The Best Private Schools in Cabot, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cabot. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johnsbury Academy
Independent School
St. Johnsbury Academy is a premier independent school serving students from Cabot and throughout the Northeast Kingdom. With a 180-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 200 courses, including Advanced Placement and honors classes. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers robust extracurricular programs including championship athletics, competitive robotics, and extensive arts offerings. Parents consistently praise the school's supportive community and exceptional college placement record.
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Thetford Academy
Independent Academy
Thetford Academy, Vermont's oldest independent secondary school, serves students from Cabot and surrounding communities with a distinguished academic program. The school combines traditional college preparatory coursework with innovative learning opportunities in environmental science, utilizing its 300-acre campus as an outdoor classroom. The academy features modern STEM labs, a black box theater, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a focus on personalized learning and character development, Thetford maintains a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship sports teams, community service programs, and international travel opportunities.
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Lyndon Institute
Independent School
Lyndon Institute provides comprehensive private education to students from Cabot and the Northeast Kingdom region. The school offers a unique blend of rigorous academic programming alongside extensive career and technical education pathways. Students can choose from over 140 courses including Advanced Placement, honors classes, and 16 career technical programs. The 150-acre campus features modern academic buildings, technical education centers, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Lyndon Institute emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, with strong partnerships with local businesses and colleges. The school community is known for its inclusive atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cabot, Vermont
What are the private school options for families residing in Cabot, Vermont, and are there any schools within the town itself?
Cabot, VT, is a small, rural town without a private school located within its municipal boundaries. Therefore, families typically look to independent schools in the surrounding Northeast Kingdom region. The most prominent options include St. Johnsbury Academy (about a 30-minute drive), Lyndon Institute (about a 25-minute drive), and Thetford Academy (over an hour's drive, making it a less common choice for daily commuting). These are all independent, town academies with historic roots serving as the public high schools for their respective towns but also accepting tuition-paying students from other districts like Cabot. This unique "tuition town" model is a key feature of education in Vermont.
How does tuition work for Cabot students attending schools like St. Johnsbury Academy, and are there financial aid options?
For Vermont residents, the tuition process is governed by the state's town tuitioning program. Cabot does not operate its own public high school, so the school district pays a tuition voucher for grades 9-12 to an approved independent or public school of the family's choice, including St. Johnsbury Academy or Lyndon Institute. The voucher covers a base tuition rate; if the chosen school's tuition is higher, families are responsible for the difference. All these schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarships to help bridge that gap. For grades K-8, Cabot families must pay full private tuition, as the town tuitioning program typically applies only to secondary education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Cabot, VT, offer that might benefit my child?
The regional academies provide robust programs that can be particularly valuable in a rural setting. St. Johnsbury Academy is known for its strong STEM offerings, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, and prestigious art gallery and programs. Lyndon Institute emphasizes hands-on, career-oriented learning with strong agricultural science, automotive technology, and nursing programs, aligning well with the local economy. Both schools offer extensive athletics, arts, and boarding programs that bring a diverse student body. These schools provide a breadth of opportunity that can be challenging for a very small public school to match, a key consideration for Cabot families.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Cabot student to attend a private academy like St. Johnsbury Academy or Lyndon Institute?
The process involves two parallel tracks: applying to the private school and notifying the Cabot School District. Families should initiate contact with their preferred academy in the fall or early winter prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., fall of 8th grade for 9th-grade entry). Each school has its own application deadline, typically in January or February, requiring transcripts, recommendations, and sometimes an interview. Concurrently, you must formally notify the Cabot School Board of your intent to tuition out by the state's deadline (usually March 1st). It's critical to coordinate both steps to ensure the district's tuition payment is directed to your chosen school.
How do the private "tuition academy" options compare academically and socially to the public school pathway for a Cabot student?
Academically, Cabot students attend Cabot School for grades K-8, which is a highly regarded public school. For high school, the public pathway typically involves the district assigning the student to a designated public high school, which may not be one of the major academies. Choosing a private academy like St. Johnsbury or Lyndon often means access to a wider variety of AP courses, specialized facilities, and a larger, more diverse student population (including boarding students from around the world). Socially, it involves integration into a larger community and a daily commute. The choice often hinges on a student's specific academic interests, desire for a larger or more specialized environment, and the family's willingness to manage the logistical and potential financial differences.
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