The Mountain School of Milton Academy is a transformative semester program for high school students set on a working organic farm in the hills of Vershire, Vermont. Each fall and spring, 45 motivated students from across the country come together to live, learn, and work side-by-side in a close-knit, off-the-grid community. The Mountain School accepts applications for Juniors, Seniors (fall only), and Sophomores (spring only).
Students live in small faculty-led dormitories, sharing in daily responsibilities and making real decisions about how the community functions. Through rigorous, integrated coursework and hands-on work on the farm and in the forest, students develop a deep understanding of their world, their impact, and their potential.
Our curriculum blends intellectual challenge with experiential learning, encouraging students to think critically, speak confidently, and engage fully. Whether harvesting crops, exploring ideas in seminar, or cross country skiing across the winter landscape, students build lasting connections to the land, to one another, and to themselves.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 10-12
- Enrollment: 45 students
- Yearly Tuition: $38,500
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Mountain School of Milton Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Vermont for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 10-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1984
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 23, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. May 30, 2026
Campus Size
418
Student Body
Total Students
45 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 13%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
3:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
64%
Average Class Size
8 students
Number of AP Courses
6 courses
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$38,500
% on Financial Aid
40%
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Jara Ruiz-Anchia
Application URL
School Notes
- The Mountain School of Milton Academy is a semester-long academic program for high school juniors located on a 418-acre working organic farm in Vershire, Vermont. Operated by Milton Academy since 1984, the program brings together about 45 students each fall and spring to live, learn, and work in a close-knit, intentionally unplugged community. Students engage in rigorous academics, including AP and honors-level courses, particularly in environmental studies and English, while also participating in hands-on farm work, cooking, and outdoor education. Life at the Mountain School is deeply connected to the natural world. Students spend significant time hiking, exploring the forest, and building outdoor skills. A signature part of the experience is Solo, a period of intentional time alone in nature that encourages reflection, self-reliance, and a deeper sense of place. Living in faculty led houses, students share chores and meals, building a sense of interdependence and responsibility. The program emphasizes place based learning, sustainability, and personal growth, encouraging students to think deeply about their relationship to the land, to each other, and to the broader world. For many, the experience is transformative, offering renewed academic motivation, lifelong friendships, and greater self-awareness.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Mountain School of Milton Academy cost?
The Mountain School of Milton Academy's tuition is approximately $38,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Mountain School of Milton Academy?
The acceptance rate of The Mountain School of Milton Academy is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 70%.
When is the application deadline for The Mountain School of Milton Academy?
The application deadline for The Mountain School of Milton Academy is Feb. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school to The Mountain School of Milton Academy is East Valley Academy (10.9 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Brookhaven Treatment & Learning Center (10.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Montessori Children's School (15.1 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Brookhaven Treatment & Learning Center
All-boys | Special Education School
Grades: 3-7 | 17 students 10.4 miles 331 Vt Rt 110
Chelsea, VT 05038
(802) 685-4458
Chelsea, VT 05038
(802) 685-4458
10.4
3-7
17
Grades: 3-12 | 19 students 10.9 miles 579 Vermont Route 14 South
East Randolph, VT 05041
(802) 728-4197
East Randolph, VT 05041
(802) 728-4197
10.9
3-12
19
Grades: 7-12 | 310 students 11 miles 304 Academy Rd
Thetford Center, VT 05075
(802) 785-4805
Thetford Center, VT 05075
(802) 785-4805
11
7-12
310
Open Fields School
Alternative School
Grades: K-6 | 20 students 11.2 miles 37 Academy Rd
Thetford, VT 05074
(802) 785-2077
Thetford, VT 05074
(802) 785-2077
11.2
K-6
20
Vt Academy Of Science & Technical
Special Program Emphasis
Grades: 12 | 44 students 12.4 miles 124 Admin Drive
Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 728-1297
Randolph Center, VT 05061
(802) 728-1297
12.4
12
44
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