The Best Private Schools in Milton, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rice Memorial High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
Rice Memorial High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Burlington area, including Milton students. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Rice emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Students consistently achieve above-average SAT scores and high college acceptance rates to selective institutions.
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The Bishop's School
Independent
The Bishop's School is an independent private school offering the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum. Serving students from Milton and surrounding communities, the school focuses on developing critical thinking skills and global perspectives. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, and art studios. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, community service initiatives, and extensive arts opportunities.
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Rock Point School
Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
Rock Point School is a small, supportive independent boarding and day school that serves Milton area students seeking a personalized educational experience. The school combines rigorous academics with emotional support and character development. Located on a beautiful 130-acre campus on Lake Champlain, the school offers unique outdoor education programs alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum. With an average class size of 6 students, Rock Point provides highly individualized instruction and strong college placement support. The school is particularly noted for helping students who thrive in smaller, more supportive environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milton, Vermont
What are the private school options for families residing in Milton, Vermont, and are there any located directly in town?
Milton, Vermont, itself is a town served primarily by the Milton Town School District public schools. There are no private K-12 schools physically located within Milton's town limits. However, Milton families commonly consider several well-regarded private schools in the broader Chittenden County area, most within a 30-minute commute. These include Rice Memorial High School (a Catholic, co-ed 9-12 school) in South Burlington, The Bishop's School (a private elementary school) in Burlington, and Rock Point School (a unique, small boarding and day school for grades 9-12) on the campus of the Bishop's Conference Center in Burlington. Exploring these nearby options is the standard path for Milton parents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools near Milton, VT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day students at private schools in the Burlington area serving Milton families ranges significantly based on grade level and affiliation. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition between approximately $12,000 to $22,000 for day students. This is generally in line with or slightly above the Vermont independent school average. Vermont has the Vermont Act 150 Dual Enrollment program, allowing high school students to take college courses at state expense, which can be a financial benefit. More critically, most schools, including Rice Memorial High School and Rock Point School, offer robust need-based financial aid and scholarship programs. It is essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as a significant portion of families receive some level of assistance.
What unique or specialized academic programs do private schools accessible from Milton, VT, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Milton provide distinct educational models not typically found in the public district. Rice Memorial High School offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with a Catholic foundation, including theology courses and campus ministry. Rock Point School specializes in a supportive, project-based learning environment for students who may thrive in a small, close-knit community with a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio, often appealing to creative or independent learners. The Bishop's School provides a progressive, independent elementary education focused on whole-child development. These schools often have more flexibility for experiential learning, outdoor education leveraging Vermont's landscape, and individualized academic pacing than the larger public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Rice Memorial or Rock Point School for a student from Milton?
The enrollment process for these schools begins in the fall prior to the desired entry year. For fall 2025 entry, applications typically open in September 2024. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in October-November), submitting an application by a January or February deadline, providing teacher recommendations and school transcripts, and completing a student interview or visit. Rice Memorial requires the HSPT entrance exam. Rock Point School, given its therapeutic and supportive focus, involves a more in-depth interview and assessment process to ensure mutual fit. Notification of admissions decisions is usually sent in March, with a spring deadline for enrollment contracts. Starting early is crucial, especially for seeking financial aid.
For Milton residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with private school options in Burlington/South Burlington?
Milton families should weigh several local factors. The Milton Town School District operates modern facilities (e.g., Milton Middle/High School is relatively new) and offers a standard public curriculum with extracurriculars. Choosing a private school involves a commute of 20-40 minutes to Burlington/South Burlington, plus annual tuition. In return, private options may offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or pedagogical philosophies (like Rock Point's project-based model), and potentially a different peer environment. A key consideration is Vermont's Town Tuitioning program, which does NOT apply to Milton, as Milton operates its own public schools. Therefore, Milton taxpayers cannot use public funds to pay for private tuition, unlike in some Vermont towns without public high schools. The decision often hinges on the desired educational approach and community fit versus cost and convenience.