Vermont supports educational freedom for families through two public school choice programs: the Public High School Choice Program and the long-standing Town Tuitioning Program. These initiatives allow students to attend schools outside their home districts, offering flexibility while keeping education publicly funded—Vermont does not support voucher, ESA, or private tuition programs.
Vermont Public High School Choice Program
The Vermont Public High School Choice program allows students in grades 8-11 to apply to attend a public high school outside of their assigned school district. Admission is determined through an annual application process with lotteries to allocate limited spots based on each school’s capacity limits. This program aims to provide students with access to different educational environments that may better suit their needs and interests.
Vermont Town Tuitioning Program
The Vermont Town Tuitioning Program is the oldest educational choice program in the United States, established in 1869. It provides educational options for students residing in towns without public schools at certain grade levels. Under this program, towns pay tuition directly to public or independent schools, allowing families to choose the best educational fit for their children.