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.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private High Schools Near Montgomery, Vermont for Your Child's Future
When you find yourself searching for the "best private high schools near me" from your home in Montgomery, you are embarking on a journey that is deeply rooted in the values of our unique community. Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Montgomery offers a serene, nature-rich environment that many families seek to complement with an educational philosophy that honors individuality, community, and a deep connection to the world. The search for the right private high school here is less about distant, sprawling campuses and more about finding a learning environment that feels like an extension of the thoughtful, intentional life many are building in this beautiful corner of the state.
Your exploration will likely lead you to consider several exceptional schools within a reasonable drive, each offering a distinct approach. The Lake Champlain Waldorf School, located a scenic drive away in Shelburne, represents a profound educational path focused on holistic development, artistic integration, and experiential learning. For families in Montgomery who value rhythm, creativity, and an education that unfolds in stages like the seasons outside their windows, this can be a compelling choice. It’s an investment in nurturing the whole child, preparing them not just for college but for a life of purpose and engagement.
Closer to the Chittenden County area, you’ll find options like The Vermont Commons School in South Burlington. This institution often resonates with Montgomery parents looking for a rigorous, project-based academic environment with a strong emphasis on global citizenship and environmental stewardship. The school’s small size and focus on community mirror the close-knit feel of Montgomery itself, while its location opens doors to urban resources and internships. Meanwhile, The Compass School in Westminster offers another fantastic model, championing progressive education where student interests drive deep, interdisciplinary projects. Its commitment to democratic principles and social responsibility aligns well with the independent spirit of many Vermont families.
Choosing between these outstanding options requires a local’s perspective. Consider the daily commute, especially during our picturesque but sometimes challenging Vermont winters. A drive that is peaceful in October requires planning in January. Engage with the schools not just as institutions, but as communities. Attend open houses, ask about their connections to the Northeast Kingdom, and inquire how they incorporate the natural world into their curriculum. The best private high school for your family will be one that aligns with your child’s learning style and your core values, while also feeling logistically sustainable for your life in Montgomery. This search, while significant, is an opportunity to find a partner in education that honors the unique individual your child is becoming, right here in the Green Mountain State.
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