The Best Private Schools in Dorset, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dorset. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burr and Burton Academy
Independent
Burr and Burton Academy is a premier independent secondary school serving Dorset and the surrounding Manchester region. Founded in 1829, this historic institution offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with over 150 courses, including 20+ AP options. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including the Rowland Center for Science and Business, Smith Center for the Arts, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, Burr and Burton emphasizes personalized education, character development, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains strong community partnerships throughout the Dorset area.
Programs:
Long Trail School
Independent
Long Trail School is an independent college preparatory school located directly in Dorset, offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. Serving students from grades 6-12, the school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and personalized learning with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The 100-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Long Trail's unique Mountain Campus provides outdoor education opportunities that leverage Dorset's natural environment. The school maintains strong academic results with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Dorset School
Independent
The Dorset School is an independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, providing a strong foundation for continued education at area high schools. The school emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning within a supportive community environment. With a low student-teacher ratio of 8:1, The Dorset School offers individualized attention and differentiated instruction. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with extensive outdoor education, arts, and technology programs. The school's campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive play areas, all designed to foster curiosity and lifelong learning in the heart of Dorset.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dorset, Vermont
What are the main private school options serving families in Dorset, Vermont, and what grade levels do they cover?
Dorset, VT, is served by a few notable private institutions, each with a distinct model. Burr and Burton Academy in nearby Manchester is a premier independent day and boarding school for grades 9-12, drawing students from Dorset and over 20 surrounding towns. Long Trail School, also in Manchester, is an independent college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12 with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The Dorset School is actually a public elementary school (pre-K through 6th grade), not a private institution. For younger grades, parents in Dorset often look at independent elementary schools in the wider Bennington County area or consider the well-regarded local public elementary system before transitioning to a private secondary school.
How does the tuition for private schools like Burr and Burton Academy compare to the Vermont state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Dorset-area private schools is generally above the Vermont state average for private education, reflecting their specialized programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Burr and Burton Academy is approximately $26,000, while Long Trail School's tuition is around $24,000. Both schools are committed to making education accessible and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Notably, Vermont has the Vermont Act 173 Dual Enrollment program, which allows high school students to take college courses for free, and some private schools participate in the state's Town Tuitioning program for students from towns without public high schools, though this is more common for designated independent schools rather than all privates.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature features of the private high schools accessible from Dorset, VT?
The private secondary schools accessible from Dorset offer distinctive programs leveraging the Vermont environment and a global outlook. Burr and Burton Academy features the "Mountain Campus" at the former Merck Forest, offering immersive environmental science and leadership programs. It also has strong pathways in engineering, arts, and equestrian studies. Long Trail School is distinguished as the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in southern Vermont, providing a globally-focused, interdisciplinary curriculum. Both schools emphasize outdoor education, with easy access to the Green Mountains for skiing, hiking, and environmental projects, blending rigorous academics with the region's active lifestyle.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Burr and Burton and Long Trail School for a family living in Dorset?
The enrollment process for these schools is structured and begins early. For fall admission, the ideal timeline starts in the prior fall (September-October) with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are typically in January or February, with required materials including student essays, teacher recommendations, transcripts, standardized test scores (like the SSAT), and a family interview. Admissions decisions are often released in March. Given that these schools draw from a wide region, including Dorset, applying by the priority deadline is crucial, especially for boarding students at Burr and Burton. It's highly recommended to contact the admissions office 12-18 months in advance for boarding consideration and to understand specific requirements for in-town day students.
For a family in Dorset, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school pathway and a private school like Burr and Burton?
The decision often hinges on curriculum choice, community, and cost. Dorset students are part of the Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union (BRSU) for K-6, then typically attend Manchester Elementary-Middle School (public) for grades 7-8. For high school, Dorset is a "tuitioning town," meaning the district pays tuition for students to attend an approved public or independent school—and Burr and Burton Academy is a designated recipient. This means eligible Dorset residents may attend Burr and Burton with tuition paid by the town, making it a publicly-funded private option for grades 9-12. The key consideration is whether the private school's specific college-prep focus, larger extracurricular offerings, and distinct culture (like Burr and Burton's house system) align with the student's needs, versus the no-tuition cost of the standard public pathway to a school like Mount Anthony Union High School.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities