The Best Private Schools in Plainfield, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy is one of Vermont's premier independent schools, serving students from Plainfield and throughout the Northeast Kingdom region. With a distinguished 180-year history, the academy offers an unparalleled comprehensive curriculum featuring over 220 courses including advanced placement, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and state-of-the-art technical education facilities. The school's boarding program attracts international students, creating a diverse learning environment while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention. St. Johnsbury Academy consistently achieves exceptional college placement rates and student outcomes.
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Twinfield Union School
Twinfield Union School District
Twinfield Union School is a highly-regarded independent school serving Plainfield and surrounding communities with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school emphasizes personalized learning, environmental education, and strong community values. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Twinfield offers rigorous academics alongside extensive arts, athletics, and outdoor education programs. The school's rural campus provides an ideal setting for hands-on learning and environmental studies, while maintaining strong college preparatory curriculum and individualized student support.
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Montpelier High School
Montpelier Roxbury Public School District
Located just 10 minutes from Plainfield in the state capital, Montpelier High School offers an exceptional private school alternative with its International Baccalaureate program and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, diverse extracurricular opportunities, and strong academic support systems. With experienced faculty and a commitment to individualized learning, MHS provides Plainfield students access to advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs in a supportive, challenging educational environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainfield, Vermont
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Plainfield, Vermont, and are there any located directly in town?
There are no private schools physically located within the town of Plainfield itself. Families typically look to neighboring towns and cities. The most prominent and accessible options include St. Johnsbury Academy (an independent day and boarding school about 50 minutes northeast), and schools in the Montpelier area (approximately 15-20 minutes west), such as those affiliated with the Vermont Independent Schools Association. Twinfield Union School, often mentioned in the region, is actually a public preK-12 school serving Plainfield and Marshfield, not a private institution. Therefore, choosing private education in Plainfield involves planning for transportation to schools in the surrounding region.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program affect private school options for Plainfield residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning Program is a critical financial consideration. Plainfield is one of many Vermont towns that does not operate its own public high school. Instead, the town provides a tuition payment to an approved public or independent school of the family's choice for grades 7-12. This means Plainfield residents can use this public tuition to attend approved private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy or other approved independent schools, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket cost. It is essential to confirm a school's "approved" status with the Plainfield town office, as this list dictates where the public tuition funds can be directed.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Plainfield, VT, such as St. Johnsbury Academy?
St. Johnsbury Academy, a major destination for Plainfield students via town tuitioning, is renowned for its extensive program offerings that rival a small college. Key specializations include robust STEM pathways with advanced lab facilities, a renowned visual and performing arts department, and extensive career and technical education (CTE) in areas like automotive technology, forestry, and health sciences. Their broad extracurricular slate includes competitive athletics, robotics, and debate. This depth of programming is a primary draw for Plainfield families seeking opportunities beyond what a small public school district can typically provide.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for a Plainfield student to attend a private school like St. Johnsbury Academy under the Town Tuitioning system?
The process involves two parallel steps. First, families must apply directly to the private school (e.g., St. Johnsbury Academy) by their deadline, typically in the winter (January/February) for the following fall. Admission is determined by the school. Concurrently, you must formally notify the Plainfield town office of your intent to use the town tuition at that specific approved school by the town's deadline, which is often in the spring (March/April). Missing the town's deadline could jeopardize the tuition funding. It's crucial to coordinate with both the school's admissions office and the Plainfield town clerk well in advance.
For a Plainfield family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public pathway (Twinfield Union School) to an independent private school (like those in Montpelier or St. Johnsbury)?
The decision often centers on scale, programming, and environment. Twinfield Union School offers a close-knit, community-based K-12 education with very small class sizes, but a more limited selection of advanced courses and extracurriculars. A private independent school like St. Johnsbury Academy offers vastly more academic choices, specialized facilities, and diverse student activities, but involves a significant commute and a less localized peer group. Financially, using town tuition for an approved private school can make the cost comparable to a public option. Families must weigh the value of a broad, resource-rich environment against the convenience and community feel of a local public school.
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