Independent schools FAQ
What makes a school independent?
Technically, an independent school is any school that is not operated by a public school district.
Vermont independent schools are non-profit organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service rules. Independent schools are governed by boards of trustees.
This contrasts with Vermont’s public schools, all operated by public school districts, which are “municipalities” under Vermont law, governed by elected board members and granted the authority to tax district residents to fund local education.
Attendance at independent schools is 100 percent voluntary, in contrast to public schools which are largely involuntary.
What’s the difference between independent schools and private schools?
None, although Vermont’s independent schools strongly prefer to be identified by the term “independent.” In the education context, the term “private” is not the correct opposite of “public.” The term “private” implies the rights of individual private property ownership that do not apply to independent schools which are subject to the state’s non-discrimination and public accommodation statutes and which are subject to comprehensive state review prior to becoming state “approved.”
Independent schools are funded principally by tuition and by private donations. The state dollars reaching independent schools are directed by the school choices made by families residing in any of Vermont’s school-choice districts.
Vermont’s independent schools enroll approximately 8,600 students of which approximately one-third have public support either for general education tuition or for special education services. This independent school enrollment is approximately ten percent of all school enrollment, meaning the public schools enroll nine of every ten K-12 students.
Why do independent schools exist?
Independent schools pre-date the public schools of Vermont. Thetford Academy, which opened in 1819, long pre-dates the public schools system which was first established in the 1860s. During the 19th and early 20th centuries Vermont had many independent schools which filled the role of local public schools in their regions. Some of those schools either closed or converted to public schools, but four remain from the early 19th century.
Independent schools have evolved with the times. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries their roles and variety have expanded greatly. Some still fulfill the role of local public school. Others have specialized in many ways—providing specialized services to students with special needs, supporting students training for high-level winter sports competition, offering educational programs and philosophies unavailable in the public schools and offering other innovative practices.
How does Vermont school choice work?
From the beginning of Vermont’s public education system, the state recognized that not all towns or school districts had large enough populations to support a full range of K-12 education. The Vermont Constitution entitles every resident student to a publicly-supported education. In regions where funding a local school is impossible, the state fulfills its educational obligation by allowing families to choose where their children will go to school and by paying the tuition (up to a statutory limited amount). The range of choices includes any public or independent school meeting approval standards set by the Vermont State Board of Education.
In practice, approximately half of all eligible families choose independent schools and the other half choose public schools.
Do Vermont Independent Schools Discriminate?
No. The federal and state anti-discrimination laws and public accommodation laws that apply to public schools also apply to independent schools. (See "Civil Rights" section of this web site.)
Do Vermont Independent Schools Provide Special Education?
Yes. As of January 1, 2023, three-fourths of all students attending Vermont general education independent schools were in a school that provides special education services. Beginning July 1 of 2023, every approved independent school accepting public funds must provide special education services.
Students whose special needs are so severe that they cannot be accommodated in their home schools often are placed by their home school district in any of the 30 therapeutic independent schools throughout Vermont.
What Unusual Educational Programs Are Available in Vermont Independent Schools?
Vermont has two schools that follow the Montessori Schools practices and has three schools that follow Waldorf Schools practices. Several other general education independents draw on various progressive educational philosophies to construct programs that appeal to their school community.
Additionally, Vermont has seven winter sports academies providing educational services tailored to the needs of boarding students who train and compete at high levels in Nordic and Alpine skiing or Alpine snowboarding.
What makes a school independent?
Technically, an independent school is any school that is not operated by a public school district.
Vermont independent schools are non-profit organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service rules. Independent schools are governed by boards of trustees.
This contrasts with Vermont’s public schools, all operated by public school districts, which are “municipalities” under Vermont law, governed by elected board members and granted the authority to tax district residents to fund local education.
Attendance at independent schools is 100 percent voluntary, in contrast to public schools which are largely involuntary.
What’s the difference between independent schools and private schools?
None, although Vermont’s independent schools strongly prefer to be identified by the term “independent.” In the education context, the term “private” is not the correct opposite of “public.” The term “private” implies the rights of individual private property ownership that do not apply to independent schools which are subject to the state’s non-discrimination and public accommodation statutes and which are subject to comprehensive state review prior to becoming state “approved.”
Independent schools are funded principally by tuition and by private donations. The state dollars reaching independent schools are directed by the school choices made by families residing in any of Vermont’s school-choice districts.
Vermont’s independent schools enroll approximately 8,600 students of which approximately one-third have public support either for general education tuition or for special education services. This independent school enrollment is approximately ten percent of all school enrollment, meaning the public schools enroll nine of every ten K-12 students.
Why do independent schools exist?
Independent schools pre-date the public schools of Vermont. Thetford Academy, which opened in 1819, long pre-dates the public schools system which was first established in the 1860s. During the 19th and early 20th centuries Vermont had many independent schools which filled the role of local public schools in their regions. Some of those schools either closed or converted to public schools, but four remain from the early 19th century.
Independent schools have evolved with the times. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries their roles and variety have expanded greatly. Some still fulfill the role of local public school. Others have specialized in many ways—providing specialized services to students with special needs, supporting students training for high-level winter sports competition, offering educational programs and philosophies unavailable in the public schools and offering other innovative practices.
How does Vermont school choice work?
From the beginning of Vermont’s public education system, the state recognized that not all towns or school districts had large enough populations to support a full range of K-12 education. The Vermont Constitution entitles every resident student to a publicly-supported education. In regions where funding a local school is impossible, the state fulfills its educational obligation by allowing families to choose where their children will go to school and by paying the tuition (up to a statutory limited amount). The range of choices includes any public or independent school meeting approval standards set by the Vermont State Board of Education.
In practice, approximately half of all eligible families choose independent schools and the other half choose public schools.
Do Vermont Independent Schools Discriminate?
No. The federal and state anti-discrimination laws and public accommodation laws that apply to public schools also apply to independent schools. (See "Civil Rights" section of this web site.)
Do Vermont Independent Schools Provide Special Education?
Yes. As of January 1, 2023, three-fourths of all students attending Vermont general education independent schools were in a school that provides special education services. Beginning July 1 of 2023, every approved independent school accepting public funds must provide special education services.
Students whose special needs are so severe that they cannot be accommodated in their home schools often are placed by their home school district in any of the 30 therapeutic independent schools throughout Vermont.
What Unusual Educational Programs Are Available in Vermont Independent Schools?
Vermont has two schools that follow the Montessori Schools practices and has three schools that follow Waldorf Schools practices. Several other general education independents draw on various progressive educational philosophies to construct programs that appeal to their school community.
Additionally, Vermont has seven winter sports academies providing educational services tailored to the needs of boarding students who train and compete at high levels in Nordic and Alpine skiing or Alpine snowboarding.