Admissions

“VFFS is a magical place that feels how school ‘should’ feel, ie: the opposite of institutional.  The focus is on learning at one’s own pace, inspired by being outdoors, in small groups, creating a community of curiosity and life-long learning, where uniqueness, ideas, and questions are celebrated, not stifled.” – Jordan von Trapp, parent

VFFS community, strong academics, and commitment to diversity and inclusion provide a setting in which a wide range of learners thrives.

We weigh the following considerations in our decision to admit a student:

• Motivation of the student to learn and engage within the school’s setting for both inside and outside learning
• Appropriateness of our program for meeting the student’s needs (we are careful to admit students we are confident we can effectively support as we do not provide traditional special education services)
• Fit between the student and the existing class group (we aim to create a balance of learners within our groups

We accept students who are age 5 or older, or who will turn 5 by September 1st of the year they are entering. 

VFFS welcomes students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. All students are accorded the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to students at the school.

Applications are received on a rolling basis, it is recommended to apply a year in advance. Decisions for each school year are made by early March. You are welcome to apply for advanced year placement. The process includes:

1. Submit an application and $100 application fee
2. Visit for an hour tour, meet and greet, and Q&A
3. Applicant shares a student character reference letter from a current teacher or childcare provider
4. Applicant shadows for a half or full day, before March 1st 
5. Enrollment decision is made based on availability (first priority is given to siblings, gender and racial diversity)

Tuition and Fees 2025/26
$11,350 K-3, includes materials fee 

$11,550, 4-5th grade, includes overnight field trip

Financial aid:

At Vermont Farm and Forest School (VFFS), we recognize that the cost of independent school can be a challenge for families. We thank you for partnering with us during these fundamental learning years. Your contribution to the school through tuition payments helps VFFS provide a high-quality childhood education, a safe and nurturing environment, and skilled and dedicated educators. 

In the 2025-2026 school year, funds dependent, VFFS will be offering financial aid to offset program tuition.

Financial aid application due date: March 1st, 2025

Financial aid decisions will be shared upon acceptance into VFFS’s full-time and part-time programs. There is no current aid available for the Friday Program.

Unfortunately, due to very limited resources, not all applications will result in financial aid. Application for financial aid does not guarantee the receipt of financial aid. 

Receiving financial aid does not guarantee the availability of funds in subsequent years. In future years, Vermont Farm and Forest School will endeavor to increase access to financial aid for our families. Please contact a board member if you would like to donate to a financial aid fund.

Financial Aid Application