The Best Private Schools in Uvm, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Uvm. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Vermont Commons School
Independent
Vermont Commons School is a highly-regarded independent middle and high school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on environmental science and community engagement. The school serves students in grades 6-12 and features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a project-based learning approach. Located just minutes from UVM, the school offers extensive extracurricular programs including outdoor education, athletics, and arts. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic excellence, with many graduates attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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Rock Point School
Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
Rock Point School is a unique co-educational boarding and day school serving students in grades 9-12, located on a beautiful 130-acre campus on Lake Champlain. The school combines strong academic preparation with personalized attention and a supportive community environment. With small classes and dedicated teachers, Rock Point emphasizes holistic education that addresses academic, social, and emotional growth. The school's proximity to UVM provides additional educational opportunities, and their outdoor education program leverages Vermont's natural environment. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's transformative impact on students.
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The Schoolhouse
Independent
The Schoolhouse offers a progressive, project-based education for students from early childhood through middle school, with a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. Located in South Burlington near UVM, the school features innovative learning spaces and a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and creativity. The school's small class sizes and experienced educators provide personalized attention, while their outdoor education program connects students with Vermont's natural environment. The Schoolhouse has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and student development, with many graduates transitioning successfully to top high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Uvm, Vermont
What are the distinctive educational philosophies of the top private schools near UVM in Burlington, Vermont?
The private schools in the UVM area offer diverse educational approaches tailored to different student needs. Vermont Commons School, located in South Burlington, emphasizes project-based learning and global citizenship, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship reflective of Vermont's culture. Rock Point School in Burlington provides a supportive, relationship-based environment ideal for students who may thrive in a smaller, more personalized setting, often integrating the natural landscape of its campus into its programming. The Schoolhouse in South Burlington is known for its progressive, student-centered approach that prioritizes social-emotional learning and authentic, experiential education. This variety allows parents in the Chittenden County area to find a philosophical match for their child's learning style.
How does the tuition for private schools in the UVM area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available for Vermont families?
Tuition in the UVM corridor varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Vermont Commons School tuition is approximately $26,000, Rock Point School's boarding and day program is around $58,000 and $32,000 respectively, and The Schoolhouse is roughly $22,000. These costs are generally lower than major metropolitan areas but significant relative to Vermont median income. Crucially, all these schools are committed to accessibility and offer robust financial aid packages based on demonstrated need. Vermont also has the "Town Tuitioning" program in some districts, but this is rare in the Burlington area. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using tools like the SSS (School and Student Services) application.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the UVM community in Burlington, VT?
The enrollment process for UVM-area private schools generally begins in the fall, with open houses running from September through January. Application deadlines are often in February for the following academic year, with decisions released in March. Key steps include: attending an open house or virtual tour, submitting an application with essays and recommendations, and a mandatory student visit/interview day. Rolling admissions may be available if spaces remain. Given the limited seats, especially in middle and high school grades, early inquiry is advised. Many families connected to UVM (faculty, staff, graduate students) apply, so highlighting your family's connection to the community and the specific school's mission in the application is beneficial.
Are there specialized academic or extracurricular programs at UVM-area private schools that leverage local Vermont resources?
Yes, private schools near UVM excel at integrating Vermont's unique resources into their curricula. Vermont Commons School has a renowned "Commons Term" where students engage in intensive, week-long projects often involving local farms, Lake Champlain conservation, or partnerships with UVM researchers. Rock Point School utilizes its 130-acre lakeside campus for outdoor leadership, ecology, and sustainability programs. The Schoolhouse emphasizes place-based learning, with students regularly using Burlington's community gardens, museums, and the Intervale Center for hands-on projects. Furthermore, proximity to UVM allows for potential guest lectures, use of libraries, and science labs, providing a collegiate connection rarely available in K-12 settings.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools near UVM differ from the Burlington School District's public schools?
The primary differences lie in class size, educational approach, and program flexibility. Burlington public schools, like Burlington High School, offer a broad curriculum and diverse population but with larger class sizes. UVM-area private schools typically have student-teacher ratios below 10:1, allowing for highly individualized instruction. Academically, private schools like Vermont Commons or The Schoolhouse can rapidly adapt curricula and offer niche courses (e.g., climate justice, philosophy) that may not be available in public school catalogs. Socially, public schools offer a wider cross-section of the community, while private schools create intentional, mission-driven communities. The choice often comes down to whether a family prioritizes the personalized, specific philosophy of a private school or the scale, diversity, and no-tuition model of the public system.
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