Vermont Commons School Opens with New Arts Wing, Physics Lab, Classrooms, Outdoor Space and 19% Increase in Admissions

Just last December, Vermont Commons School launched its Campaign for Arts and Science. It was a power campaign to raise $850,000.00 by summer with the goal of completing the work by opening day, August 25, 2015. And so it went. Though the students had their first day of school at Oakledge Park, a buffer in case the project didn’t stay on its timeline, the school is finished and the Grand Opening Celebration is planned for Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. The public is invited.

“While we pride ourselves on recognizing that true learning often takes place beyond the four walls of a classroom, there is also undeniable merit in having the structure fit the quality of teaching and learning,” said DEXTER MAHAFFEY, Head of School, at the launch of the Campaign. “I am happy to say our building is now complete with learning spaces fully conducive to the kind of creative, experiential and rigorous learning our faculty fosters.”

MAHAFFEY is also pleased with the remarkable surge in admissions this year. The school is opening with record numbers, up 19% since last year, a very different trend than many local schools. “With a mission that speaks to the concerns of the day, faculty who are passionate about their subject matter, as well as the world at large, and a fully engaged community of students and families, we can’t help but attract some of the finest students in our region of Vermont and beyond.”

JILL STRAWBRIDGE, Director of Admissions, says “Part of the reason for the increase is the opening of our new 6th grade. Though we have been teaching middle schoolers for 18 years and doing it very well, we have filled that 6th grade class, and are happy to now provide a full middle school experience. Beyond that there just seems to be a Vermont Commons School buzz these days. And remarkably, it is often the students who are finding us and bringing along their parents.” STRAWBRIDGE says that despite school starting this week across the state, she is still receiving inquiries daily.

Vermont Commons School draws its students from the following towns: Alburgh, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Duxbury, Ferrisburgh, Fletcher, Essex, Essex Junction, Georgia, Grand Isle, Hinesburg, Jericho, Lincoln, Milton, Montpelier, Moretown, New Haven, North Ferrisburgh, Richmond, Ripton, Shelburne, South Burlington, South Hero, St. George, Underhill, Vergennes, Warren, Waterbury Center, Williston, Winooski, Keene Valley and Plattsburgh, NY, and Shanghai, China.