The Best Private Schools in Washington, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
River Rock School
Independent
River Rock School is a highly-regarded progressive independent school located in nearby Montpelier, serving students from Washington and surrounding towns. The school offers an innovative educational approach that combines academic rigor with hands-on, experiential learning. Their curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and arts integration within small, multi-age classrooms. The school features dedicated art studios, science labs, and utilizes Montpelier's natural and cultural resources as extended learning spaces. River Rock maintains strong parent involvement and emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic achievement.
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St. Johnsbury Academy
Independent
St. Johnsbury Academy is a renowned independent day and boarding school serving students from Washington and surrounding communities. With a 180-year legacy of educational excellence, the academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with over 220 courses, including 26 AP classes. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technical education centers. The school maintains a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, renowned arts programs, and community service initiatives.
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Vermont Academy
Independent
Vermont Academy is a prestigious independent boarding and day school that serves students from Washington and central Vermont. The academy emphasizes personalized learning through its "Know Every Student" philosophy, offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with distinctive programs in outdoor leadership and environmental science. The 515-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, art studios, and extensive outdoor spaces. The school maintains small class sizes averaging 10 students and offers robust athletic programs, visual and performing arts, and comprehensive college counseling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Washington, Vermont?
While Washington, VT itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several notable independent and parochial schools within a reasonable driving distance. The most prominent are St. Johnsbury Academy (a private, independent day and boarding school about 45 minutes north in St. Johnsbury), Vermont Academy (a boarding and day school about an hour south in Saxtons River), and the River Rock School (a private, independent K-8 school in nearby Montpelier, roughly 30 minutes away). There are also smaller, often faith-based or alternative schools in the broader Central Vermont region. Transportation is a key consideration, as most options require a daily commute.
How does tuition at Vermont private schools like St. Johnsbury Academy compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for day students at major Vermont private schools varies. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Johnsbury Academy's day tuition is approximately $23,000, while Vermont Academy's is higher, reflecting its boarding school model. These figures are above the Vermont independent school average but are often offset by robust financial aid programs. Most top schools, including those accessible from Washington, VT, have significant endowment-funded aid and offer need-based scholarships. Vermont also has a unique town tuitioning program, but it is not universally available; Washington is not a tuitioning town, so parents are responsible for full tuition unless they secure aid directly from the school.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Washington, VT, offer that leverage the Vermont environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Vermont's rural character and outdoor culture into their curricula. St. Johnsbury Academy features strong environmental science and sustainable agriculture programs, utilizing its campus farm. Vermont Academy emphasizes outdoor leadership and "Vermont Immersion" through its signature Mountain Campus program, focusing on field research and wilderness skills. The River Rock School in Montpelier uses a place-based, experiential learning model that frequently involves local ecosystems, farms, and the state government. These programs provide hands-on learning distinct from many public school offerings, capitalizing on the state's natural resources and community assets.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Washington, VT, area, and are there key deadlines for local applicants?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For schools like St. Johnsbury Academy and Vermont Academy, which draw from a wide geographic area, applications are due between January and February for the following fall. Key steps include campus visits (highly recommended), submission of applications with teacher recommendations and transcripts, and standardized testing (like the SSAT for some). Financial aid applications (via SSS/Clarity) are usually due concurrently. For families in Washington, it's crucial to plan early due to commute logistics and potential limited space for day students in popular grades. Rolling admissions may be available but are less common for competitive entry points.
For a family in Washington, VT, what are the main considerations when comparing the local public school system to independent day schools like River Rock or boarding/day options like St. Johnsbury Academy?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Washington students are part of the Washington Central Unified Union School District (U-32 Middle/High School). Considerations include: **Commute & Community:** A local public school offers a shorter commute and neighborhood peer groups, while a private school requires daily travel but may provide a different social/academic community. **Program Scale & Focus:** Public schools offer a broad curriculum and larger sports/arts programs. Private schools like those mentioned often provide more individualized attention, specialized programs (e.g., advanced STEM, arts), and smaller class sizes. **Cost:** Public school is tax-funded. Private tuition is a direct cost, though financial aid can mitigate it. Many Washington families value the strong Vermont public system but choose private options for specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., experiential, college-prep intensive) not as readily available locally.
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