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 Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 20 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,500
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

School Overview

School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Year Founded
1971
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
20 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 12%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
3 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 11:1

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Open Fields School cost?
Open Fields School's tuition is approximately $6,500 for private students.
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).
In what neighborhood is Open Fields School located?
Open Fields School is located in the Thetford Center neighborhood of Thetford, VT.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-6
  • Enrollment: 20 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $6,500
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Vermont is $18,962 for elementary schools and $33,352 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Vermont is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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