Vanguard Gifted Academy Redefines ‘Winning’ as Students Tackle Global Math Challenges

BATAVIA, IL — March 16, 2026 — While many students see mathematics as a series of formulas to memorize, a group of young scholars in Batavia is proving that math is actually a creative journey of resilience. Students at Vanguard Gifted Academy have entered their "Season of Math," a marathon of national and international competitions designed to push the boundaries of traditional learning.

The season kicked off with the Pi Math Contest (PiMC) and Math Jams, where students tackled complex, non-routine problems. The momentum continues this Thursday with the international Math Kangaroo competition and culminates globally on March 25 for World Maths Day, where students will engage in live mental math battles with peers from over 160 countries.

However, for these students, the scoreboard isn't the point.

"At Vanguard, we teach our students that math competitions are not about placing or winning," said Amy Trujillo, Head of School. "It is about the personal victory of doing better each time. We want our students to walk away feeling confident, knowing they have the tools to tackle 'messy' problems and the persistence to see them through."

The Vanguard Model: A Different Way to Learn

This approach is a direct reflection of The Vanguard Model, an educational philosophy that prioritizes a Personalized and Metacognitive experience. Rather than the "assembly-line" model of the past, Vanguard students learn in Collaborative workspaces, grouping by ability and interest rather than age.

This model encourages students to be Analytical—delving deep into content and asking probing questions—and Creative, interpreting concepts through the lens of their own personal strengths.

Community Invited: Discovery Day and Math Festival

Vanguard is opening its doors this spring to share this unique philosophy with the Fox Valley community through two public events:

• Discovery Day (April 11): Families are invited to explore the school’s collaborative environment and see how students generate original ideas to exhibit their learning.

• Community Math Festival (May 2): A free event open to the public, featuring hands-on games and puzzles designed to make math approachable and fun for everyone.

Enrollment Now Open

As the school continues to grow, Vanguard Gifted Academy is officially announcing that enrollment is now open for its 2026 Summer and Fall programs. The school serves gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students in grades K-5, offering a balanced, individualized program that prepares them for the future workplace.

“We are building a community where learning is integrated across domains,” added Trujillo. “Whether it’s through a high-stakes math competition or a collaborative project in the classroom, we are helping students develop their own learning profiles for success.”

For more information about enrollment or upcoming events, visit vanguardgiftedacademy.org.