The Best Private Schools in Montgomery, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Montgomery. 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
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
The Lake Champlain Waldorf School is a highly regarded independent school serving the broader Champlain Valley region, including Montgomery. Founded in 1984, it offers a developmentally appropriate education that integrates academics with arts, music, and outdoor activities. The school emphasizes holistic learning, critical thinking, and creativity through the Waldorf curriculum. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, it maintains strong parent satisfaction and academic outcomes. Facilities include spacious classrooms, art studios, and natural play areas, supporting a well-rounded educational experience for students from early childhood through eighth grade.
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The Vermont Commons School
Independent
Vermont Commons School is a progressive independent school that serves students from across Vermont, including the Montgomery area. Established in 1997, it provides a rigorous college preparatory education with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and global citizenship. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a project-based learning approach that fosters critical thinking and leadership skills. Extracurriculars include outdoor education, arts, and service learning. Parents consistently praise the supportive environment and academic excellence, with facilities that include science labs, technology resources, and collaborative learning spaces.
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The Compass School
Independent
The Compass School is a respected independent school that draws students from various Vermont communities, including Montgomery. Founded in 2001, it emphasizes personalized, project-based learning for grades 7-12, promoting student agency and real-world problem-solving. The school boasts a strong academic record, with dedicated teachers and a curriculum that integrates core subjects with arts, technology, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning areas. High parent satisfaction stems from its inclusive culture, extracurricular opportunities, and focus on preparing students for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Montgomery, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Montgomery, Vermont?
While Montgomery itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded independent schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent options include The Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne (offering a Waldorf education), The Vermont Commons School in South Burlington (college-prep with a focus on global citizenship), and The Compass School in Westminster (progressive, project-based learning). It's important to note that these schools are located in neighboring towns, so transportation planning is a key consideration for Montgomery residents. Many families in the area also consider private schools across the border in Quebec, Canada, given Montgomery's unique location.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Montgomery, VT, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the private schools serving Montgomery typically ranges from approximately $18,000 to $25,000+ per year for the middle and high school grades, which is in line with or slightly above the Vermont independent school average. Vermont has a unique program called the "Town Tuitioning" system, but it is not available in Montgomery as the town operates its own public elementary school. However, all major private schools offer robust need-based financial aid. Parents should apply for aid directly through the school using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform. Additionally, Vermont's "Dual Enrollment" program allows high school juniors and seniors to take college courses at state expense, a benefit that can be utilized by private school students.
What unique educational philosophies or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Montgomery, VT?
The private schools in this region are distinguished by their strong, specific educational philosophies. The Lake Champlain Waldorf School provides a holistic, arts-integrated Waldorf curriculum that emphasizes developmental stages and connection to nature. The Vermont Commons School specializes in interdisciplinary learning with a strong emphasis on environmental science and social justice, leveraging Vermont's landscape and community. The Compass School focuses on student-directed, project-based learning in a small, democratic community setting. For Montgomery families, these choices represent a significant shift from traditional public education, offering tailored approaches that align with specific values around hands-on learning, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Montgomery, Vermont, given the rural setting?
The admission 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 attending open houses (often virtual or in-person in the fall), submitting an application, providing teacher recommendations and transcripts, and having a student visit/interview. Due to Montgomery's rural nature and the distance to these schools, planning is crucial. Schools are accustomed to working with families from outlying areas and can help coordinate carpools or discuss transportation logistics. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but applying by the priority deadline is strongly recommended.
For a Montgomery resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a significant drive away?
This is a central decision for Montgomery families. The Montgomery Center Elementary School offers a close-knit, community-based K-6 education. Choosing a private school involves weighing the specialized philosophy and programs against a substantial daily commute (30-60+ minutes each way to the listed schools). Considerations include: the impact of commute time on family life and student extracurriculars, transportation costs, the desire for a specific educational approach not available publicly, and the social transition to a more geographically dispersed peer group. Many families find the unique offerings—like Waldorf, progressive project-based, or global-focused curricula—worth the logistical effort, while others value the convenience and community embeddedness of the local public pathway. Visiting both types of schools is essential.
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