Whether you live in a small dorm or large, each of them offers a safe and comfortable "home away from home" atmosphere that encourages respect, personal responsibility, cooperation, and teamwork.

Student Life

Student Experience

Vermont Academy students are expected to abide by the tenets of our Honor Code: Honesty, Trust, Respect, and Responsibility. Following these principles will help to ensure that our community is conducive to healthy growth and learning.

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Boarding Students

Vermont Academy is primarily boarding in nature; thus our residential program is an integral part of our students’ lives. Living with peers and dorm parents strengthens the relationships within our community. At VA your dorm room is more than just a place to hang out, it’s your home. Your dorm becomes a micro-community of best friends, supportive dorm parents that encourage your growth as a student, an athlete and most importantly, as a person.
Day Students

Our Day Students are often found on campus far after the academic day has concluded, taking part in all Vermont Academy has to offer.

Day students’ official base on campus is in the student center located in the basement of Shepardson Center. Here all day students have an assigned locker to store their belongings; there is also space for them to hang out with friends and complete homework. However, many day students are found scattered throughout campus, visiting friends in their residence halls, studying in the library or chatting in the dining hall.

Traditions

Pumpkin Run

In late October, Vermont Academy hosts its annual Pumpkin Run to raise awareness for hunger. The 5K follows our campus trails, and the entire community participates -- including faculty, children, and pets! Each participant brings at least one non-perishable food item for our local community kitchen. The top runners win a pumpkin pie baked by our very own dining hall.
Community Lunch

Every week our whole community sits down in Shepardson Center to share a meal together. During this time students and faculty are encouraged to remain off their devices and have a conversation. It is a way for everyone in the community to get to know each other better as the students tables rotate on a three week basis, so that by the end of the year they have sat with all the faculty members.
Mountain Day

As soon as the leaves start to turn, students begin speculating when the Head of School will call Mountain Day. When we hear our four-year seniors ringing the VA bell across campus, we’re off like a shot. Classes are cancelled, and the entire school is bused to a secret location for a day of sun, grilling, and fun.
Winter Carnival

We’re proud to host the oldest Winter Carnival in the country! Started in 1909, our Winter Carnival inspired others, including neighboring Dartmouth College in 1910. Each year a theme is selected, and dorms compete against each other in Olympic-style events such as a polar bear run, tandem skiing, broomball, a lip sync contest, and ice sculpting.
Kurn Hattin Holiday Celebration

Vermont Academy is honored to host students and faculty from Kurn Hattin for an annual holiday celebration. VA students shop for and select gifts that are presented by Santa and his elves to Kurn Hattin students. Since 1894, Kurn Hattin has helped thousands of disadvantaged children and their families by offering a safe home and quality education.
Earth Day

Every April students and faculty celebrate Earth Day with community service projects on campus and in our surrounding community. After a picnic of locally grown food, our local Saxtons River Elementary School joins us for an afternoon of activities, music and crafts! It’s a great day to celebrate our planet and community!