The Best Private Schools in Roxbury, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Roxbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Sharon Academy
The Sharon Academy
The Sharon Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving central Vermont communities including Roxbury. Known for its challenging academic program and inclusive community, TSA offers both middle and high school education with an International Baccalaureate curriculum. The school emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Extracurricular programs include theater, music, competitive sports, and community service opportunities.
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Vermont Commons School
Vermont Commons School
Vermont Commons School is an independent day school serving students from throughout central Vermont, including Roxbury families. The school is renowned for its innovative curriculum that combines rigorous academics with environmental stewardship and global awareness. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, students benefit from highly personalized education. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and outdoor learning spaces. Academic programs emphasize critical thinking, writing proficiency, and hands-on learning experiences. Extracurricular offerings include robotics, debate, outdoor education, and community service programs.
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St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy
St. Johnsbury Academy is one of Vermont's most prestigious independent schools, serving day students from over 30 surrounding communities including Roxbury. The academy offers a comprehensive educational program with over 220 courses including Advanced Placement, honors, and extensive career technical education pathways. The 150-acre campus features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts theaters, athletic complexes, and technical education workshops. With a diverse student body and experienced faculty, the school provides exceptional college preparation while maintaining strong community values. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, extensive arts offerings, and numerous clubs and activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Roxbury, Vermont
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Roxbury, Vermont, or will we need to commute?
There are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Roxbury, VT. Families in Roxbury typically commute to nearby towns for private education. The most accessible and notable options include The Sharon Academy (about a 30-minute drive to Sharon), Vermont Commons School in South Burlington (approximately an hour's drive), and St. Johnsbury Academy (about an hour and 15 minutes north). This means transportation planning is a key consideration for Roxbury residents seeking private school.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program affect private school options for Roxbury families?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning Program is a critical financial consideration. Roxbury is a "tuition town," meaning it does not operate its own public high school. Instead, the town provides a tuition payment to an approved public or independent school for students in grades 7-12. St. Johnsbury Academy is a major "approved independent school" that accepts town tuition students. This can significantly offset the cost of private education. However, schools like The Sharon Academy and Vermont Commons School are typically not part of this program, so full tuition would be the family's responsibility. You must check with the Roxbury town clerk for the current approved school list and payment rates.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Roxbury students to the top area private schools?
The leading schools accessible from Roxbury offer distinct specializations. St. Johnsbury Academy is renowned for its extensive STEM facilities, competitive athletics, and diverse arts programs on a near-collegiate campus. The Sharon Academy emphasizes place-based, experiential learning deeply connected to the Vermont landscape and community, with a strong focus on sustainability. Vermont Commons School in South Burlington offers a global perspective, urban resources, and a focus on social justice and environmental stewardship. For Roxbury students, the choice often hinges on whether they seek a large, comprehensive academy (St. Johnsbury) or a smaller, progressive, mission-driven environment.
What are the enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools near Roxbury, VT, given the rural setting?
Timelines are crucial due to commuting and limited seats. For day schools like The Sharon Academy and Vermont Commons School, the main application deadline is typically in late January or February for the following fall, with financial aid applications due concurrently. St. Johnsbury Academy, which also has boarding students, may have rolling admissions but encourages early application. Given Roxbury's location, it's advisable to start visits and inquiries in the fall (September-October) to navigate travel for tours and interviews. Many schools host open houses in the autumn. Waiting until spring can limit options, especially for schools that provide transportation from central locations.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Roxbury compare to the local public school pathway?
Roxbury students in grades K-6 attend the Roxbury Village School, a small public elementary. For grades 7-12, the default public pathway is using town tuition to attend a designated public school in another district (like Montpelier or Harwood). Private alternatives offer different models: smaller class sizes, specific pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or progressive education), and often more extensive facilities than a small rural public school. The trade-off involves a longer daily commute from Roxbury. The decision often centers on whether a family prefers the funded, standard public curriculum or is willing to invest time and money for a specialized private school mission, such as intense environmental focus or a global curriculum.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Schools Near Roxbury, VT: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Roxbury, the search for "good private schools near me" is about more than just academic rankings; it’s about finding the right educational community that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique needs, all within the beautiful but sometimes geographically challenging landscape of Central Vermont. The good news is that Roxbury’s location offers access to several exceptional private schools, each with a distinct character, within a reasonable commute. Understanding the local context is key. You’re likely looking for a school that balances rigorous academics with the holistic, community-oriented spirit Vermont is known for, all while considering the practicalities of travel along Route 12 or I-89.
One standout option is The Sharon Academy, located just a short drive south in Sharon. TSA is renowned for its progressive, student-centered approach within a small, supportive environment. It serves grades 7-12, with a dedicated middle school campus, and emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. For a Roxbury family, it represents a close-knit, innovative option that feels distinctly Vermont, fostering independence and critical thinking without the pressure of a traditional, high-stakes environment. It’s a prime example of a good private school near you that prioritizes character development alongside intellectual growth.
Venturing a bit farther, Vermont Commons School in South Burlington offers a compelling model for families who value a global perspective and experiential learning. While the commute north is longer, it’s a straight shot up I-89. VCS is known for its small class sizes, interdisciplinary curriculum, and a strong focus on sustainability and social justice. Their "City as Campus" program utilizes Burlington and the wider region as a classroom, which can be a fantastic opportunity for a student from Roxbury to engage with a broader urban environment while still returning to the peace of home. This school is ideal for the intellectually curious, independent learner who thrives on discussion and real-world application.
For families seeking a more comprehensive, traditional independent school experience with a vast array of academic and extracurricular programs, St. Johnsbury Academy in St. Johnsbury is a notable destination. The drive east is scenic, taking you through the heart of Vermont. As a private, independent academy that also serves as a public school for the town, it offers a unique blend: the extensive resources, advanced courses, and facilities of a larger school, combined with a dedicated residential and day student community. For a student interested in specialized arts, extensive athletics, or a wide selection of AP courses, the Academy provides opportunities that smaller schools cannot, making the commute worthwhile for the right student.
Ultimately, finding good private schools near Roxbury means weighing these distinct philosophies against your child’s personality. We recommend scheduling visits to feel the culture of each campus. Talk to other Roxbury families about their commutes and experiences. Consider whether your child would flourish in a small, progressive setting like TSA, a globally-focused environment like VCS, or a large, resource-rich academy like St. Johnsbury. Each offers a path to an outstanding education, deeply connected to the Vermont ethos but with its own unique approach to preparing students for the future. Your perfect school community is within reach, nestled right here in our region.
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