Vanguard Gifted Academy Completes Campus Safety and Accessibility Restoration Project with Grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

Vanguard Gifted Academy is proud to announce the successful completion of its campus safety and accessibility restoration project, made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley.

As a local nonprofit microschool operating independently of government funding, Vanguard Gifted Academy relies on the generosity of community partners, donors, and grants to maintain its facility. Being named among the Community Foundation's Spring 2026 Discretionary Program Grantees has allowed the school to complete critical physical improvements that directly benefit its students, families, and the surrounding community.

The restoration project addressed vital aesthetic, safety, and accessibility needs across the campus. Improvements include repairing the handicap-accessible sidewalk and textured warning surfaces, filling pavement holes to prevent tripping hazards during free time and campus maintenance, power-washing windows, and color-matching and repairing exterior peeling paint. Additionally, the school's front sign—which had been missing for over six years—was successfully mounted, greatly enhancing visibility for anyone driving past the facility.

The success of the project was amplified by the dedication of the project's contractor, Aaron Nellessen of Aaron's Home Repair. Finding a contractor who aligned with the school's community-first values was a top priority; looking to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce directory, Vanguard connected with Nellessen, a fellow Chamber member deeply invested in the local community. Despite encountering unexpected challenges—such as weather-dependent concrete drying constraints and a hollow building facade requiring specialized hardware—Aaron's team went above and beyond, putting in extra labor and time without increasing the agreed-upon project cost.

"Aaron and his team have been absolutely amazing to work with," said Amy Trujillo, Head of School at Vanguard Gifted Academy. "They handled unexpected structural hurdles with professionalism and care, and they have officially become our go-to partner for maintenance needs beyond our internal capabilities. Combined with the support from the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, our campus now looks clean, beautiful, safe, and truly reflects the quality of education happening inside."

With the restoration complete, Vanguard Gifted Academy looks forward to welcoming students, families, and visitors to a safer, more accessible, and inviting campus for the upcoming school year.

About Vanguard Gifted Academy: Vanguard Gifted Academy is a nonprofit microschool located in Batavia, Illinois, dedicated to serving gifted students and ensuring an engaging, supportive learning environment. For more information, visit vanguardgiftedacademy.org.

About the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley: The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley is a philanthropic organization that connects people who care with causes that matter, providing vital discretionary grantmaking to support local nonprofit agencies across the region.