The Best Private Schools in Shaftsbury, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shaftsbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Village School of North Bennington
Independent
The Village School of North Bennington is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 6th grade, drawing families from Shaftsbury and surrounding communities. The school is renowned for its progressive, child-centered approach to education that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creative expression. With small class sizes and a dedicated faculty, the school provides individualized attention and a nurturing environment. The curriculum integrates arts, music, and outdoor education, with beautiful campus facilities including dedicated art studios, music rooms, and extensive outdoor learning spaces.
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Burr and Burton Academy
Independent
Burr and Burton Academy is a prestigious independent high school serving students from multiple towns in the Bennington County region, including Shaftsbury. With a 182-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 150 courses, including 19 AP classes. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including a new STEM center, performing arts theater, and athletic complex. Known for its strong community values and exceptional faculty, Burr and Burton maintains a 98% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Mount Anthony Union Middle School (Private Program)
Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union
While part of the public school system, Mount Anthony Union Middle School offers specialized programs that serve as private school alternatives for families in the Shaftsbury area. The school provides a comprehensive middle school education with strong emphasis on STEM education, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, art studios, and athletic fields. The school is known for its dedicated teaching staff and robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, drama, and various clubs that serve the broader Bennington County community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shaftsbury, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shaftsbury, Vermont?
While Shaftsbury itself is a small town, families have access to several notable private and independent schools in the immediate Bennington County area. The most prominent is Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, a renowned independent day and boarding school serving grades 9-12, which draws students from Shaftsbury and surrounding towns. For younger students, The Village School of North Bennington is a highly-regarded independent school for grades K-6, located just a short drive away. Additionally, some specialized private programs exist within public schools, such as certain offerings at Mount Anthony Union. Many Shaftsbury families also consider schools in nearby Williamstown, Massachusetts. Transportation to these schools is typically a family responsibility.
How does Vermont's Town Tuitioning Program affect private school options for Shaftsbury residents?
Vermont's unique Town Tuitioning Program is a critical financial consideration. Shaftsbury is one of many Vermont towns that does not operate its own public high school. Instead, the town pays tuition for students in grades 9-12 to attend an approved public or independent school of their choice, including Burr and Burton Academy. This means qualifying Shaftsbury residents can attend Burr and Burton with tuition covered by the town, making this elite private school accessible. However, this program generally applies only to high school and specific approved schools; tuition for elementary/middle private schools like The Village School is typically the family's responsibility, though financial aid may be available.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools serving Shaftsbury, VT?
Private schools in this region leverage Vermont's landscape and culture. Burr and Burton Academy features signature programs like the Mountain Campus for experiential environmental education, robust arts and theater offerings, and strong college preparatory tracks. The Village School of North Bennington emphasizes progressive, project-based learning in a small, community-focused setting, often integrating the local environment and arts. Given the area's proximity to skiing, hiking, and cultural institutions like the Clark Art Institute, extracurriculars often include outdoor leadership and arts immersion. These schools provide a distinct educational alternative that blends rigorous academics with the character of Southern Vermont.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Burr and Burton for Shaftsbury families?
For Shaftsbury residents utilizing town tuition for Burr and Burton Academy, the process involves two key steps. First, families must formally designate Burr and Burton as their school of choice through the Shaftsbury town office by a specific deadline, often in the winter prior to the enrollment year (e.g., January/February). Second, they must complete Burr and Burton's own admission application, which typically has a deadline in early February for the following fall. Admission is competitive and includes transcripts, recommendations, and sometimes an interview. For The Village School or other non-tuitioned options, parents should contact the school directly, as timelines vary and spaces, especially in lower grades, can be limited.
For younger children, what are the key factors when choosing between Shaftsbury's public elementary school and a private option like The Village School?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Shaftsbury Elementary School (public) offers a no-tuition, community-based K-6 education following Vermont state standards. In contrast, The Village School in North Bennington offers a progressive, child-centered model with typically very small class sizes and a high degree of individual attention, but requires paid tuition. Parents should consider the commute, the desire for a specific pedagogical approach (traditional vs. progressive), and the financial investment. Many families value the tight-knit, innovative environment of The Village School, while others appreciate the convenience and community integration of the local public school. Visiting both is highly recommended.
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