2023 Best Private High Schools in Vermont

• Putney, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  32 reviews

Alum: The Putney School is the kind of place where unusual students are given the room to blossom into great intellectuals. However, there were times when it seemed as though the administration and staff were arming us with knowledge only to be oppressed. This might've just been the angst of a couple hundred teenagers boiling into fighting words, but I think it is simply a reflection of the tumultuous times that we are living. What a time to be in high school, to be learning about the world and all her atrocities. It's terrifying. Our teachers still backed us up. Sat with us in dorm common rooms as we ripped our hearts out of our chests or celebrated college acceptances. It was a place to prosper and grow.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 235

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Waitsfield, VT•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: GMVS changed my life! I can not recommend this school enough to prospective students and families. The staff here care so much about the student-athletes, and because of the small class sizes it allows students to maintain close relationships with teachers. The ski training opportunities here are close by and world-class, and if you put in the work and take advantage of the resources here you can improve a lot. On top of ski racing there are other sports teams such as soccer, lacrosse and mountain biking that a student can immerse themselves in. Also, another unique thing to GMVS is the musical theatre program, which is so fun and well done. I'm so grateful for the lifelong friends I've made here and the opportunities GMVS provided me to now ski at a NCAA Division 1 ski program.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 106

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• So. Burlington, VT•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: I've been attending Vermont Commons School for six years, and I'm overjoyed to soon be returning for my seventh and final year. I think what makes Vermont Commons so special is the community's shared desire to be a part this school. This manifests in classmates welcoming newcomers, upperclassmen (even seniors!) talking to sixth graders, and teachers burning the midnight oil to make sure their classes are planned to perfection. I'd assert that this isn't a middle/high school you just go to; it's a place for active learning, bridging connections, for growth. Filled with diverse interests, Vermont Commons, if given the chance, will bring out the best 'you.' Truly, the combination of the things you'll learn, the connections you'll make, and the places you'll go, if you attend VCS, are quite difficult to match. If you're willing to put yourself out there, there's little VCS can't offer you.... Read 14 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 113

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Stratton Mountain, VT•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Freshman: Awesome community. Students really try to give their all and do their best. I love the mix of kids: Alpiners to freestyle, snow boarders to Nordic.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 135

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Saxtons River, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.59 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: My children joined the VA family in 10th grade and 12th grade after our family relocated to Vermont. I was worried about whether they would have a hard time finding their people--but within a few weeks each kid had a robust circle of friends, and was engaged in multiple;lem activities. My kids have very different sets of interests yet each has found opportunity and challenge at VA. My type A senior who is focused on academics is able to take a rigorous array of courses and participate in variety level team sports. My artsy 10th grader is able to participate in drama as well as Wilderness Exploration, Rock-Climbing and Snowboarding. Faculty are supportive and the student body is really diverse for a small school community. My kids have friends from NYC, Alaska, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Spain, China, Mexico, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo--they learn so much about the rest of the world, all from a beautifully wooded campus in rural Vermont!... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 205

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Dorset, VT•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  25 reviews

Junior: The school has a great atmosphere. Very small so everyone knows everyone. That also causes everyone to become very close with each other and we’re all friends. The teachers are also very close with their students and are very willing to give extra help. The classes are also very small which makes it very comfortable to speak up in class. The campus is beautiful as well and there’s a brand new field house. The academics are also VERY good. Everyone at the school takes education very seriously, and the school also offers the IB program. The program is very intense and challenging so it really depends on you as a person if it is right for you. But, regardless it is cool that it is offered. The sports are not the greatest, but they are being improved each year, and they are slowly becoming more prioritized! It is amazing when new athletes come in! The school also offers a FANTASTIC art and theater programs.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A

• Students 222

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• St. Johnsbury, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  198 reviews

Junior: St. Johnsbury Academy has a unique community that is rare to find at most private schools of such academic caliber. The student population includes people from across the world, as well as people who commute from small towns in Vermont. Whether someone is pursuing mastery in a technical trade or seeking admission to a competitive university, the Academy supports its students, valuing the character and goals that comprise the student body. The campus itself is pristine, each season offering a new beauty to be found outdoors, including fall foliage, winter snow, and spring blossoms. The teachers are kind, enthusiastic, and erudite. Outside of academics, the Academy offers a variety of sports at the Division I level which show high-level participation and competition. Students love attending games to support the athletes, particularly at events such as Spirit Week. Arts programs are excellent as well. Musicals, fashion shows, and international trips are always highlights of a semester.... Read 198 reviews

