The Best Private Schools in Barton, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverside School
Independent Progressive School
Riverside School offers a progressive, child-centered education serving families throughout the Northeast Kingdom including Barton. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and arts integration within small, multi-age classrooms. With a strong focus on social-emotional development and community values, Riverside provides a nurturing alternative to traditional education. The campus features outdoor learning spaces, gardens, and creative arts facilities. Known for high parent satisfaction and individualized attention, the school fosters critical thinking and creativity while maintaining strong academic standards in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Programs:
St. Johnsbury Academy
Independent School
St. Johnsbury Academy is a highly respected independent school serving the Northeast Kingdom region including Barton. With over 180 years of educational excellence, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 220+ courses, advanced placement options, and extensive extracurricular programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Known for its diverse student body and strong community values, the academy maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while offering robust arts, athletics, and international programs.
Programs:
Lyndon Institute
Independent School
Lyndon Institute serves the Northeast Kingdom including Barton families with a comprehensive educational experience blending rigorous academics with career technical education. The school offers over 140 courses including Advanced Placement, extensive arts programs, and 16 career technical education pathways. The 150-acre campus features modern facilities, technology integration, and strong athletic programs. With a focus on individualized learning and character development, Lyndon Institute prepares students for college and careers while maintaining a supportive community environment with diverse extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barton, Vermont
What are the private school options specifically for families residing in Barton, VT, and are there any located directly in town?
There are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Barton itself. However, Barton families commonly consider several well-regarded independent schools within a reasonable commuting distance in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The most prominent are St. Johnsbury Academy (a private, independent academy in St. Johnsbury, ~25 minutes south), Lyndon Institute (an independent day and boarding school in Lyndon Center, ~15 minutes east), and The Riverside School (a private pre-K through 8th grade school in Lyndonville, ~10 minutes east). These schools actively enroll students from Barton and the surrounding towns, providing bus transportation or carpool networks.
How does tuition at nearby private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy compare to Vermont's public school tuitioning program for towns like Barton?
This is a critical financial consideration for Barton parents. Barton is a "tuition town," meaning the district pays tuition for students to attend approved public high schools or independent schools. St. Johnsbury Academy is an "approved independent school," so Barton residents may attend with their tuition largely covered by the Barton school district (though families are typically responsible for fees, books, and incidentals). For schools not in the approved list, or for grades K-8 where tuitioning is less common, families pay full private tuition. Lyndon Institute and Riverside School are also approved independent schools for Barton students, making them financially accessible options. Always verify current approval status and covered costs directly with the Barton School District and the school.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Barton, VT, offer that leverage the local environment and culture?
Schools in the Northeast Kingdom capitalize on Vermont's landscape and community values. St. Johnsbury Academy features a renowned planetarium and STEM center, alongside strong agricultural and forestry programs. Lyndon Institute offers specialized pathways in Natural Resources, Automotive Technology, and Aviation (in partnership with the nearby Caledonia County Airport), directly connecting to local industries. The Riverside School emphasizes place-based, experiential learning, often incorporating the nearby mountains, lakes, and farms into its curriculum. All these schools typically have robust outdoor education programs, including skiing, hiking, and environmental science trips that utilize the region's natural assets.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Barton student applying to a day-student position at Lyndon Institute or St. Johnsbury Academy?
The process is similar for both schools and requires early planning. Applications for the following academic year typically open in the fall, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records from Barton's public schools, teacher recommendations, a student essay, and often a campus interview or shadow day. As these are also boarding schools, day-student spaces for local residents like those from Barton are competitive. It is crucial to contact the admissions office the year before you wish to enroll (e.g., in 8th grade for 9th-grade entry) to express interest, schedule a visit, and understand any specific requirements for tuition-town students.
For a family in Barton, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school system and an independent school like St. Johnsbury Academy?
The decision often hinges on programmatic fit, environment, and long-term goals. Barton's public schools (Barton Academy and Lake Region Union High School) offer a community-centered, tuition-free education. Choosing an independent school like St. Johnsbury Academy, with tuition covered by the district, provides access to a broader array of Advanced Placement courses, specialized facilities (like labs and studios), and a larger, more diverse student body drawn from over 60 towns and countries. Parents should consider their child's need for specific academic programs, preference for a larger or smaller school setting, extracurricular opportunities, and the daily commute. Many families value the college-preparatory focus and historic traditions of the independent academies, while others prefer the continuity of the local public system from K-12.