Vermont Town Tuitioning Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The Vermont Town Tuitioning Program is the oldest school choice program in the United States, launched 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. Vermont law requires these school districts to pay full tuition to public schools and tuition up to the Average Announced Tuition for Union Schools to approved independent schools, as determined each year.
How much funding can families receive?
Funding Type: Voucher
The Vermont Agency of Education announces tuition rates for an upcoming school year for the Vermont Town Tuitioning Program. The rates are listed by town district, union district and private academy. In addition, districts receiving tuitioning students report announced tuition as an estimate of allowable tuition.
To see the most current announced tuition rates, visit the Tuition Rates page of the Vermont Agency of Education and click on the most recent school year listed.
Who is eligible for this program?
Students must reside in a town that does not operate public schools for some or all of the grades K-12, nor belong to union school districts for those grades. For the full list of towns which have a tuitioning program, visit the Town and Unified Union School Districts Tuitioning List page of the Vermont Agency of Education. You will need to click on the list on their site.
What can families use the funds for?
Families use the program funds for tuition at any public or approved independent school chosen by the family. The sending town pays the tuition directly to the “receiving” school on behalf of the student.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of a Vermont town that does not also operate a public school for their student’s grade.
- Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at eligible independent schools that meet state standards.
- Out of State Schools: Check with your school district as to whether an out of state school is a choice for your student.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Identify if your town is a “tuitioning town” without a public school for your child’s grade level. Refer to the Town and Unified Union School Districts Tuitioning List page of the Vermont Agency of Education and click on the list.
- Choose an Eligible School: Select the public or independent school you wish your child to attend. Also, for independent schools, ensure your child will be admitted by using that school’s application process.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents based on your school district’s process and the school’s process you have selected.
- Complete the Application: Some tuitioning towns may have specific procedures or deadlines for families to follow. Families should also contact their local school district for more information on the tuitioning process in their area. In some cases, you may need to contact your town officials.
For other Vermont School Choice Programs: Refer to our Vermont State Summary.