• grade A

• Students 907

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• East Burke, VT•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Senior: Great college counseling due to the small class sizes. Amazing school for college counseling. Would recommend.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• South Burlington, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  86 reviews

Works Here: The teachers and the community offered at Rice are top-notch! The advantage of a smaller school is that it allows the teachers to truly customize the learning for each individual. I like that they still use textbooks in classes and still expect students to do homework. Plus I feel that Rice gives students opportunities they wouldn't have elsewhere - competitive athletics, field trips, music and art programs, lots of extracurriculars. It's worth considering.... Read 86 reviews

• grade A

• Students 410

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Newport, VT•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.18 out of 5  11 reviews

Senior: I like that United Christian Academy promotes a christian environment in a multi-denominational setting. In this school, christians from many denominations are able to come together and learn about core values shared by Christians alike in a group setting (chapel), yet also have separate, denominational Bible classes. Also, I like how challenging the courses are. Students at UCA are challenged to work hard in their education and are very well prepared for college courses. Therefore, academically and spiritually, UCA is amazing and I recommend it. The only things I wish were changed are more students which would allow for more courses, less strict dress code, and more student representation in the high school.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 80

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Shelburne, VT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  24 reviews

Parent: My three children attend Lake Champlain Waldorf School, and we have been so pleased with their education and the community. Each one of our kids has such different needs, interests, strengths, and challenges, and somehow the approach meets them individually so well -- they are each thriving in their own particular way. It's a rich, experiential education with plenty of outdoor time every day, and an opportunity to really connect with their teachers. Their teachers truly KNOW them, and often reflect back to me aspects of my own children that I might not see on my own. It feels like a real partnership in raising well-rounded, motivated, happy human beings who will go out and do important things in the world.... Read 24 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 265

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Rutland, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I started attending Mount Saint Joseph Academy my senior year. I was so scared to come into a school my senior year because I thought it was gonna be hard to make friends. I was wrong. As soon I got to Vermont, I joined the schools soccer team. The girl were amazing. They welcomed me to their team with open arms even if I had no idea how to play soccer. When I had trouble getting certain things, instead of getting mad and not letting me play, the girls helped me get better. Right now I'm in my second semester at the school and I'm loving it. I'm on the basketball team with a different group of girls and they're just as welcoming as the soccer girls In class, it's like a family. Everyone talks to each other. And there aren't many kids in a class, which helps with understanding things and asking questions. The classes are discussion based to make sure that everyone participates and understands. The teachers really help and support the students in literally everything. I love my school!... Read 22 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 64

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Killington, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: KMS is the best kept secret around. This school excels at individualized instruction, flexible schedules, supportive community and high performance athletics. They had mastered blended-learning (distance/in person) long before the pandemic and they continue to perfect their continuity of learning program to ensure that they deliver the highest quality educational experience to each and every one of their learners regardless of where they are (in classroom or traveling for training and competition). The full-term curriculum is top notch. The teachers are dedicated to the success of each student-athlete and most classes have 2 to 5 students. Lessons are hands-on, experiential and differentiated. The sense of community in this small school of day and boarding students is more like that of a family. The mutual respect, camaraderie and investment in everyone's success makes this the optimal learning environment. I cannot say enough about how beneficial this experience is for my children.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 28

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1

• Burlington, VT•

• Private School•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Junior: As an upcoming Senior at this school I have chosen to change schools because of the community and just changes I've experienced at the school. Being there for 3 years in a row can really change you and I don't think I've gotten the college prep that I feel I need. I would recommend it for students who want a nice easy start into high school but not for Junior or Senior year really.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 27

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Manchester, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  144 reviews

Alum: Burr and Burton is a fantastic high school with an unbelievably beautiful campus, close knit community, and academics that are challenging yet not too rigorous with many levels offered. The extracurriculars and athletics are amazing and there are endless opportunities even in a small town.... Read 144 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 711

