Education for Life one student at a time

“ 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

Make a

positive difference

Sean Brennan, Head of School

Guided by our Core Values you’ll exercise your mind, body, and spirit. Passion and hard work will prepare you to make a positive difference in the world:

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

seek and give help when appropriate

strive to achieve high and reasonable standards in the pursuit of personal excellence

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

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.

“ You’re free to write your own story here,

with support at every step.”

— ANAIS ’17

Education for life one student at a time

Abby ’16

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

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

MAPS MY ACTION PLAN FOR SUCCESS

“ I like MAPS because it allows me

to set attainable goals and keeps

me motivated to reach them.”

— ABBY ’16

“ 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

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.

Roll up your sleeves

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

ADHD coaching

Universal Design

Executive Function strategies

Study skills and test prep

Time management and organization

Standardized testing accommodations

Support every step of the way

A Day in the Life at Vermont Academy

James ’17

8:15 a.m. BreakfastMy favorite is pancakes with maple syrup we tap on campus.

8:45–9:35 a.m. Free BlockA great time to catch up on work.

9:40–10:00 a.m. MAPS advisoryI meet with my advisor twice a week to review MAPS.

10:05–10:55 a.m. Physics MechanicsMy favorite class. We’re investigating the dynamics of Rube Goldberg machines.

11:00–11:50 a.m. Honors GeometryWho 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 LunchEvery Friday, we eat together as a community and share announcements.

12:55–2:05 p.m. Modern Comparative CulturesToday I’m handing in my report on the Irish Republican Army.

2:10–3:20 p.m. Free BlockI’m drafting a plan for Vermont Academy’s student fire club to attend a search and rescue training session.

3:45 p.m. Lacrosse PracticeOur team chemistry is great this year. It really elevates our playing.

6:00 p.m. DinnerChicken parm never disappoints!

8:00–10:00 p.m. Study HallMy 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 the world

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.

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.

Ready, set, college

BROOKE MOONEY ’14

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ’18

Major: Premed

Minor: Nutrition

Activities: Varsity women’s crew, student athlete advisory council

Vermont Academy in a word: Community

JULIAN STOLPER ’15

BATES COLLEGE ’19

Major: Physics

Minor: Philosophy

Activities: Varsity men’s crew

Vermont Academy in a word: Support

“ At Vermont Academy, I learned that success in academics or extracurriculars is more valuable when accompanied equally by the other.”

“ Vermont Academy prepared me well for college academics and athletics by expecting more from me. It made me work harder and push myself further.”

“ 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.”

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

Here are just some of the colleges Wildcats have gained acceptance:Allegheny College

Babson College

Bates College

Boston University

Bradley University

Brown University

Bucknell University

Carnegie Mellon University

Centre College

College of the Holy Cross

Colorado College

Connecticut College

Cornell University

Dalhousie University

Dartmouth College

Dickinson College

Emory University

Franklin & Marshall College

Georgetown University

Harvard University

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Lawrence University

Lehigh University

McGill University

Middlebury College

New York University

Northeastern University

Occidental College

Pitzer College

Reed College

Saint Michael’s College

Skidmore College

St. Lawrence University

Syracuse University

Trinity College

University of California, Davis

Union College

University of Miami

University of Richmond

University of Washington

The University of Vermont

Wake Forest University

Wesleyan University

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.

Facilities

Campus ski hill and jump

Snowboard/freeski terrain park

Ice rink

30 km of trails

Indoor climbing wall

6 outdoor tennis courts

40 minutes to Okemo Mountain

5 playing fields

Technical, single-track mountain biking course

38teams

Get your

game on

Express your inner

artist

“My job is to make sure all students have music in their life.”

— STEVE CADY, MUSIC INSTRUCTOR AND PERFORMING ARTS CHAIR

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.

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.

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.

Take the

Lead

You know it’s Mountain Day when you hear the bell ringing on Long Walk!

Fast facts:

Vermont Academy is a private, coed boarding and day school serving grades 9–12 and a postgraduate year.

Founded in 1876

450 acres and 30 km of campus trails

240 students from 20 states and 15 countries

80% boarding students

5:1 student to teacher ratio

120 courses with 24 AP and honors classes

Located in southern Vermont at the base of the Green Mountains

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.

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Find your place at Vermont Academy

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