Essex High School is a public secondary school located in Essex Junction, Vermont. The school's sports team is the Hornets, and the school's colors are blue and gold. Essex High School is the second largest high school after CVU and is the largest secondary technical school in Vermont. Enrollment in 2021 was 1,251.
Serving 1,230 students in grades 9-12, Essex High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Vermont for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the Vermont state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the Vermont state average of 44%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is equal to the Vermont state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is higher than the Vermont state average of 12% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,230 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 20% in VT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 53% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Essex High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Vermont for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Essex High School's student population of 1,230 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 112 teachers has grown by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,230 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Rankings
Essex High School ranks within the top 30% of all 283 schools in Vermont (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Essex High School is 0.34, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.23. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#60 out of 283 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
35%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
2%
Hispanic
4%
3%
Black
3%
3%
White
81%
88%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
83%
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VT Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Buzz The Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Essex High School's ranking?
Essex High School is ranked #60 out of 283 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Vermont.
What schools are Essex High School often compared to?
Essex High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like South Burlington High School, Champlain Valley Union High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% VT state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% VT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Essex High School?
The graduation rate of Essex High School is 90%, which is higher than the Vermont state average of 83%.
How many students attend Essex High School?
1,230 students attend Essex High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Essex High School students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Hispanic, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Essex High School?
Essex High School has a student ration of 11:1, which is equal to the Vermont state average of 11:1.
What grades does Essex High School offer ?
Essex High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Essex High School part of?
Essex High School is part of Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union SD #51 School District.
School Reviews
Review Essex High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
