The Best Private Schools in Florence, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Florence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Vermont Commons School
Independent
Vermont Commons School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students in grades 6-12 from throughout Chittenden County, including Florence. The school emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and global citizenship. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, personalized attention is a hallmark. The curriculum includes extensive outdoor education, community engagement projects, and strong college preparation with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Facilities include science labs, art studios, and access to extensive natural areas for environmental studies.
Programs:
Rock Point School
Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
Rock Point School is a small, supportive independent boarding and day school serving students from Florence and throughout Vermont. Located on a beautiful 130-acre campus on Lake Champlain, the school provides a nurturing environment with a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The academic program emphasizes personalized learning plans, college preparation, and emotional growth. Students benefit from extensive arts programs, outdoor education, and a tight-knit community. The school has strong college acceptance rates and provides comprehensive support for students with diverse learning needs.
Programs:
Champlain Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Champlain Valley Christian School serves families from Florence and throughout Chittenden County with a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic fundamentals with faith-based values in a supportive community environment. Curriculum includes rigorous language arts and mathematics programs, integrated technology, STEM education, and comprehensive arts and music programs. Small class sizes ensure individual attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships. Graduates typically attend top regional high schools with excellent preparation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Florence, Vermont
What are the private school options specifically available to families residing in Florence, VT, and are there commuting considerations?
While Florence itself is a small village within Essex Junction, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the greater Chittenden County area. The most prominent options include The Vermont Commons School in South Burlington (focusing on global perspectives and sustainability), Rock Point School in Burlington (a small, supportive boarding/day school), and Champlain Valley Christian School in Williston. Commuting is a standard consideration, as most schools are a 15-30 minute drive from Florence, with many families carpooling. It's also important to check if your chosen school provides transportation services or bus routes that extend into the Essex/Florence area.
How does tuition at private schools near Florence, VT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in Vermont?
Tuition for day schools in the Burlington area typically ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ per year, which is generally above the Vermont state average for private schools due to the higher cost of living in Chittenden County. A significant financial aid resource unique to Vermont is the Vermont Act 150 Town Tuitioning Program, although it's crucial to note that this program is not available in Florence, as Essex Junction operates its own public schools. However, all major private schools offer robust need-based financial aid, and some participate in Vermont's "Dual Enrollment" program, allowing high school students to take college courses at state expense.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Florence, VT, area offer that leverage the local Vermont environment?
Schools in this region deeply integrate Vermont's ethos into their curricula. The Vermont Commons School, for example, has a renowned "Commons" curriculum focused on environmental stewardship, social justice, and place-based learning, often utilizing the nearby Green Mountains and Lake Champlain as living classrooms. Rock Point School uses its 130-acre lakeside campus for outdoor leadership and environmental science. Champlain Valley Christian School incorporates agricultural and outdoor activities that reflect Vermont's rural character. These programs emphasize experiential learning, sustainability, and community engagement in ways that are distinctly shaped by the local landscape and culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Florence, VT, and are there specific deadlines for Vermont residents?
The admissions process for most private schools in this area follows a traditional independent school timeline. Key steps include: initial inquiries and tours in the fall (September-November), application deadlines typically between January and February for the following academic year, and admission decisions released in March. Many schools host open houses in the autumn. For Vermont families, it's especially important to inquire about rolling admissions if you are applying after these dates, as some spaces may remain. Given the limited seats in these small schools, starting the process early is highly recommended. Sibling and legacy applicant deadlines may be earlier.
For a family in Florence, VT, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local Essex Junction public schools and area private schools?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. The Essex Westford School District (EWSD) is a large, highly-rated public district offering diverse AP courses, sports, and arts. The primary draws of area private schools are much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized pedagogical approaches (progressive, project-based, or faith-based), and tailored support for students who may thrive in a more intimate setting. For Florence families, the commute to a private school is an added daily factor versus neighborhood public schools. Financially, it involves weighing the value of a private tuition against the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of EWSD. Many parents visit both types to feel the difference in community culture.