The Best Private Schools in Brookfield, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brookfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Sharon Academy
The Sharon Academy
The Sharon Academy is an independent day school serving students in grades 7-12, located approximately 15 miles from Brookfield. Known for its rigorous academic program and personalized approach to education, the school emphasizes critical thinking, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive individualized attention while participating in diverse extracurricular activities including theater, music, and outdoor education programs.
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Marion W. Cross School
Norwich School District (Private Elementary)
Marion W. Cross School is a highly-regarded private elementary school located in Norwich, approximately 25 miles from Brookfield. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade with a focus on whole-child development. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence through project-based learning, integrated arts, and outdoor education. The historic campus features modernized classrooms, a library, art room, and extensive playground spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, experienced faculty, and strong sense of community.
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St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy is one of Vermont's premier independent academies, serving day students from over 30 surrounding towns including the Brookfield area. The school offers an exceptional comprehensive educational program with over 220 courses including Advanced Placement, extensive arts programs, and career-technical education. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the academy provides both academic rigor and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brookfield, Vermont
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Brookfield, VT, given that many top schools are in other towns?
While Brookfield itself is a small town without a major private school campus, families commonly consider schools in surrounding areas. The Sharon Academy, located about 30 minutes south in Sharon, VT, is a popular independent middle and high school option. Marion W. Cross School in Norwich and St. Johnsbury Academy, a significant commute north, are also considered. Importantly, Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program allows students from towns like Brookfield, which do not operate a public high school, to use state-funded tuition to attend approved private schools, including St. Johnsbury Academy and The Sharon Academy, making them financially accessible options.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program affect private school costs for Brookfield residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning system is a critical financial consideration. Brookfield does not operate its own public high school. Therefore, the town pays tuition for resident students in grades 7-12 to attend an approved public or independent school. This means qualified private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy and The Sharon Academy can be attended with the town-paid tuition, covering a significant portion (often all) of the cost. For elementary grades or schools not on the approved list, families pay full private tuition. Always verify current approval status and any fee differentials with both the school and the Brookfield town office.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible through private schools near Brookfield, VT, that might not be available locally?
The private schools accessible from Brookfield often offer specialized programs that complement Vermont's rural setting. St. Johnsbury Academy, for instance, has robust STEM and arts facilities uncommon in small public schools. The Sharon Academy emphasizes place-based and experiential learning, deeply integrating the local environment and community into its curriculum. For athletics or advanced arts, these schools may offer more team options and higher-level instruction. However, the trade-off is often a longer commute, so evaluating the program's value against travel time is a key local consideration.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools serving Brookfield, VT, especially regarding town tuition?
Timelines are crucial due to the town tuition process. For a 9th grader aiming to use town tuition at St. Johnsbury Academy, for example, the process often starts a full year in advance. Families must apply directly to the private school by its deadline (typically January/February for the following fall). Simultaneously, you must formally notify the Brookfield School Board of your intent to use the town tuition at a specific approved school by the state's deadline (often March 1st). Missing either deadline can jeopardize both admission and funding. Early and direct communication with both the target school's admissions office and the Brookfield town clerk is essential.
How does the community and educational environment of a private school like The Sharon Academy compare to the public school experience for a Brookfield student?
The comparison is distinct in Vermont. A Brookfield student's public pathway involves tuitioning to a designated public school in another district. Private options like The Sharon Academy offer a deliberately small, close-knit community (often smaller than most public high schools) with a progressive, student-centered pedagogy. The public tuition school may offer a larger student body and different extracurriculars. The private school choice here is less about "public vs. private" resources and more about pedagogical alignment—project-based, community-focused learning at TSA versus a potentially more traditional structure at a public tuition school. Visiting both types is highly recommended to feel the difference.
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