The Best Private Schools in Danby, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Danby. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Schoolhouse
Independent
The Schoolhouse is an independent progressive school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from throughout southern Vermont. The school's innovative approach emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with strong integration of outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Small multi-age classrooms allow for individualized instruction and strong student-teacher relationships. The curriculum balances academic rigor with creative expression and social-emotional development, preparing students for success in high school and beyond while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
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Long Trail School
Independent
Long Trail School is an independent college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12 from throughout the Bennington and Rutland counties region. As Vermont's only International Baccalaureate World School, it offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. With a diverse student body and strong college placement record, Long Trail emphasizes global citizenship and character development alongside academic excellence.
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Christ the King School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
Christ the King School provides Catholic education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout Rutland County and surrounding areas. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith formation with strong academic foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Facilities include technology labs, a library, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students' spiritual, academic, and social growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Danby, Vermont
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Danby, Vermont, and what grade levels do they serve?
Danby itself is a small town, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within a reasonable commute. The primary schools often considered by Danby families include Long Trail School (a college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12 in Dorset), Christ the King School (a Catholic school for Pre-K through 8th grade in Rutland), and The Schoolhouse (a progressive Pre-K through 5th grade school in South Londonderry). There are also independent preschools and Montessori options in the wider Rutland County area. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, which is an important logistical consideration for Danby residents.
How does tuition at private schools near Danby, VT, compare, and are there any Vermont-specific financial aid or tuition assistance programs available?
Tuition in the Danby area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $8,000-$10,000 for elementary grades at parochial schools like Christ the King to over $30,000 for upper grades at a college-prep school like Long Trail. Vermont offers the "Vermont Independent Schools Tuition Payment Program" for towns without public high schools, but Danby is not one of these designated towns. However, all major private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in Vermont's Act 166 program, which provides public funding for pre-K programs at qualified private providers.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Danby, VT, that leverage the local environment or community?
Schools in this region often integrate Vermont's natural landscape and community values into their curricula. Long Trail School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with direct access to the Green Mountains for fieldwork. The Schoolhouse focuses on place-based, experiential learning rooted in the local ecology and arts community. Christ the King School incorporates community service projects throughout Rutland County. Many schools also have strong outdoor education programs, including skiing, hiking, and farming, which are distinctive features of education in this part of Vermont.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Danby, VT, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline generally follows a fall/winter cycle for the following academic year. Open houses typically occur between October and January, with application deadlines from January to February for schools like Long Trail. Rolling admission may be available for other schools, especially at the younger grades. Admission competitiveness varies; Long Trail, as the only independent high school in the immediate area, has a more selective process involving essays, recommendations, and interviews. For smaller schools like The Schoolhouse, the focus is often on finding a good family-school philosophical match. Early inquiry is strongly recommended, particularly for sought-after grades.
For a family in Danby, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Danby Elementary and Mill River Union High School) and a private school option?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Danby Elementary is a small, community-centered public school (part of the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union), while Mill River is a larger regional high school. Private options offer alternative pedagogies (e.g., progressive at The Schoolhouse, college-prep at Long Trail, faith-based at Christ the King) and typically much smaller class sizes. The decision often hinges on the desired level of individual attention, religious affiliation, specialized academic tracks, and willingness to manage a commute and tuition. Many families also value the continuity of a Pre-K-12 private pathway, which requires transitioning after 5th or 8th grade in the public system.