Education for Life
one student at a time
Make a
positive difference
“ A Vermont Academy education is ignited by curiosity and marked by exploration, discovery, and innovation. You’ll have room to soar, room to learn from mistakes, and room to set meaningful goals. From academics and leadership to arts and sports, the focus is on you—how to help you grow, make connections, and hold learning in your hands. Purpose, compassion, and service are more than words for Vermont Academy graduates, they are guides in a life well lived.” — SEAN BRENNAN P ’14, ’17, ’19, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Sean Brennan, Head of School
Guided by our Core Values
seek and give help when appropriate

you’ll exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Passion and hard work will prepare you to make a positive difference in the world:
strive to achieve high and reasonable standards in the pursuit of personal excellence
You are important, have worth and dignity, and are viewed as an asset You will act with the highest level of honesty and integrity grow and develop and are given the opportunity to do so here

cultivate strengths and seek to overcome challenges embrace personal and direct interaction to address issues and resolve differences consider the impact of your actions, on both the immediate and world community, for the benefit of present and future generations
Your path to
success
“ You’re free to write your own story here, with support at every step.” — ANAIS ’17
There are many paths to success. The personal attention you’ll receive from faculty will help you find your best path, explore new opportunities, and attain—and even surpass— your goals. Sure, you’ll gain an education that elevates your knowledge across many academic subjects, but you’ll also discover and develop your talents by participating in sports, arts, leadership programs, and clubs. When you live your passion, success naturally follows.
Education for life
one student at a time Abby ’16
MAPS
M Y AC T IO N PL A N FO R SUCCESS
Vermont Academy developed its distinctive MAPSsm program to encourage students to reflect on their strengths and challenges, think about their future, and set and achieve goals. You’ll work closely with your advisor to: • determine how you best engage with learning, your interests and talents, and where you’d like to improve • draft a plan of three to five goals that can be academic, athletic, social, or aspirational • assign action steps to achieve each goal • meet with your advisor twice a week to specifically review MAPS
“ I like MAPS because it allows me to set attainable goals and keeps me motivated to reach them.” — ABBY ’16
Abby’s Senior Year Classes: AP statistics, AP psychology, physics mechanics, honors French, senior writing seminar Academic Honors: High honors, Annamae D. Fenney Award, University of Rochester Award in Humanities and Science Activities: Varsity fall and spring crew - captain, varsity ice hockey, proctor, jazz ensemble, stage crew, Long Trail hiker University of Indiana, Class of 2020 Kinesiology major, psychology minor, crew
“ Teachers spend time figuring out what makes their students tick—goals, hopes, dreams, fears, motivations. It allows them to teach the student first and the subject matter second.” — GLENN DELANEY, HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Roll up
your sleeves Courses will be challenging. They’ll ignite your curiosity and inspire you to make connections across academic and non-academic activities. Guided by an emphasis on learning by doing, you’ll pursue a path of intellectual growth across science, mathematics, history, English, world languages, fine arts, and music. The skills you’ll gain to think creatively, collaborate, and effectively communicate your ideas will help you succeed at Vermont Academy and prepare you for college.
Academics Average class size: 10 Student to teacher ratio: 5:1 Course selections: 120 AP and honors courses: 24 AP exams given over the last two years: 213 Percent of AP students scoring a 3 or higher: 68% Advisory sessions per week: 6
Connect through
community
One of the best parts of joining Vermont Academy is the connections you’ll make as you collaborate in class, team up in sports, and have fun on and off campus. Your dorm parents are teachers and coaches, but they’re also a sounding board, homework helpers, and snack makers. You’ll get to know one another outside of formal roles, translating to a trust and support that yield benefits in the classroom and on the field. Weekend activities and clubs will keep you busy with friends. A few options include shopping trips, dinner and a movie, skiing and riding at Okemo, and clubs from creative writing to bread making to app building. You’ll come to love our traditions including Winter Carnival— the country’s first and founded by Vermont Academy in 1909! Run for a pumpkin pie, ring the Mountain Day bell, and dress to impress at the Snow Ball!
