K-12 Education in Vermont: Why Children do Better in the Green Mountain State
Why Vermont's Educational System is Great for Families Considering a Move
When it comes to raising a family with school-aged children, Vermont stands out as one of the premiere options in the US. Ranking first in class size and top five in almost every category of outcome, Vermont parents enjoy the most advanced, holistic, and safe schooling environments in the world.
With its unique combination of small class sizes, community-centered schools, personalized learning, and outdoor education, Vermont offers an educational experience that’s both enriching and supportive.
Here’s just a few reasons to consider Vermont for your family:
1. Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention
Vermont’s schools are renown for their US-leading student to teacher ratios, which means teachers can offer more individual attention to each student. Research consistently shows that smaller class sizes are linked to higher achievement, and Vermont’s commitment to keeping classroom sizes manageable is one reason students here often thrive.
Smaller classes also encourage a stronger sense of community, making it easier for children to form friendships and feel supported by their teachers, in turn ensuring higher overall educational outcomes.
Mount Anthony Union Middle School in Bennington VT (Photo credit: Southern Vermont Supervisory Union)
2. Strong Community and Parental Involvement
Schools in Vermont tend to be very community-oriented, with parents, teachers, and school staff closely connected. School districts and supervisory unions (which manage multiple small schools) work to ensure that families have a voice in educational decisions. Whether at school board or town meetings, parents can use their voice to ensure their children can succeed.
For families moving to Vermont, this strong community spirit makes it easy for parents to get involved and feel part of the local school community right away.
3. Focus on Environmental and Outdoor Education
Vermont’s natural beauty isn’t just for weekend hikes—it’s integrated right into the curriculum! Many Vermont schools emphasize outdoor education, environmental science, and nature-based learning experiences, allowing children to explore and appreciate their surroundings.
From nature trails to sustainable gardening, the outdoors serves as a living classroom, giving students hands-on learning opportunities.
Students interact with native turtle species (Photo credit: Southern Vermont Supervisory Union)
4. Personalized Learning and Proficiency-Based Education
Vermont has been a leader in proficiency-based education, which focuses on what students know and can do rather than traditional grading scales. The approach tailors learning to meet each student’s needs, strengths, and interests.
That is to say, Vermont’s schools are designed to help students progress at their own pace, making the state ideal for families who value a more individualized approach to education rather than a “teach to the test” approach seen in most other US states.
5. Commitment to Equity and Inclusivity
Vermont is dedicated to providing an inclusive education for all students, ensuring support for learners from diverse backgrounds and students with special needs. The state prioritizes training for teachers to create welcoming, respectful, and equitable learning environments. This includes cultural learning, DEI, and other well-researched approaches towards equity.
For families looking for a place where every child has the opportunity to succeed, Vermont schools provide a setting that values inclusivity and diversity.
Classroom of students at Bennington Elementary School in Bennington VT (Photo credit: Southern Vermont Supervisory Union)
6. Safe and Healthy Learning Environments
Safety and wellness are central to Vermont’s education system. Many schools participate in programs that emphasize student health, mental well-being, and safety. With low crime rates across the state, families can feel at ease sending their children to school each day, knowing they are in a supportive, safe environment.
Conclusion
For families considering a move, Vermont’s educational system offers a warm, community-oriented, and child-centered approach to learning. Between the small class sizes, personalized learning options, commitment to outdoor education, and inclusive environments, Vermont’s schools create an experience that supports students academically, socially, and emotionally.
This is more than just a school system—it’s a community ready to welcome and support your family’s growth.