AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL WITH A PUBLIC PURPOSE
Giving to The village school
Your gift supports Enrichment Programs
The Village School believes in a well-rounded education that nurtures the whole child and benefits our students for life. Thanks to your gift, these programs and opportunities serve as a source of learning and inspiration across a wide spectrum of arts, music, nature, and much more.
Art
Art and creativity play an integral role in our students’ education. Vermont Arts Exchange teaching artists collaborate with classroom teachers to find creative connections to the curriculum whenever possible. An emphasis on community-designed projects, public art, and problem solving through imagination and artistic expression are also key elements.
Field Trips
Field trips are a memorable part of students’ experience, with visits to aquariums, farms, museums, and more. Close to home, students learn at remarkable resources like the Clark Art Institute, Hildene, Merck Forest, Park McCullough, and the Robert Frost House. Further afield, educational destinations like the Vermont State Capitol, the Statue of Liberty, and the Boston Science Museum bring their learning to life.
Music
We actively promote and embrace music as a meaningful educational and cultural activity for our students. Weekly music classes immerse our students in all the joy and enlightenment that music brings. They learn to use their singing voices and have exposure to a wide variety of instruments and musical genres. Students can also participate in chorus, band, or the Strings Program.
Outdoor Programs
Connecting students to nature is an integral part of a Village School education. We take advantage of our proximity to nearby natural habitats like the Mile Around Woods, Hiland Hall Gardens, and Lake Paran for exploration and discovery. At the gardens they learn about organic farming and the environment; Four Winds Nature instruction and experiences like the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center further deepen students’ understanding of the natural world.
Physical Education and Wellness
We prioritize students’ wellbeing with our commitment to social-emotional learning, including self-awareness, responsible decision making, and interpersonal skills. Mindfulness programs help students develop focus, self-regulation, and breath and body awareness. Physical education introduces students to a wide range of activities and sports that promote healthy movement and teach them about lifelong fitness, positive communication, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
World Languages & Cultures
Helping our students develop a broader perspective of the world beyond our village is an important part of their education. Bennington College advanced language students teach foreign languages to our students each week. They not only gain exposure to a diversity of languages but also to a wide array of cultures. Throughout the year, special guests and presentations further increase students’ global perspective and cross-cultural awareness.