Vermont is the #49 largest school system in the United States, serving 78,642 students across the 306 public schools for the 2025-26 school year (there are 136 private schools, serving 13,478 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 (2025-26)
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: PK-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: #9 - 109. - 10.
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: #9 - 109. - 10.
Sunderland 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
98 Bear Ridge Road
Arlington, VT 05250
(802) 375-6100
Arlington, VT 05250
(802) 375-6100
Overview
This State (VT)
# Schools
306 Schools
# Students
78,642 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
7,167 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (VT)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
Graduation Rate
83%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.23
# American Indian Students
202 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
# Asian Students
1,604 Students
% Asian Students
2%
# Hispanic Students
2,652 Students
% Hispanic Students
3%
# Black Students
2,114 Students
% Black Students
3%
# White Students
68,754 Students
% White Students
88%
# Hawaiian Students
56 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
3,304 Students
% of Two or more races Students
4%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (VT)
Total Revenue
$2,348 MM
Spending
$2,290 MM
Revenue / Student
$29,860
Spending / Student
$29,121
Best Vermont Public Schools by County (2025-26)
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?
306 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: Hiawatha Elementary School vs. Summit Street School, Lake Region Union High School vs. North Country Union High School, Enosburg Falls Middle/high School vs. Richford Junior/senior High School
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