Rock Point School is a small and unique learning community.
We serve students from a variety of backgrounds who are seeking a supportive, inclusive alternative to traditional school.
We treat each of our students as individuals and are constantly helping them identify ways to be successful, both in the classroom and in interactions with their peers.
Our college-preparatory academics develop students for life after high school wherever it may take them and our residential program challenges and captivates student interest in new and exhilarating activities.
We are a community in every sense of the word where young people can find a place where they are valued, understood and where they belong.
The student experience at Rock Point School is based on relationships, and one of our greatest assets is our dedicated educators.
The best way to understand the school is to meet the people who work and study here!.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VT School
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 26 students
- Yearly Tuition: $72,700
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Rock Point School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for:
Category
Attribute
School History
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Executive Functioning; Processing Speed; Dyslexia; Mild Learning Differences; Dysgraphia; Dyscalculia
Year Founded
1928
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
26 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 13%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
7 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$72,700
Tuition Notes
Day rate is $36,590. All tuition includes all books, supplies, and all activities (except for February break trips and ski passes).
Summer Program Cost
$7,900
Summer Program Cost Notes
Day Student Summer Session is $3,900
% on Financial Aid
23%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$18,000
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Hillary Kramer
Admissions Associate
Hans Manske
Endowment Size
$3 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Community Service, GSA
Arts and Music Programs:
theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
running, skiing, Ultimate Frisbee
Community Service, GSA
Arts and Music Programs:
theater
Recreational Athletic Programs:
running, skiing, Ultimate Frisbee
School Notes
- Academic Courses: Each year, Rock Point students take a class in each of our five core content areas: English, Math, History, Science, and Art. These classes generally meet for 45-minute periods once per day. Art and Science classes also have 90-minute periods to work on longer-term projects in the studio and the lab. In the afternoon, students have one hour of supervised study hall when all teachers are available to continue to provide support and instruction. Three days per week, students have electives such as: photography, stained glass, creative writing, theater, and many more. Students often look forward to these electives classes as a chance to connect with their core classroom teacher and their peers in a more free-form and creative setting.
- Core Learning Skills: Some core learning skills are practiced primarily in the classroom, although they can be applied more broadly: writing, critical thinking, note-taking, test preparation, and test-taking. Other skills are practiced everywhere in our program, as we help students learn to manage their time, maintain healthy relationships, and develop essential character traits like compassion, creativity, and resilience. More and more current educational research is discovering that these are the skills that most reliably lead to success in any learning environment; at Rock Point School, we have been operating on that belief for decades.
- Tailored to the Individual: At Rock Point School, we are serious about considering the particular strengths and challenges of each individual student in every aspect of our program. All schools seek to do this, of course, but our small size allows us to be more flexible, responsive, and nuanced than larger institutions. While we believe that all students benefit from a learning environment where they are more fully known by their teachers, experience has shown us that certain students seem to need this more than others. For some, being truly known allows them to grow and change in ways they had never dreamed were possible.
- Life outside of class: The residential staff shares their love for outdoor adventure and the arts, as well as just spending time with students. Every weekend there is a range of activities offered at school, in the amazing college town of Burlington, and throughout Vermont, New England, and upstate New York. These include skiing/snowboarding, hiking, biking, cooking and baking, gardening, community service projects, watching sporting events, and attending art shows, poetry slams, music concerts, and plays. We also regularly take camping trips around Vermont and occasionally go backpacking, white water rafting, sailing, and more, depending on the interests of our student body.
- Trips: We pursue travel education both far afield and close to home. Students have opportunities to go on trips to Montreal, Boston, New Hampshire, New York, and Maine. Each year, usually during February vacation, we offer a longer and further distance trip with an educational or service component. Most recently, we have traveledto Alabama and Georgiaas part of our study of American History and the Civil Rights Movement.
- Teaching Healthy Living: The personal, emotional and social wellbeing of every student is as important as his or her achievement in the classroom. In everyday life at Rock Point School, students explore their physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through work crews, study halls in the evening, and all kinds of fun activities, students learn to manage their time and find a healthy balance between work and play. Our activities in the dorm are geared toward art and culture, outdoor recreation, and community service. Throughout these areas, we teach students about the basics of self-care: getting enough exercise, getting enough rest, paying attention to nutrition, and having healthy ways to relax and de-stress.
- Summer Session: At Rock Point, we also offer a fun, exciting, supportive place for students to spend their summer. Whether they need to make up academic credit, or simply want to build organizational and social skills, and live in a structured setting, our summer session is a great option. The summer consists of outdoor adventures as well as classroom work. We especially enjoy the way Burlington, Vermont comes alive in the summertime. And, just as in our regular-year program, the summer session emphasizes healthy relationships with staff, learning to be good members of a community, a range of fun activities, and a chance to build academic skills.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- James Graham - CEO and Founder of Community Phone
- Jo Dee Messina - Country Singer, winner of Academy of Country Music's Top Female Artist of the year, and the CMA's Horizon Award.
- Pamela Rae Schuller - Internationally known disability and mental health advocate and professional stand-up comedian.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rock Point School cost?
Rock Point School's tuition is approximately $72,700 for private students and $7,900 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Rock Point School?
The acceptance rate of Rock Point School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 82%.
Who are famous alumni from Rock Point School?
Rock Point School famous alumni include: James Graham, Jo Dee Messina and Pamela Rae Schuller.
Does Rock Point School offer a summer program?
Yes, Rock Point School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Rock Point School offer?
Rock Point School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Intramural Sports Only, Kayaking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Snowboarding and Ultimate Frisbee.
What is Rock Point School's ranking?
Rock Point School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Rock Point School?
The application deadline for Rock Point School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Rock Point School located?
Rock Point School is located in the New North End neighborhood of Burlington, VT. There are 1 other private schools located in New North End.
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