The Best Private Schools in Rupert, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rupert. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Long Trail School
Independent
Long Trail School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from throughout the Rutland and Bennington County regions. Located approximately 20 miles from Rupert, the school offers a rigorous academic program including the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school features small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and a diverse student body. Their college acceptance rate is 100% with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The campus includes modern science labs, art studios, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities.
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Burr and Burton Academy
Independent
Burr and Burton Academy is one of Vermont's most prestigious independent secondary schools, serving students from multiple surrounding towns including the Rupert area. Located about 25 miles from Rupert, this historic institution offers over 150 courses including 21 Advanced Placement options. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including the Rowland Center for STEM education, the Riley Center for the Arts, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development, BBA maintains a 98% college matriculation rate and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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The Grammar School
Independent
The Grammar School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from throughout southern Vermont, including the Rupert area. Located approximately 35 miles from Rupert, this progressive independent school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and creative expression. The school features a 130-acre campus with extensive outdoor learning spaces, modern classrooms, art studios, and science labs. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides individualized attention and a strong foundation for secondary education. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with outdoor education, arts, and community engagement projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rupert, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Rupert, Vermont?
While Rupert itself is a small, rural town, families have access to several highly-regarded independent schools in the immediate region. The most prominent are Long Trail School in Dorset (a college-preparatory day school), Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester (an independent secondary school with a semi-private status, accepting tuition-paying students from outside its designated towns), and The Grammar School in Putney (a K-8 progressive school). Many Rupert families also consider schools in nearby New York state. Transportation to these schools is typically the family's responsibility, which is an important logistical consideration in this area.
How does the tuition for private schools near Rupert, VT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for day schools in the Bennington County/Southern Vermont region varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to $35,000+ for K-12 day programs. This is generally in line with or slightly below the average for New England private schools. Crucially, Vermont has the **Vermont Act 150 Dual Enrollment Program**, allowing high school students to take college courses for credit, with the state covering tuition. Many local private schools participate. Additionally, most schools, including Long Trail School and Burr and Burton Academy, offer substantial need-based financial aid. It's essential to apply for aid early, as funds are limited and the process can impact admission timelines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Rupert, VT, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Southern Vermont's unique character into their curricula. Long Trail School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with direct access to the Green Mountain National Forest for fieldwork. Burr and Burton Academy has a renowned **Mountain Campus** at the former Merck Forest, offering immersive semester programs focused on forestry, ecology, and sustainable living. Many schools also have strong arts programs connected to the vibrant local arts scene in Manchester and Dorset, and robust outdoor education programs including skiing, hiking, and farming. This provides an education deeply connected to the community and landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Rupert, Vermont, families?
The admissions cycle for schools like Long Trail School and The Grammar School typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. Burr and Burton Academy has a specific process for "tuition students" from non-sending towns like Rupert, with an early spring deadline. Given the limited seats, especially in entry grades, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is advisable. Key steps include campus visits (highly recommended to experience the rural commute), student shadow days, and submitting applications with teacher recommendations and standardized test scores (if required). Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admission applications.
For a Rupert resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and an area private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Rupert students are part of the **Bennington-Rutland Supervisory Union** and typically attend Mettawee Community School for elementary/middle and then either Long Trail School (as a public choice) or a designated high school like Fair Haven Union High. Key considerations include: **Program Fit** (private schools may offer more specialized AP/IB, arts, or outdoor programs); **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller classes); **Transportation** (public schools provide busing, while private schools usually require personal transportation, a significant factor given Rupert's rural roads and winter weather); **Cost** (weighing tuition against potential private school benefits); and **Community** (deciding between a localized town school community or a broader regional independent school community).
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