The Best Private Schools in Johnson, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Johnson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Stowe Elementary School (Private Division)
Stowe School District
Stowe Elementary's private division offers a comprehensive Montessori-based education with strong emphasis on outdoor learning and environmental science. Located just 20 minutes from Johnson, the school features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and extensive outdoor education programs that leverage Vermont's natural environment. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with hands-on learning experiences, including farm-to-school programs and wilderness skills. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and access to extensive outdoor learning spaces.
Programs:
The Sterling School
Independent
The Sterling School in nearby Morrisville serves students from Johnson and surrounding communities with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school emphasizes character development, leadership skills, and academic excellence through small class sizes and personalized attention. Programs include advanced placement courses, comprehensive arts education, and community service requirements. The campus features state-of-the-art technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
Lamoille Union Middle/High School (Private Track)
Lamoille South Supervisory Union
Located in Hyde Park just 15 minutes from Johnson, Lamoille Union offers a private track program within the public school system, providing specialized academic pathways for college-bound students. The school features comprehensive Advanced Placement offerings, robust career technical education programs, and outstanding arts facilities. The private track includes enhanced academic support, college counseling, and access to specialized programs not available in the standard curriculum. The campus includes modern science laboratories, technical education centers, and extensive athletic facilities serving the Lamoille County region.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Johnson, Vermont
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Johnson, Vermont?
Johnson itself is a small town, so most private school options are found in the broader Lamoille County area. The notable institutions include The Sterling School in Craftsbury Common, which is a K-8 independent school known for its experiential and place-based education. While Stowe Elementary School has a public division, some private early education programs are affiliated in the region. Lamoille Union Middle/High School in Hyde Park is a public school, but some families seek private tracks or alternative programs through Vermont's flexible tuition programs like the Town Tuitioning system. For high school, families often look at independent day or boarding schools in Stowe, Morrisville, or even as far as Burlington, about an hour's drive away.
How does Vermont's "Town Tuitioning" program affect private school options for Johnson residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning program is a critical financial consideration. In towns like Johnson that do not operate a public school at all grade levels (typically for grades 7-12), the school district may pay tuition for students to attend an approved public or independent school of the family's choice. This means Johnson families might have tuition covered for approved private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to check with the Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District for the current list of "approved independent schools" and specific grade-level policies, as this can open up options beyond Johnson's immediate vicinity.
What types of specialized academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Johnson, VT area?
Reflecting Vermont's culture, private schools in the region often emphasize environmental science, outdoor education, sustainability, and the arts. For example, The Sterling School integrates farm and forest studies into its core curriculum. Schools accessible to Johnson families might offer specialized programs in skiing/snowboarding (leveraging the nearby mountains), sustainable agriculture, and hands-on STEM projects. The small community size also means many programs are highly personalized, with a strong focus on community service and local engagement, preparing students with a deep sense of place and environmental stewardship.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Johnson, Vermont families?
Timelines can vary, but for sought-after independent schools like The Sterling School, the process often begins a full year in advance. Initial inquiries and open houses typically occur in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are commonly in January or February for the following academic year, with admissions decisions and financial aid awards communicated in March. For families utilizing Town Tuitioning, there is an additional step of ensuring the chosen school is on the district's approved list and submitting the necessary district paperwork by their deadline, which is often in the spring prior to enrollment.
How do the educational environments of local private schools compare to the public school options for a Johnson resident?
The core public option for Johnson K-6 students is Johnson Elementary School. For grades 7-12, through Town Tuitioning, students typically attend Lamoille Union Middle/High School or an approved private school. The key difference lies in scale and approach. Public schools like Lamoille Union offer a comprehensive, traditional program with diverse sports and clubs. Private options in the area, such as The Sterling School, provide much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a progressive educational philosophy (like project-based learning), and a tight-knit community feel. The choice often comes down to a preference for a larger, resource-rich public environment versus a small, personalized, and often nature-immersive private setting.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities