees in both Business and Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In 2010, she left healthcare administration to work full-time as the Executive Director of MazeScape (aka My TreeHouse) and to provide counseling services to children, teens and young adults through her private practice. Patti is committed to helping children and teens discover their passions and reach their full potential as young adults.

09/09/2026

What happens when students have the space to discover who they are?

For Laila, a Vanguard junior, music is more than something she enjoys. It’s a way to express herself, connect with her friends, and discover her true self.

With the Innovation & Enterprise Lab, Laila can imagine creating a music video with her friends — bringing together music, creativity, technology, and collaboration to turn an idea into something real.

And music isn’t her only passion. Laila also loves woodworking, another place where she can create, build, and bring her ideas to life.

The Innovation & Enterprise Lab will give students like Laila the space, tools, and freedom to explore what inspires them — and discover where their passions can take them.

This North Texas Giving Day, help us raise $200,000+ to bring the Innovation & Enterprise Lab to life.

Early giving is open now through September 17.

Run With the Pack and Give Today.

www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Vanguard-Prep-School-1

A little reminder for the Wolfpack: there will be no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.Enjoy the...
09/05/2026

A little reminder for the Wolfpack: there will be no school on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Enjoy the long weekend, get some rest, and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday! 🐺

09/03/2026

What happens when creativity has a place to grow?

For Sage, Vanguard’s Fine Arts teacher, the Innovation & Enterprise Lab represents something incredibly important: space for students to create.

The Lab will give our students dedicated space to explore their ideas and access tools that can turn those ideas into something real — from creating and designing to experimenting and bringing their artistic visions to life.

For our neurodiverse students, having the right environment, resources, and opportunities can make all the difference.

This North Texas Giving Day, you can help us bring the Innovation & Enterprise Lab to life and give our students more opportunities to discover what they can create.

Help us raise $200,000+ for Vanguard Dallas.

Early giving is open now through September 17.

Run With the Pack and Give Today.

https://ow.ly/E3Fz50ZIojc

New school year, new families, and lots to learn! Join us for Vanguard 101, our upcoming Family Education Session design...
09/01/2026

New school year, new families, and lots to learn! Join us for Vanguard 101, our upcoming Family Education Session designed to help families better understand the Vanguard experience, our approach, and the resources available to you.

Two sessions on Wednesday, September 2! In person at the Dallas campus at 8:30 am or on teams at 11:30 am.

We'll see you there Wolfpack!

Early Giving is OPEN!North Texas Giving Day is officially underway, and we’re inviting our Vanguard community to Run Wit...
08/27/2026

Early Giving is OPEN!

North Texas Giving Day is officially underway, and we’re inviting our Vanguard community to Run With the Pack.

This year, our Dallas campus is raising $200,000+ to create more opportunities for our students to learn, create, connect, and discover what’s possible.

Your support will help us bring the Innovation & Enterprise Lab to life, expand art, music, and drama therapy programs, improve our outdoor playground, and provide scholarships for Vanguard families.

Every gift, at every level, helps our Pack grow stronger.

August 27–September 17

Give early. Make an impact. Run With the Pack.

www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Vanguard-Prep-School-1

Happy National Pet Day!Some of the happiest faces on campus have four paws.Our therapy dogs help make students feel welc...
08/26/2026

Happy National Pet Day!

Some of the happiest faces on campus have four paws.
Our therapy dogs help make students feel welcome, supported, and comfortable throughout the school day. Whether they're offering a calming presence, celebrating a great day, or simply making us smile, they're an important part of the Vanguard family.
They're pretty happy to have everyone back, too!

Back-to-school routines don't just happen overnight—they're built one step at a time.One simple way to support executive...
08/24/2026

Back-to-school routines don't just happen overnight—they're built one step at a time.

One simple way to support executive functioning at home is by creating a consistent after-school routine. A predictable schedule helps students know what to expect, build independence, and reduce stress.

Small routines can make a big difference!

Parents and guardians—we hope you'll join us!Our Back-to-School Information Session is tomorrow, August 21, from 8:30–10...
08/20/2026

Parents and guardians—we hope you'll join us!

Our Back-to-School Information Session is tomorrow, August 21, from 8:30–10:00 a.m. Learn more about the school year, hear from our leadership team, and get answers to any questions you may have.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Learning is already in full swing!Take a peek inside Ms. Antaniece's Classroom, where students are building confidence, ...
08/18/2026

Learning is already in full swing!
Take a peek inside Ms. Antaniece's Classroom, where students are building confidence, making connections, and growing every day. We love seeing our classrooms come to life with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
It's going to be a great year!

Address

4240 Sigma Road
Dallas, TX
75244

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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