Your potential is
limitless
Learning Skills Program Vermont Academy’s teaching philosophy centers on understanding that students bring different learning styles and varying pace to their academics, and one third of our students enroll in Learning Skills. Through a partnership with highly qualified teachers, students identify how they learn best and excel in the classroom by developing individual techniques to set priorities, manage long-term projects, and take tests. Confidence soars as students realize their potential academically, and success in college becomes an achievable goal.
Academic benefits: 2:1 subject-specific tutoring
Study skills and test prep
ADHD coaching
Time management and organization
Universal Design Executive Function strategies
Standardized testing accommodations
Support
every step of the way
A Day in the Life at Vermont Academy James ’17 8:15 a.m. Breakfast My favorite is pancakes with maple syrup we tap on campus. 8:45–9:35 a.m. Free Block A great time to catch up on work. 9:40–10:00 a.m. MAPS advisory I meet with my advisor twice a week to review MAPS. 10:05–10:55 a.m. Physics Mechanics My favorite class. We’re investigating the dynamics of Rube Goldberg machines. 11:00–11:50 a.m. Honors Geometry Who knew the law of cosines could be so mind-boggling? I’ll definitely be getting extra help with this class. 11:55–12:50 p.m. Community Lunch Every Friday, we eat together as a community and share announcements.
12:55–2:05 p.m. Modern Comparative Cultures Today I’m handing in my report on the Irish Republican Army. 2:10–3:20 p.m. Free Block I’m drafting a plan for Vermont Academy’s student fire club to attend a search and rescue training session. 3:45 p.m. Lacrosse Practice Our team chemistry is great this year. It really elevates our playing. 6:00 p.m. Dinner Chicken parm never disappoints! 8:00–10:00 p.m. Study Hall My project team is excused to go work in the science lab. 10:30 p.m. Lights Out Goodnight!
Vermont Academy promises close personal attention, and we deliver at all levels, including mentorship. Through MAPS, you and a few of your classmates will be matched with an advisor as part of your support team. You’ll get together with your advisory six times a week for 40-minute blocks to dish about classes, sports, activities, and everything in between. Two of these sessions are devoted to checking in on MAPS and reviewing progress.
Come to Vermont Academy and
experience theworld
Through Vermont Academy’s Global Programs, you’ll have the opportunity for an authentic cultural immersion experience like none other. Explore and study for a full trimester in the breathtaking and diverse landscapes of Spain, Chile, or China. By taking trips to famed historical locations and living with host families, you’ll experience firsthand local customs, cuisines, and different viewpoints of the world.
“ Studying in Spain, my son not only survived, he thrived, and brought home a love of travel, adventure, and thirst for knowledge about people and places. He has since added Ireland, Scotland, and England to his passport. It started in Spain and, I’m quite sure, will be a lifelong passion.” — LINDA, PARENT
Trimester Abroad Programs Continue your Vermont Academy academics, while also studying adapted immersion curriculums: China fall trimester Explore China’s 5000-year-old history, learn calligraphy, and study China’s modern economy. During weekend homestays, travel to Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. Chile winter trimester Attend workshops on leadership, science, and social awareness. Live with host families and spend time with indigenous cultures. Spain spring trimester Immerse in rich culture through family stays and visits to Florence, Rome, Madrid, Toledo, and the Sacred Galician Riviera.
Ready, set,
college
Finding the perfect fit between student and college is an exciting and rewarding process. As early as sophomore year, students meet with their college counselor to identify best-fit schools based on their strengths, interests, and goals. During junior year, students take the college seminar and focus on SAT/ACT test prep, the college essay, and teacher recommendations. Counselors help students and parents navigate the process of applying to schools, applying for financial aid, and registering for appropriate tests.
“ I owe infinite thanks to everyone at Vermont Academy for being instrumental in my development as a student, athlete, and person. The supportive community gave me the tools to both transition to college and excel in it.”
“ Vermont Academy prepared me well for college academics and athletics by expecting more from me. It made me work harder and push myself further.”
JAMIE LUMLEY ’15 MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE ’19
Major: International relations Minor: Russian Activities: Cross country skiing club, running club, a cappella Vermont Academy in a word: Balance
BROOKE MOONEY ’14 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ’18
Major: Premed Minor: Nutrition Activities: Varsity women’s crew, student athlete advisory council
JULIAN STOLPER ’15 BATES COLLEGE ’19
“ At Vermont Academy, I learned that success in academics or extracurriculars is more valuable when accompanied equally by the other.”
