The Best Private Schools in Jericho, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jericho. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Lake Champlain Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
The Lake Champlain Waldorf School offers a holistic education based on Waldorf principles, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. It is renowned for its integrated arts curriculum, hands-on learning, and emphasis on developmental stages. The campus features natural play areas, gardens, and classrooms designed to foster creativity. Academic excellence is supported by low student-teacher ratios and a focus on critical thinking. Extracurriculars include music, theater, and outdoor activities, with high parent satisfaction rooted in a nurturing environment and strong community ties. It serves Jericho and the Champlain Valley region.
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The Vermont Commons School
Independent
The Vermont Commons School is an independent, co-educational day school serving grades 6-12, known for its rigorous academic curriculum and focus on sustainability and global citizenship. The school emphasizes project-based learning, small class sizes, and individualized attention, with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Extracurriculars range from robotics and debate to outdoor education, and parent satisfaction is high due to strong community engagement and college acceptance rates. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, it serves Jericho and the greater Burlington area.
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The Compass School of Vermont
Independent
The Compass School of Vermont is an independent school serving grades Pre-K through 8, celebrated for its experiential learning approach and inclusive community. The curriculum blends traditional academics with outdoor education, technology, and the arts, promoting student-led inquiry and social responsibility. Facilities include a farm-to-school garden, STEM labs, and collaborative learning spaces. With a focus on individualized growth, the school maintains small classes and a supportive teacher-student dynamic. Extracurriculars encompass sports, arts, and community service, leading to strong parent approval and accreditation. It serves Jericho and surrounding areas in northwestern Vermont.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jericho, Vermont
What are the primary private school options serving families in Jericho, Vermont, and what are their educational philosophies?
While Jericho itself is a small town, it is served by several notable independent schools in the surrounding Chittenden County area. The most prominent include The Vermont Commons School in South Burlington (progressive, project-based learning with a focus on global stewardship), The Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne (Waldorf education emphasizing arts, imagination, and developmental stages), and The Compass School of Vermont in Richmond (progressive, student-centered learning in a multi-age setting). Many Jericho families also consider independent day schools in nearby Burlington. Transportation is often a key consideration, as these schools are a 15-30 minute commute from Jericho.
How does tuition at private schools near Jericho, VT, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Jericho varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ for middle and high school grades. Vermont has a unique school choice program for towns without public high schools, but Jericho is not one of these towns, so this tuition program does not apply. However, all major private schools in the area offer robust need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, Vermont's "Dual Enrollment" program allows high school students to take college courses at state expense, which can be a benefit at both private and public schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Jericho offer that leverage the Vermont environment?
Schools in this area deeply integrate Vermont's landscape and culture into their curricula. The Vermont Commons School has a renowned "Local to Global" curriculum, featuring extensive outdoor education, sustainability projects, and ski/snowboard programs. The Lake Champlain Waldorf School emphasizes farming, gardening, and hands-on crafts connected to the natural world. The Compass School often utilizes the nearby forests, rivers, and mountains for place-based science and ecology studies. These programs provide a distinctive educational experience rooted in environmental stewardship and outdoor activity that is highly specific to the Vermont context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Jericho, VT, area?
The admissions process for schools like Vermont Commons, Lake Champlain Waldorf, and Compass generally begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include open houses (often held in fall and early winter), submitting an application, student visit days, and family interviews. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces are limited, especially in specific grade levels, so starting the process early is highly advised. Notification dates are typically in March, with a spring deadline for enrollment contracts. It's common for Jericho families to apply to multiple schools to ensure placement.
For a Jericho resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District) with area private schools?
Jericho students attend schools in the well-regarded Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District (MMUUSD). Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools offer significantly smaller classes (often 12-15 students) versus larger public school classes. **Educational Approach:** MMUUSD provides a strong traditional curriculum, while local private schools offer specific pedagogical models (progressive, Waldorf). **Community & Transportation:** The Jericho public school community is neighborhood-based with bus service, while private schools create a regional community requiring personal transportation. **Cost:** Public school is tax-funded, while private tuition is a direct cost. Many families choose private options for a specific educational philosophy or smaller setting that aligns with Vermont's independent values.