Vermont Commons School

Founded in 1997, Vermont Commons School is an independent, college-preparatory day school for students in grades 6-12 located in the greater Burlington, Vermont area. With a curriculum that balances academic rigor with innovation, Vermont Commons educates students who are academically motivated and intellectually curious.

The VCS academic program offers courses and presents material in ever-increasing depth and complexity throughout a student’s career. Classes at Vermont Commons are writing-intensive, hands-on, and focus on critical thinking skills across the curriculum. Students graduate from Vermont Commons with an intrinsic motivation to do good in the world and skills that will help them achieve their goals.

The Encounter Week program provides some of the most innovative and memorable experiences for VCS students. During three individual weeks each year, regular academic classes do not meet. Instead, students form into multi-age groups and, along with faculty, embark on a variety of “encounters” outside of the classroom walls. Ranging from mock trials and volleyball clinics to studying tidal pool ecology in Acadia National Park to exploring art in New York City, Encounter Weeks immerse students in new ideas, cultures, and challenges. Encounter Weeks give students and faculty alike a new platform for connection, leadership, and understanding. Students engage in these challenging but rewarding journeys as fully as they do any other aspect of school.

Through small classes and individualized curriculum, multi-disciplinary academics and experiential learning, and community service and action, Vermont Commons students are known, valued, supported, and pushed–both academically and on their journey of self-discovery.

Click here for more information about the admissions process.