Batavia Students Join Global Scientists for Great Backyard Bird Count

BATAVIA, IL — While many students were looking forward to the weekend, students at Vanguard Gifted Academy were busy contributing to global science. Armed with tablets and binoculars, students spent Friday, Feb. 13, participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a real-world community science initiative that helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology track bird populations worldwide.

“At Vanguard, we believe that education should be authentic,” says Amy Trujillo, Head of School. “Participating in the Bird Count isn't just a science lesson; it’s a chance for our students to see themselves as contributors to a global body of knowledge.”

A Mission of Discovery and Innovation This hands-on approach is central to the school’s core mission. Vanguard Gifted Academy is dedicated to providing an experience that guides gifted children to think, create, and innovate. By focusing on the "whole child," the school creates a low-stress, high-challenge environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions while developing the emotional and academic tools they need to thrive.

A Tradition of National Achievement The Bird Count is just one of several national initiatives Vanguard students participate in to benchmark their growth against peers nationwide. Other highlights include:

• The Noetic Learning Math Contest: A national problem-solving competition where Vanguard students consistently demonstrate high-level logical reasoning.

• Math Kangaroo: As the Illinois State Director for this international competition, Trujillo ensures Vanguard students are at the forefront of this prestigious math challenge, which emphasizes creative problem-solving.

Community Access & Enrollment While Vanguard serves a specific population of gifted and twice-exceptional learners, the school is deeply committed to ensuring that all children in the Fox River Valley have access to high-quality STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) experiences.

To support this, Vanguard is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year and has opened registration for its "Innovation Odyssey" Summer Program. To make this high-level education more accessible, the school is offering a unique "Smart Deposit" incentive: families who enroll in the summer program will have 50% of their summer fees credited directly toward their Fall enrollment deposit.

Upcoming Free Community Events:

• Public Math Circles (March 7): Logic-based play for ages 3 to 10+.

• Discovery Day Open House (April 11): A free community festival featuring 3D printing, art, and local partners.

• Julia Robinson Math Festival (May 2): A non-competitive celebration of collaborative mathematics open to the public.

“Our goal is to be a resource for the entire community,” says Trujillo. “Whether through our school-year program or our free community festivals, we want to help every child find their spark.”

Families interested in learning more about enrollment, gifted screenings, or summer programs can visit www.vanguardgiftedacademy.org.