Vermont is the #49 largest school system in the United States, serving 77,173 students across the 301 public schools for the 2026-27 school year (there are 134 private schools, serving 13,481 students). 85% of all K-12 students in Vermont attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Vermont is 40%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 44%.
The top-ranked public schools in Vermont are Marion W. Cross School, Montgomery Elementary School, and Waitsfield Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 2 magnet schools. Minority enrollment is 13%, with the majority being Hispanic or Black and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Vermont (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Marion W. Cross School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-6
22 Church Street
Norwich, VT 05055
(802) 649-1703
Norwich, VT 05055
(802) 649-1703
Rank: #22.
Montgomery Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
249 School Drive
Montgomery Center, VT 05471
(802) 326-4618
Montgomery Center, VT 05471
(802) 326-4618
Rank: #33.
Waitsfield Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
3951 Main Street
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-3643
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-3643
Rank: #44.
Cavendish Town Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
573 Main Street
Proctorsville, VT 05153
(802) 875-7758
Proctorsville, VT 05153
(802) 875-7758
Rank: #55.
Barnard Academy
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-6
5979 Route 12
Barnard, VT 05031
(802) 234-9763
Barnard, VT 05031
(802) 234-9763
Rank: #66.
Charlotte Central School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 72% (Top 5%)
Reading: 66% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-8
408 Hinesburg Road
Charlotte, VT 05445
(802) 425-2771
Charlotte, VT 05445
(802) 425-2771
Rank: #77.
Rumney Memorial School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-64% (Top 10%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: 1-6
433 Shady Rill Road
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 223-5429
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 223-5429
Rank: #88.
Newton School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-69% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-8
243 Vt Route 132
South Strafford, VT 05070
(802) 765-4351
South Strafford, VT 05070
(802) 765-4351
Rank: #99.
Fayston Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 60-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-69% (Top 10%)
Grades: PK-6
782 German Flats Road
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-3636
Waitsfield, VT 05673
(802) 496-3636
Rank: #1010.
Orchard School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 59% (Top 10%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
2 Baldwin Avenue
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 652-7300
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 652-7300
Overview
This State (VT)
US
# Schools
301 Schools
100,278 Schools
# Students
77,173 Students
49,273,632 Students
# Teachers
7,149 Teachers
3,176,851 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (VT)
National Average
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
43%
Graduation Rate
82%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.25
0.71
# American Indian Students
186 Students
465,608 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
1,610 Students
2,805,331 Students
% Asian Students
2%
6%
# Hispanic Students
2,884 Students
14,933,167 Students
% Hispanic Students
4%
30%
# Black Students
2,249 Students
7,261,729 Students
% Black Students
3%
15%
# White Students
66,933 Students
20,989,206 Students
% White Students
87%
43%
# Hawaiian Students
57 Students
196,826 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
3,254 Students
2,585,779 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (VT)
Statewide Total Revenue
$2,622 MM
Statewide Total Spending
$2,682 MM
Revenue / Student
$33,974
Spending / Student
$34,751
Best Vermont Public Schools by County (2026-27)
Popular neighborhoods: New North End (5 schools), South End (3 schools), Essex Town (3 schools), Old North End (2 schools), Village of Woodstock (2 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Vermont?
The top-ranked public schools in Vermont include Marion W. Cross School, Montgomery Elementary School, and Waitsfield Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Vermont?
301 public schools are located in Vermont.
What percentage of students in Vermont go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Vermont attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Vermont?
Minority enrollment in Vermont is 13%, with the majority being Hispanic or Black.
Which public schools in Vermont are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Vermont include: Lake Region Union High School vs. North Country Union High School, Shaftsbury Elementary School vs. Monument Elementary School, North Country Union High School vs. Lake Region Union High School
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
