The Best Private Schools in South Burlington, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in South Burlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rock Point School
Independent Episcopal School
Rock Point School is a highly-regarded independent boarding and day school serving the greater Burlington area, including South Burlington families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes (average 6:1 student-teacher ratio) and personalized attention. Known for its supportive community and beautiful 130-acre campus on Lake Champlain, the school emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education, and arts integration. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and post-graduate year, with both boarding and day options available. Parents consistently praise the school's transformative impact on students' academic confidence and personal growth.
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Vermont Commons School
Independent School
Vermont Commons School is an independent middle and high school located directly in South Burlington, serving students in grades 6-12. The school is renowned for its project-based learning approach and focus on global citizenship and environmental stewardship. With small class sizes and a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides individualized attention and rigorous academic preparation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, community engagement, and hands-on learning experiences. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and is particularly strong in science, mathematics, and humanities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Lake Champlain Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Located just minutes from South Burlington in neighboring Shelburne, Lake Champlain Waldorf School serves families throughout Chittenden County with a comprehensive Waldorf education from early childhood through high school. The school is accredited by both the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America and NEASC. The curriculum emphasizes developmental appropriateness, artistic expression, and hands-on learning across all subjects. The 27-acre campus features beautiful facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The high school program offers college preparatory academics with strong emphasis on critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global perspective. Parents consistently praise the school's holistic approach and the strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in South Burlington, Vermont
What are the distinctive educational philosophies of the top private schools in the South Burlington, Vermont area?
The leading private schools near South Burlington offer diverse educational approaches. Rock Point School provides a supportive, relationship-based environment with small classes and experiential learning, ideal for students who may thrive outside a traditional setting. Vermont Commons School emphasizes global citizenship, sustainability, and project-based learning with a focus on "thinking and acting locally and globally." The Lake Champlain Waldorf School, located in nearby Shelburne, follows the Waldorf curriculum, which integrates arts, movement, and hands-on learning in a developmentally paced, screen-free environment. This variety allows parents in the Burlington area to choose a philosophy that aligns closely with their child's needs and family values.
How does tuition for private schools in the South Burlington, VT area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the South Burlington region varies by school and grade level, generally ranging from approximately $20,000 to $35,000 annually for day schools. Vermont Commons School and Lake Champlain Waldorf School have tiered tuition based on grade, while Rock Point School (a boarding and day school) has a different fee structure. Importantly, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid. Many Vermont private schools also participate in the Vermont Act 150/165 Town Tuitioning program, where students from towns without public schools at certain grade levels may use public funds to attend an approved private school—a unique Vermont consideration. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in South Burlington, Vermont?
The admissions process for South Burlington-area private schools often begins in the fall, with application deadlines typically between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often held in fall and winter), submitting an application with essays and recommendations, and a mandatory student visit or interview day. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain. Given the small size of these schools, spaces are limited, especially in specific grade levels, so starting the process early is highly advised. Some schools, like Vermont Commons, may have a slightly later timeline, but applying by their priority deadline maximizes financial aid consideration.
For families living in South Burlington, what are the transportation options for getting to these private schools?
Transportation is an important logistical consideration. Rock Point School and Vermont Commons School are both located within South Burlington city limits, making them accessible via carpool or family driving. The Lake Champlain Waldorf School is in neighboring Shelburne, a short drive away. None of these schools typically provide extensive bus service, but organized carpool networks among families are common. For older students, public bus routes via Green Mountain Transit may service some areas near these schools, but schedules should be checked carefully. Some families from outlying towns may explore van services or boarding options (available at Rock Point).
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at South Burlington's private schools complement the local Vermont environment?
Private schools in the South Burlington area deeply integrate Vermont's culture and landscape into their programs. Academics and extracurriculars often emphasize environmental science, sustainability, and outdoor education. You might find field studies on Lake Champlain, forestry projects, or ski and snowboard programs in the winter. Schools like Vermont Commons have a core focus on ecological and community stewardship. This localized approach provides students with a hands-on, place-based education that leverages Vermont's unique resources, fostering a strong connection to the local community and environment—a distinct advantage over a more generic curriculum.