Best private high schools in Vermont
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a '96 commencement address at Wellesley College, "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." If that's the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It's a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, education is key: 1.4 million students enrolled in private high schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There were about 3,600 private secondary schools nationwide as of 2020.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these private high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to send their kids to better schools. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the best private high schools in Vermont using 2024 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
#25. St. Michael Catholic School
- Location: Brattleboro, VT
- Enrollment: 141 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B-
#24. The Compass School
- Location: Westminster, VT
- Enrollment: 64 (6:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B-
#23. Grace Christian School
- Location: Bennington, VT
- Enrollment: 131 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B-
#22. Thetford Academy
- Location: Thetford Center, VT
- Enrollment: 311 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B
#21. The Sharon Academy
- Location: Sharon, VT
- Enrollment: 150 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B
#20. Websterville Christian Academy
- Location: Websterville, VT
- Enrollment: 99 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#19. Burr and Burton Academy
- Location: Manchester, VT
- Enrollment: 711 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#18. Rutland Area Christian School
- Location: Rutland, VT
- Enrollment: 47 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#17. Vermont Academy of Science & Technology
- Location: Randolph Center, VT
- Enrollment: 41 (6:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#16. Lyndon Institute
- Location: Lyndon Center, VT
- Enrollment: 444 (10:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#15. Killington Mountain School
- Location: Killington, VT
- Enrollment: 28 (1:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade B+
#14. Mid Vermont Christian School
- Location: White River Junction, VT
- Enrollment: 75 (3:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#13. Rock Point School
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Enrollment: 16 (3:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#12. Rice Memorial High School
- Location: South Burlington, VT
- Enrollment: 400 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A-
#11. United Christian Academy
- Location: Newport, VT
- Enrollment: 65 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#10. Long Trail School
- Location: Dorset, VT
- Enrollment: 247 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#9. Burke Mountain Academy
- Location: East Burke, VT
- Enrollment: 65 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#8. Mount St. Joseph Academy
- Location: Rutland, VT
- Enrollment: 78 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#7. Vermont Commons School
- Location: So. Burlington, VT
- Enrollment: 109 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#6. Lake Champlain Waldorf School
- Location: Shelburne, VT
- Enrollment: 208 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#5. St. Johnsbury Academy
- Location: St. Johnsbury, VT
- Enrollment: 907 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#4. Stratton Mountain School
- Location: Stratton Mountain, VT
- Enrollment: 138 (8:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A
#3. Vermont Academy
- Location: Saxtons River, VT
- Enrollment: 210 (7:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#2. Green Mountain Valley School
- Location: Waitsfield, VT
- Enrollment: 123 (3:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
#1. The Putney School
- Location: Putney, VT
- Enrollment: 235 (3:1 student to teacher ratio)
- Niche grade: Grade A+
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Emma Rubin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
