Elementary school is where a child builds their foundation for learning, confidence, and curiosity. In Vermont, schools are known for their strong community values, personalized teaching, and supportive environments.
But here’s something most parents don’t realize 👇
👉 The best elementary school is not just about rankings — it’s about the right environment for your child.
Some schools focus on high academic performance, while others provide smaller class sizes and nurturing atmospheres.
This guide helps you choose what truly matters for your child’s growth.
How to Choose the Right Elementary School in Vermont
Before selecting a school, consider:
- ✔ Math Proficiency: Academic strength indicator
- ✔ Student–Teacher Ratio: Lower ratio = more attention
- ✔ School Size: Small = personal care, Large = more exposure
- ✔ Community Type: Urban vs small-town
- ✔ Child’s Personality: Curious, shy, or energetic
💬 Parent Tip:
At the elementary level, teacher support matters more than ranking.
Comparison Table
| Rank | School | City | Grades | Ratio | Math Proficiency |
| #1 | Chamberlin School | South Burlington | PK–5 | 17:1 | 62% |
| #2 | Orchard School | South Burlington | PK–5 | 12:1 | 59% |
| #3 | Thomas Fleming School | Essex Junction | 4–5 | 11:1 | 58% |
| #4 | Hiawatha Elementary School | Essex Junction | PK–3 | 10:1 | 55% |
| #5 | C. P. Smith School | Burlington | PK–5 | 12:1 | 52% |
| #6 | Founders Memorial School | Essex Junction | 3–5 | 11:1 | 50% |
| #7 | Union Elementary School | Montpelier | PK–5 | 11:1 | 47% |
| #8 | Rick Marcotte Central School | South Burlington | PK–5 | 12:1 | 47% |
| #9 | Champlain School | Burlington | PK–5 | 22:1 | 47% |
| #10 | Barre Town Elementary & Middle School | Barre | PK–8 | 13:1 | 38% |
1. Chamberlin School
Chamberlin School stands out with excellent math performance and a strong community-driven environment. It provides a balanced mix of academics and student support.
👉 Best for: Strong academic foundation
👉 Choose this if: Your child is curious and academically inclined
Address: 262 White Street, South Burlington, VT, 05403
Ranking: #1 Elementary School in Vermont
Grades: PK–5
Student–Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Math Proficiency: 62%
Link: Visit this school
2. Orchard School
Orchard School offers smaller class sizes and strong academic performance, making it a great option for personalized learning.
👉 Best for: Individual attention
👉 Choose this if: Your child needs more teacher interaction
Address: 2 Baldwin Avenue, South Burlington, VT
Ranking: #2
Grades: PK–5
Ratio: 12:1
Math Proficiency: 59%
Link: Visit this school
3. Thomas Fleming School
A focused school for grades 4–5 that offers strong academic preparation for middle school.
👉 Best for: Transition to middle school
👉 Choose this if: Your child is in upper elementary grades
Address: 21 Prospect Street, Essex Junction, VT
Ranking: #3
Grades: 4–5
Ratio: 11:1
Math Proficiency: 58%
Link: Visit this school
4. Hiawatha Elementary School
Hiawatha offers a very low student–teacher ratio, ensuring strong personal attention.
👉 Best for: Early learning support
👉 Choose this if: Your child needs nurturing guidance
Address: 30 Hiawatha Avenue, Essex Junction, VT
Ranking: #4
Grades: PK–3
Ratio: 10:1
Math Proficiency: 55%
Link: Visit this school
5. C. P. Smith School
A well-balanced school offering steady academics and a supportive environment.
👉 Best for: Balanced development
👉 Choose this if: You want consistency
Address: 332 Ethan Allen Parkway, Burlington, VT
Ranking: #5
Grades: PK–5
Ratio: 12:1
Math Proficiency: 52%
Link: Visit this school
6. Founders Memorial School
Founders Memorial provides strong academic support with small class sizes, especially for upper elementary grades.
👉 Best for: Personalized upper-grade learning
👉 Choose this if: Your child is in grades 3–5
Address: 33 Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT
Ranking: #6
Grades: 3–5
Ratio: 11:1
Math Proficiency: 50%
Link: Visit this school
7. Union Elementary School
Union Elementary offers a strong community-based learning environment with balanced academics.
👉 Best for: Community-focused learning
👉 Choose this if: You prefer a small-town environment
Address: 1 Park Avenue, Montpelier, VT
Ranking: #7
Grades: PK–5
Ratio: 11:1
Math Proficiency: 47%
Link: Visit this school
8. Rick Marcotte Central School
This school provides consistent academic performance and a supportive environment.
👉 Best for: Balanced academics
👉 Choose this if: You want stability
Address: 200 Market Street, South Burlington, VT
Ranking: #8
Grades: PK–5
Ratio: 12:1
Math Proficiency: 47%
Link: Visit this school
9. Champlain School
A larger school offering diverse student exposure and programs, though with a higher ratio.
👉 Best for: Exposure & diversity
👉 Choose this if: Your child enjoys a bigger environment
Address: 800 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Ranking: #9
Grades: PK–5
Ratio: 22:1
Math Proficiency: 47%
Link: Visit this school
10. Barre Town Elementary & Middle School
A combined school offering continuity from elementary to middle grades.
👉 Best for: Long-term stability
👉 Choose this if: You want fewer school transitions
Address: 70 Websterville Road, Barre, VT
Ranking: #10
Grades: PK–8
Ratio: 13:1
Math Proficiency: 38%
Link: Visit this school
⚖️ Pros & Considerations
✅Pros
- Strong academic foundation
- Low student–teacher ratios
- Safe and community-focused schools
- Personalized learning environments
⚠️ Considerations
- Smaller towns may limit extracurriculars
- Larger schools may have less individual attention
- Academic performance varies
🧠 Did You Know?
- Vermont schools often focus on holistic development, not just academics
- Schools with ratios around 10:1–12:1 provide stronger early learning support
- Community involvement plays a huge role in student success
Conclusion
Vermont offers excellent elementary schools with strong academics and nurturing environments. The best school is not the top-ranked — it’s the one where your child feels happy, confident, and excited to learn.
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FAQs
Chamberlin School ranks #1 based on academic performance.
10:1 to 15:1 is ideal.
It reflects academic readiness.
They offer more attention, but fewer activities.
Focus on your child’s needs, personality, and comfort.
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