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Randolph Center, VT•

• Private School•

• 12

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  11 reviews

Alum: What did you like? I applied to VAST to get out of my local high school and it turned out to be one of the best choices I've ever made. In Williston, where I attended, I found plenty of class options and my professors were excellent. I felt accepted by the community and I excelled academically. VAST was a great place for me and I highly recommend it.... Read 11 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 41

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Sharon, VT•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  17 reviews

Senior: The Sharon Academy is truly the definition of independent. I have been able to create my own life path and learn the most important pieces of life including, community involvement and creativity.... Read 17 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Lyndon Center, VT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  102 reviews

Senior: Overall, I have had a really great experience at LI. This school is a really great community filled with amazing teachers and staff that are always willing to help and create an environment filled with love and appreciation for the student body. There is a healthy amount of bonding in the community and it feels as though I am always welcomed and appreciated when I walk through the doors everyday. Through Covid-19, the teachers and staff were supportive and made the learning creative and the school handled the situation very well. What an amazing place to learn and grow onto the next chapter of my life!... Read 102 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 444

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Websterville, VT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: I have been attending Websterville Christian Academy since the sixth grade, and can say with certainty that it is a great school. Though limited in its resources, the staff body employs a number of tactics to capitalize on financial, resourceful, and opportunity limitations. Because of the school's smaller size, it is understandably close-quartered; however, students are still provided with sufficient classroom spacing and breathing room. Additionally, this proximity "issue" can be considered a blessing in disguise. More than any problem this closeness causes, it promotes a communal and familial atmosphere in which students can grow as peers, rather than strangers. Faculty members are notably involved in students' lives, and do their best to put students' best interests at the forefront of the academic agenda.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 119

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Bennington, VT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.35 out of 5  17 reviews

Parent: Both my girls graduated from Grace. They thrives with the small class sizes, academic excellence and family atmosphere. I highly recommend this school!... Read 17 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 134

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• White River Junction, VT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Senior: Spending four years at Mid Vermont Christian was a great experience. I made new friends and learned a lot from my teachers. Despite not having many resources, MVCS has done a great job of making every penny count. I have especially enjoyed playing sports at MVCS. There is nothing like the experience of a sports family. I would not be where I am today if it weren't for the hard work Mid Vermont pushed me to put into my education. Mid Vermont does a good job of incorporating the Christian faith into its curriculum and teaching kids a biblical worldview. Another unique thing about Mid Vermont is its size. The school only has about 50 kids in grades 6th-12th which gives everyone the opportunity to get to know one another. The teachers are also able to get to know there students as individuals which builds stronger relationships.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 94

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Thetford Center, VT•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  47 reviews

Parent: Thetford Academy is a wonderful educational community. Students are supported by caring teachers, staff, administrators, and coaches across TA’s programs. Students are seen, known, and appreciated for who they are. The strong Outdoor Education is definitely a highlight. We love TA.... Read 47 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 313

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Westminster, VT•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: Do you want your child to love school again? We enrolled one of our children at Compass School, and it has gone so well for her that we enrolled our second child, as well. Both our kids now love going to school everyday. Expect hands on learning, supportive community, small class sizes and dedicated staff. Compass School students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, participate in school events, and talk to teachers outside of class if they need help. Compass takes learning out of the box, writing and performing skits, enacting history, 11th grade cultural trip, fiesta night, skiing winter excursions are some of our favorites. Each student is appreciated for the unique qualities they bring. Good financial aid, too!... Read 8 reviews

• grade B

• Students 75

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Rutland, VT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Senior: RACS is a small school where you learn from teachers who really care for you. I enjoy this school and made some great memories. Though it is a small school the education is very good and they push you to your potential.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 53

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Putney, VT•

• Online School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: I have attended Oak Meadow School for high school. It has been a wonderful experience because of the flexibility in schedule with the intensity of classes. Each class can be adjusted to your interests. Teachers help with everything and enjoy answering your questions. They also come from diverse backgrounds, such as national organizations such as N.O.A.A. They enjoy answering your questions and come from diverse backgrounds. Teachers will respond promptly and you will receive the best education, learning the necessary material and learning about yourself!... Read 6 reviews

• grade B

• Students 769

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1