Vermont Academy in a word: Community
Major: Physics Minor: Philosophy Activities: Varsity men’s crew Vermont Academy in a word: Support
Here are just some of the colleges Wildcats have gained acceptance: Allegheny College
Connecticut College
Lawrence University
St. Lawrence University
Babson College
Cornell University
Lehigh University
Syracuse University
Bates College
Dalhousie University
McGill University
Trinity College
Boston University
Dartmouth College
Middlebury College
University of California, Davis
Bradley University
Dickinson College
New York University
Union College
Brown University
Emory University
Northeastern University
University of Miami
Bucknell University
Franklin & Marshall College
Occidental College
University of Richmond
Carnegie Mellon University
Georgetown University
Pitzer College
University of Washington
Centre College
Harvard University
Reed College
The University of Vermont
College of the Holy Cross
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Saint Michael’s College
Wake Forest University
Skidmore College
Wesleyan University
Colorado College
Get your
game on No matter at what level you compete, your coaches will mentor and challenge you to support your highest achievement as a student and an athlete.
38 teams Facilities Campus ski hill and jump
6 outdoor tennis courts
Snowboard/freeski terrain park
40 minutes to Okemo Mountain
Ice rink
5 playing fields
30 km of trails
Technical, singletrack mountain biking course
Indoor climbing wall
“My job is to make sure all students have music in their life.” — STEVE CADY, MUSIC INSTRUCTOR AND PERFORMING ARTS CHAIR
Express your inner
artist
A big benefit of the Vermont Academy experience is that you’re encouraged to try everything. With so many arts to explore, you’re bound to find something that excites you. Creativity is a process, so be prepared to stretch yourself and be inspired!
Lights! Camera! Action! During Vermont Academy’s 24-Hour Play Festival, in a hectic and zany 24-hour-period, students write, direct, produce, and perform seven plays before a packed house.
The Arts: Facilities Horowitz Performing Arts Hall and 350-seat Nita Choukas Theater. Freshman Arts To explore their inner artist, freshmen are exposed to all art offerings including theater, music, digital arts, and pottery. Theater Along with several theater courses, each year Vermont Academy produces a musical, play, and student-generated production performed in a black box format.
Music and Vocal Aspiring musicians participate in classes, lessons, jam sessions, and concerts. Ensembles include jazz, chamber, and mixed and male choruses. Visual Arts Classes explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, pottery, photography, graphic design, and filmmaking. Several times a year, our artists visit museums, galleries, and historical sites.
Take the
Lead
Developing your leadership style will serve you well during your lifetime. In the classroom, on the field and stage, and even across the globe, Vermont Academy provides opportunities for you to challenge yourself, tip toe (or leap) outside your comfort zone, and hone your leadership skills. Here are some roles through which you can lead and inspire: class officer; dorm proctor; admissions tour guide; Writing Center tutor; study abroad participant; team captain; club founder; Model UN, Orange Key Society, or National Honor Society member; school publication staff; and Long Trail hiker.
You know it’s Mountain Day when you hear the bell ringing on Long Walk!
Find
your place at
Vermont Academy Fast facts:
VERMONT
Vermont Academy is a private, coed boarding and day school serving grades 9 –12 and a postgraduate year.
Burlington MAINE 91
Founded in 1876 93
450 acres and 30 km of campus trails
89 87
240 students from 20 states and 15 countries
Vermont Academy
80% boarding students
Portland
5:1 student to teacher ratio 89
121
NEW YORK
Manchester Airport
NEW HAMPSHIRE
120 courses with 24 AP and honors classes
Keene
Brattleboro
93
Albany
95
Logan International Airport
Boston MASSACHUSETTS
Springfield
87
Bradley International Airport
91
CONNECTICUT
Vermont Academy is easily accessible from Interstate 91 and Route 121. Driving times: Hartford 1.5 hours, Boston 2.5 hours, New York City 4 hours, Montreal 4 hours.
RHODE ISLAND
Hartford
Located in southern Vermont at the base of the Green Mountains
Providence
New Haven
N
95
New York
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Education for Life — One Student at a Time Office of Admission, PO Box 500, 10 Long Walk, Saxtons River, VT 05154 | (802) 869-6229 | vermontacademy.org