Academics

Curriculum

Academics at VA Curriculum and Courses

Vermont Academy’s knowledgeable and committed faculty is dedicated to the whole education of each individual student. From grades 9 through 12, we guide students through a range of courses grounded in both intellectual and experiential engagement, ensuring they can follow their passions and interests while achieving success in a vigorous academic program. All departments offer coursework for all grades at the regular level as well as Honors or Advanced Placement classes.

To learn more about our academic opportunities or to begin the application process, we encourage you to schedule a tour today.

Department

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

List of 6 items.

SAMPLE 9th-GRADE SCHEDULE
- English -- The Quest
- Algebra 1 or Geometry
- Foundations in History -- The Quest
- Spanish or French (level 1 or level 2)
- Scientific Inquiry: Life, Motion, and Matter
- 9th grade arts
SAMPLE 10th-GRADE SCHEDULE
- American Literature or AP Literature and Composition
- Geometry or Algebra 2
- United States History or AP US History
- Spanish or French (level 2 or level 3)
- Chemistry
- Introduction to Pottery
SAMPLE 11th-GRADE SCHEDULE
- Literature of Place or AP Language and Composition
- Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, or Probability & Statistics
- United States History
- Spanish or French (level 3 or level 4/5)
- Cellular Biology
- Build
- College Seminar (starting winter trimester)
SAMPLE 12th-GRADE SCHEDULE
- Senior Writing Seminar followed by Electives, or Honors World Literature
- AP 2D Art
- Spanish or French 4/5
- Entrepreneurship
- Advanced Environmental Science
- AP Calculus or Statistics
- College Seminar
SAMPLE POSTGRADUATE SCHEDULE
- Senior Writing Seminar for Postgraduates followed by electives
- A concentration in a subject area of interest to the student or a spectrum of classes across departments
- College Seminar
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2
- 3 years of science including biological and a physical science
- 3 years of the same language
- 3 years of history including United States history
- 2 years of art
- Students enroll in 5 to 7 courses per year
- 20 credits are required for graduation

List of 3 members.

Rebecca Plona

Dean of Curriculum and Academic Affairs

Vermont College / Union Institute - MA
Boston University - MEd
Middlebury College - AB
Tammy Clark

Registrar, Primary Designated School Official (SEVIS)

(802) 869-6265

Champlain College
Peter Ahlfeld

Dean of Faculty / Math Faculty / 9th Grade Class Dean / Center for Teaching and Learning

University of Connecticut - MA
Clark University - BA

Bio
Peter Ahlfeld joined Vermont Academy as the Director of Learning Skills in 2020. He comes to us from The Mountain School at Winhall where he most recently served as the Head of School. Peter has extensive experience working in education as well as serving students with learning differences. Previously, Peter was a Dean at The Long Trail School in Vermont and a math teacher and administrator at The Forman School in Connecticut.

He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Masters's degree in Educational Psychology and he received a B.A. in Mathematics from Clark University. Peter has over thirty years of experience in school communities where he has been dedicated to creating positive learning communities. Peter will be commuting to Vermont Academy but staying overnight when needed.