Open Fields School
Open Fields is a small non-graded private school, just off the common on Thetford Hill, Vermont.
Founded in 1971 by Jean K. Aull, it is open to all children, ages 4 through 12.
The central philosophy of Open Fields is that children are naturally eager to explore and discover and learn, and that every natural activity of children is, in itself, a learning experience.
Children learn most successfully when they are free to do their very best, free from excessive competition with their peers, and free from the fear of failure.
Failure to master something the first time or failure to be "first" must never mean disgrace, but must mean simply that it is time to attack the problem or skill again, with humor, determination, and courage.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 23 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Open Fields School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
Student Body
Total Students
23 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 10%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for Open Fields School?
The application deadline for Open Fields School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
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