The Best Private Schools in Craftsbury Common, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Craftsbury Common. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Sterling School
Sterling School
The Sterling School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school located in Craftsbury Common itself, offering grades 9-12 with a unique focus on environmental stewardship and experiential learning. The school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with hands-on environmental science programs and extensive outdoor education. Students benefit from small class sizes (average 8:1 student-teacher ratio), personalized attention, and a curriculum that integrates traditional academics with practical skills. The 430-acre campus includes working farm operations, science laboratories, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Sterling emphasizes community living, environmental responsibility, and developing students' critical thinking skills through project-based learning and field research.
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St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy is one of Vermont's premier independent academies, serving as both a town academy and an independent school that draws students from throughout the Northeast Kingdom, including Craftsbury Common. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with over 220 courses including Advanced Placement, honors, and extensive technical education programs. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technical education shops. With a diverse student body and extensive extracurricular offerings including championship athletics and renowned arts programs, St. Johnsbury Academy provides robust transportation services to students from Craftsbury and surrounding towns.
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Lyndon Institute
Lyndon Institute
Lyndon Institute is an independent high school serving the Northeast Kingdom region, including students from Craftsbury Common. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience blending rigorous college preparatory academics with extensive career technical education programs. The 150-acre campus includes modern academic facilities, specialized technical education centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Lyndon Institute is known for its personalized approach to education, offering small class sizes and individualized attention while maintaining a diverse curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school provides transportation services throughout the region and has a strong reputation for preparing students for both college and career paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Craftsbury Common, Vermont
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, given that the most well-known schools are not in the immediate town?
While Craftsbury Common itself is a small village without a large private school campus, families typically look at independent schools within a reasonable driving radius in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The Sterling School in Craftsbury is a unique, small-scale farm and forest school offering project-based learning for grades 9-12, but it has a very small annual enrollment. Most families also consider St. Johnsbury Academy (about a 45-minute drive) and Lyndon Institute (about a 35-minute drive), which are larger, traditional independent academies serving grades 9-12. It's important to factor in Vermont's rural landscape and winter commuting when evaluating these as "local" options from Craftsbury Common.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning program affect private school choices for Craftsbury Common residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning program is a critical financial consideration. Craftsbury is a "tuitioning town," meaning it does not operate its own public high school. Instead, the school district pays tuition for students in grades 7-12 to attend an approved public or independent school. St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute are both "approved independent schools," meaning eligible Craftsbury Common students can attend with their tuition largely covered by the district. The Sterling School, while located in Craftsbury, is not typically an approved tuitioning school for the district, so attendance would require full private payment. Parents must verify annual approval status and any potential cost differentials with the Craftsbury School District directly.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are available at the private schools accessible from Craftsbury Common that leverage the Vermont environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the local landscape into their curricula. The Sterling School is renowned for its hands-on, place-based education centered on sustainable agriculture, forestry, and ecology, with students working on its operational farm. St. Johnsbury Academy offers strong STEM programs and a notable planetarium, while its location supports outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Lyndon Institute features robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Natural Resources and Automotive Technology, that connect directly to local industries. All provide access to the exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities of the Northeast Kingdom as part of student life.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Craftsbury Common student applying to St. Johnsbury Academy or Lyndon Institute?
For town-tuitioned students, the process involves two key steps. First, families must ensure their student is designated by the Craftsbury School District to attend one of these approved independent schools. District deadlines for tuitioning requests are typically in the prior winter (e.g., January/February). Second, you must complete the individual school's admission application. Both St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute have rolling admissions but recommend applying by early spring (March/April) for the following fall, especially for specific programs or dormitory space (if considering boarding). It is essential to coordinate closely with both the Craftsbury School District office and the admission office of your chosen school to meet all deadlines.
For a family choosing between the local Craftsbury public elementary school and a private option, what are the key transition points and considerations in this area?
Craftsbury has a well-regarded public K-6 school. The primary decision point for private education often comes at grade 7, when town tuitioning for secondary education begins. Many families use the elementary years in the public system before exploring private options for grades 7-12. The transition is significant because students may move from a very small, familiar community school to a larger, regional academy like St. Johnsbury or Lyndon. Considerations include the student's readiness for a longer commute, desire for broader academic/athletic offerings, and the social adjustment. Some families may also consider private options earlier if seeking a specific pedagogical approach (like that of The Sterling School) despite the full financial responsibility.
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