The Best Private Schools in Wilmington, Vermont
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wilmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Maple Street School
Independent
The Maple Street School is a highly regarded independent school serving southern Vermont communities including Wilmington. Founded in 1976, this progressive elementary school emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental education, and creative arts integration. The school features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, allowing for personalized attention. Their curriculum balances academic rigor with social-emotional development, and they maintain strong outdoor education programs that leverage Vermont's natural environment. The school serves students from preschool through 6th grade and has earned excellent parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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The Village School of North Bennington
Independent
The Village School of North Bennington is an independent progressive school serving students from preschool through 6th grade, drawing families from Wilmington and surrounding communities. Established in 1985, the school is known for its child-centered approach that balances academic excellence with creative expression and community engagement. The curriculum integrates arts throughout all subjects and emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning. The school features beautiful historic buildings with modern learning spaces and extensive outdoor play areas. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school maintains high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes that prepare students for future success.
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Long Trail School
Independent
Long Trail School is an independent college preparatory school serving students from throughout southern Vermont, including Wilmington families. Founded in 1980, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from grades 6-12, including the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, Long Trail provides individualized attention and strong college counseling. The school's outdoor program takes advantage of Vermont's natural landscape for experiential learning. Parents consistently rate the school highly for academic preparation and supportive community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wilmington, Vermont
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Wilmington, VT, and what grade levels do they serve?
Wilmington itself is a small town, so families often look at schools in the surrounding Southern Vermont region. The most prominent local options include The Maple Street School in Manchester (preschool-6), Long Trail School in Dorset (6-12, about a 25-minute drive), and The Village School of North Bennington (preschool-6, about a 40-minute drive). These schools offer a continuum from early childhood through high school. Given the rural setting, most require commuting, so transportation logistics are an important local consideration for Wilmington parents.
How does the tuition at private schools near Wilmington, VT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Southern Vermont private schools like Long Trail School or The Maple Street School is generally competitive but can vary significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower grades to over $30,000 for high school. Vermont has a unique program called the "Town Tuitioning Program," but it is not available in all towns and has specific eligibility rules; Wilmington is not a designated tuitioning town. However, all major private schools in the area offer robust need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited and the process can take several months.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Wilmington, VT, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region deeply integrate the Vermont landscape and culture into their curricula. For example, Long Trail School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with outdoor education and field studies in the Green Mountains. The Maple Street School focuses on place-based and experiential learning, often utilizing local farms, historical sites, and the arts community of Manchester. Many schools also have strong ski and snowboard programs, accommodating the winter sports culture of the Mount Snow region. This connection to the local environment fosters a unique educational experience centered on community, ecology, and hands-on learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Wilmington, VT, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admissions process for schools like Long Trail or The Maple Street School generally begins in the fall, about a year before desired entry. Key steps include open houses (often in October-November), application submission by January or February, and admissions decisions communicated in March. For the most competitive grades, especially high school entry points, applying by the priority deadline is essential. Given the limited seats in these small schools, Wilmington families are advised to start research and visits 18 months in advance. Many schools also encourage a "shadow day" where the student spends a day in class, which requires planning given the travel distances involved.
For a family in Wilmington, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Deerfield Valley Elementary School/Twin Valley Middle High School) and a private school in the region?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. The Twin Valley public school district offers a consolidated regional program with standard extracurriculars. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specialized curricula (like International Baccalaureate at Long Trail), and often more individualized attention. However, private choice requires factoring in a significant commute on Route 100 or Route 9. Financially, it means assuming full tuition costs versus a taxpayer-funded public education. Families should assess their child's need for specific academic programs, the importance of a particular educational philosophy, and their capacity for daily transportation against the community-based, no-tuition option of the local public schools.
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