The Best Private Schools in East Hardwick, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Hardwick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johnsbury Academy
Independent
St. Johnsbury Academy is a premier independent day and boarding school serving students from East Hardwick and throughout the Northeast Kingdom region. With a 180-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 220 courses, including advanced placement and honors classes. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service programs.
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Sterling School
Independent
Sterling School is a respected independent school located just 15 miles from East Hardwick, serving students throughout the Northeast Kingdom. The school emphasizes experiential learning with a strong focus on outdoor education and environmental science. Their college preparatory program features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a curriculum that integrates traditional academics with hands-on learning experiences. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces on their 130-acre property. The school is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and personalized approach to education.
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Craftsbury Academy
Independent
Craftsbury Academy, located approximately 12 miles from East Hardwick, is a highly-regarded independent school serving the rural communities of northern Vermont. While technically part of the public school system, it operates with the flexibility and programming of a private institution for tuition students. The school offers a robust liberal arts curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education and arts integration. Their small community environment ensures personalized attention with an average class size of 12 students. The academy features modern facilities including technology-integrated classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities, while maintaining the character of a traditional New England independent school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Hardwick, Vermont
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in East Hardwick, Vermont, given that the top-named schools are not actually in town?
While East Hardwick itself is a small village with limited on-site private institutions, families commonly look to several nearby independent schools. The most prominent are St. Johnsbury Academy (a private, independent day and boarding school about 30 minutes away in St. Johnsbury), The Sterling School (a Montessori school in Craftsbury Common, roughly 20 minutes away), and Craftsbury Academy (a private, independent high school in Craftsbury, about 15 minutes away). It's important for East Hardwick parents to factor in commute times along Vermont Routes 14 and 15. Many families also explore private options in larger nearby towns like Morrisville or even consider boarding options at schools like St. Johnsbury if the daily commute is prohibitive.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning program affect private school choices for East Hardwick residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning program is a critical financial consideration. East Hardwick is part of the Hardwick Town School District, which is a "tuitioning town." This means the district may pay tuition for students to attend approved private schools if the district does not operate a public school at their grade level. For high school students, the district typically pays a set tuition rate to an approved school, which can include St. Johnsbury Academy and Craftsbury Academy. Parents must verify current approval status and any co-pay requirements directly with the Hardwick Town School District, as policies and rates are subject to annual review. This program can make private school education significantly more accessible for eligible families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible through the private schools near East Hardwick that might not be available in the local public system?
The private schools serving the East Hardwick area offer distinct specializations. St. Johnsbury Academy provides a vast college-preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, robust arts and theater programs, and competitive athletic leagues. The Sterling School offers a full Montessori education from early childhood through middle school, emphasizing individualized, hands-on learning. Craftsbury Academy, being much smaller, often emphasizes community-based learning, environmental stewardship, and personalized attention, potentially with unique local partnerships. These schools can offer program depth or pedagogical approaches that differ from the smaller local public schools, which is a key factor for parents seeking specific educational environments.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy for an East Hardwick student?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific and require early planning, especially for competitive day student spots at schools like St. Johnsbury Academy. Generally, the application process for the following academic year begins in the fall (September-October), with financial aid deadlines often in January or February. Admission decisions for day students are typically released in March. For East Hardwick families utilizing Town Tuitioning, it is imperative to coordinate closely with both the private school's admissions office and the Hardwick Town School District to meet all dual deadlines for application and tuitioning approval. Missing district deadlines could result in losing the tuitioning benefit. We recommend initiating inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
How does the community and educational environment of a private school like Craftsbury Academy compare to the public school experience in the Hardwick area?
Choosing between a local public school (like Hardwick Elementary or Hazen Union High School) and a private academy like Craftsbury Academy involves distinct trade-offs. The public schools offer a close-knit, community-centered experience with no tuition cost for residents. Private academies in the area, while also small, often have more autonomy in curriculum design, potentially lower student-to-teacher ratios, and a defined institutional mission (e.g., college prep, Montessori). For East Hardwick families, a major practical difference is the commute and community affiliation. A student at Craftsbury Academy becomes part of that school's specific community, which may differ from their hometown peer group. The decision often hinges on the desired pedagogical approach, specific program offerings, and the value placed on the Town Tuitioning benefit versus the convenience of a local public school.
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