The Best Private Schools in North Troy, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Troy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Newport serves families throughout Orleans County, including North Troy residents. This PreK-8 institution provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEAM education, Spanish language instruction, and technology integration. Recent facility upgrades include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and updated technology resources. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and family involvement while preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Extended care programs and before/after-school activities accommodate working families in the region.
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St. Johnsbury Academy
Independent School
St. Johnsbury Academy is a renowned independent secondary school serving students from across Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, including North Troy. With a 184-year legacy of educational excellence, the academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 220 courses, including advanced placement and honors classes. The 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and technology resources. The school maintains a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and provides extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, visual and performing arts, and community service initiatives. As both a day and boarding school, it attracts students from throughout the region seeking rigorous academic preparation.
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Good Shepherd Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington
Good Shepherd Catholic School serves students from preschool through sixth grade, drawing families from throughout the Northeast Kingdom including North Troy. The school provides a Christ-centered education focused on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology, arts, and physical education. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and shared spaces with the parish community. The school prepares students for continued Catholic education at St. Johnsbury Academy or other secondary institutions while fostering a supportive, faith-based learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Troy, Vermont
What are the realistic private school commuting options for families living in North Troy, VT, given the rural setting?
North Troy itself has a very limited number of private schools, with St. Mary's Catholic School being the primary local option. However, many families in North Troy look to nearby towns. St. Johnsbury Academy, a well-regarded independent day and boarding school, is about a 45-minute drive southeast in St. Johnsbury. Good Shepherd Catholic School is located in St. Johnsburg, roughly the same commute. Carpooling with other local families is common, and St. Johnsbury Academy offers boarding for students from more distant parts of the Northeast Kingdom. Planning for winter commuting on Vermont roads is an essential local consideration.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning program affect private school choices for North Troy residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning program is a critical financial factor. North Troy is a "tuition town," meaning the school district does not operate a public high school. Instead, the district pays tuition for students in grades 7-12 to attend an approved public or independent school, which can include some private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy. For elementary grades, this typically applies only if the local public school is unavailable. Parents must verify the current list of "approved independent schools" with the North Troy School District, as this can directly offset the cost of tuition at participating institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools serving North Troy that leverage the Vermont environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the local landscape and culture into their programs. St. Johnsbury Academy, for instance, features strong environmental science and forestry programs, outdoor leadership courses, and access to nearby skiing and hiking. Its location in the Northeast Kingdom also supports unique arts initiatives tied to Vermont's creative community. St. Mary's Catholic School incorporates the rural, close-knit community values into its character education. These programs offer hands-on learning that is distinctly different from what might be found in more urban private school settings.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for St. Johnsbury Academy for a North Troy student, and how does it differ from the local Catholic school?
For St. Johnsbury Academy, the process for day students typically begins a full year in advance, with applications due in the winter for the following fall. This includes transcripts, recommendations, and a student visit. As a boarding school, it draws from a wider geographic area, so planning early is key. For St. Mary's Catholic School in North Troy, the process is often more flexible and community-oriented, with rolling admission based on availability and a simpler application focused on parish affiliation (if applicable) and previous school records. Families must contact each school directly for their specific deadlines and required documentation.
For a family in North Troy, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public elementary school and a private option like St. Mary's?
The decision often hinges on size, religious education, and specific student needs. North Troy's public elementary school is a small, community-centered school. St. Mary's offers a similar small environment but with a structured Catholic curriculum and faith formation. Practically, St. Mary's involves tuition payments, whereas public school is tax-funded. Transportation may also differ; the public district provides buses, while private school transportation is often the family's responsibility. For specialized learning needs, it's vital to assess the resources available at each small school, as neither may have the extensive support services of a larger district.
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