Culture & Community
Come for the attention, stay for the community.
“Kids are valued members of the community.”
Miranda
Parent ’27
Morning Meeting–where every voice matters
Four mornings a week, we come together as a school to share announcements, ideas, games, fun facts, entertainment, reminders, and anything else that impacts and informs our community.
And sometimes we just dance.
4x
Per week
100%
Engagement from students and faculty
15
Minutes of shared time each meeting
7
Grades together in one room
What happens in a week at Vermont Commons
5-6
Academic periods per day
Each class meets for 4 sessions each week.
40
Minutes of lunch time
Every day.
15
minutes of Community Care and Cleaning every afternoon
And daily recess for middle schoolers
Twice
A week, every week students connect with their faculty advisor
Advisory is built-in at VCS
Common Time
set aside every week
For school-wide special events, guest speakers, or the cherished Community Time.
Morning Meeting
The very heart of VCS
Our full community meeting happens four times every week.
Flex
Wide open blocks twice a week
for meeting with teachers, club gatherings, or spontaneous activities.
Free Periods
Suited for each grade level
Open for high school students, mentored structure in the middle school.
Fostering sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth.
Athletics at VCS center on team- and skill-building while creating an environment of healthy competition and fun. We do not have “cuts,” and student-athletes learn to balance academic eligibility with responsibilities to their teammates, playing in sporting leagues in the local area and Greater New England.
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Cross-country
Fall
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Volleyball
Fall & March
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Basketball
Winter
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Ultimate Frisbee
Spring
Play a sport that you don’t see here?
VCS athletes are able to play varsity sports we don’t offer at other area schools through Vermont Principals Association member-to-member agreements.
Community Care & Cleaning
Every student contributes to maintaining our school environment. Small actions create significant impact.
Clean common areas
Organize shared spaces
Respect our learning environment
Only takes a few minutes but it makes a world of difference
A compass for every student's journey
We believe every student deserves a dedicated navigator through the complex terrain of adolescence. Students in grades 7-12 are paired with an advisor who guides them right up through graduation.
Personal mentorship
Faculty advisors work alongside students, offering insight and support through critical years.
Mixed age advisories
Students gain perspective and practice leadership by connecting across grade levels in their advisory groups.
Frequency builds trust
These groups meet at least twice a week to build relationships, share experiences, have fun, and receive support.
6th grade transition
To help with the transition into middle school, 6th graders spend their first year in a grade-level advisory before joining the mixed-age groups at year's end.
VCS Community Association
Fostering connections
to build a strong and engaged school community
Providing support
for school events and meaningful milestones
Clubs and activities that spark passion
Beyond academics, we offer diverse opportunities for students to discover their interests.
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Model United Nations
Model UN challenges students to think globally and debate complex international issues at conferences across New England.
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Climate Club
Climate Club empowers students to drive environmental awareness and sustainable action.
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Science Club
Science Club explores hands-on experiments and real-world scientific discovery beyond classroom walls.
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Ski Program
An opportunity for our students to hone their skills and connect with each other on the slopes.
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Theater
From mainstage productions with tech crew and pit orchestra, to monologue performances, our theater program invites reflection, expression, skill development, and community.
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Social Events
Movie nights, ping pong tournaments, game nights, and school dances connect students through shared interests across grade levels.
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Arts Council
Arts Council organizes events, paints murals, records original songs, throws pottery, puts on live performances, and creates a community rooted in artistic expression.
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Student Senate
Students from all grade levels come together to lead initiatives, represent their peers, and help shape life at our school.
Peer support that builds academic strength
Students helping students creates a powerful network of academic support and mutual understanding. Our peer tutoring program transforms learning into a collaborative journey.
Peer learning
Academic support that transforms challenges into opportunities for growth.
Student mentors
National Honor Society students bridge knowledge gaps with compassion and expertise.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Each year, every faculty member sponsors or hosts at least one service opportunity...
...ranging from local initiatives like food and blood drives to national and global efforts such as fundraising walks and awareness campaigns. This model ensures students have a wide variety of ways to engage with meaningful causes.
Service is at the heart of Vermont Commons School.
High school students are required to participate in at least one service event per semester, while middle schoolers are encouraged to join in as they begin building the habit of service.
Opportunities may take place during the school day or outside of school hours, giving students flexibility in how they participate. With so many options available, every student can find a way to make an impact, deepen their sense of responsibility, and connect with the broader community.