Parents
Vermont Commons School parents see their children grow intellectually, develop self-confidence, experience their world directly, and become part of a vibrant and caring community. From orientation through graduation, parents bring their wisdom, leadership, expectations, and energy to this community. They are partners in providing their children with a safe place to experience the complexities and rewards of daily teenage living and with opportunities to make positive contributions to our ever-changing world. The Parent Ambassadors group hosts events, welcomes new families and helps sustain the parent network, and helps the school thrive through a wide variety of efforts. Please see the VCS Ambassador Handbook to learn more about getting involved!
Some recent parents’ experiences at Vermont Commons:
- Our daughter was first drawn to Vermont Commons by the school’s emphasis on activism and engagement with the broader community, and she hasn’t been disappointed; she has backpacked in the White Mountains, visited fish hatcheries, interviewed city councilors, and even introduced herself to Bill McKibben at a student climate change event. But it’s in our son’s experience where the strengths of the school and its teachers really shine through. He began sixth grade as a kid who didn’t see himself as a strong learner or a valued thinker. His teachers have taken the time and the care to see straight to the bright, capable, intuitive person inside. He has learned to advocate for himself and to see his teachers as partners in his learning. Witnessing this change in him has been gratifying beyond words.
In this one opportunity we have to choose a school for our children, what educational outcomes will have the most meaningful and positive impact on their lives? When choosing a school, I not only think about the practical tools I would like my young men to enter adulthood with, but the core beliefs they internalize about themselves. Academics are valued in most every school, but there is another, possibly more essential element of learning at Vermont Commons School. Whether climbing a mountain, running a river, or biking around Lake Champlain or traveling overseas… VCS students are afforded unique opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them. They are given responsibility and through challenges, they learn how to help each other succeed. Most of all, they discover they are resourceful, strong and resilient. When both my boys are ready to transition at graduation from Vermont Commons, I know that they are graduating from a school with incredible educators who nurtured, inspired and challenged them every school day. Vermont Commons is a place where students are respected and cared for as individuals. It is a school that maximizes individual potential with academics and most importantly guides them in discovering their inner strengths that will serve them their entire life.
VCS is a unique and wonderful school where you can grow in to whatever kind of person you are meant to be, and have an amazing time doing it. Whether you think you want to pursue the arts or science you will find it with excellence at VCS with staff and faculty who really want to teach your children and encourage them to take their place in the world. VCS also has been incredibly accommodating an encouraging as our son has become increasing immersed in his extra-curricular sport, and helping him find a balance.