In the small, beautiful, lakeside community of Burlington, there are both the advantages of a city — public transportation, rich cultural opportunities, vibrant dining and shopping — and the closeness of a small town. It's a perfect place for an intentionally small school.
When I call our hometown Burlington, Vermont a city, some people scoff. With a population of around 50,000, many people wouldn’t consider Burlington worthy of the title of “city.” But in this small, beautiful, lakeside community, there are both the advantages of a city and the closeness of a small town. I can rarely go to the grocery store without running into several people I know! Neighbors look out for each other, and I can get from one end of the city to the other in 15 minutes.
Just like there is a lot to be said about living in a small city, there are a lot of advantages to small schools. While every educational setting has merits, small boarding schools offer an unparalleled environment for personal attention, community engagement, and holistic growth. For families seeking a place where their child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, a small boarding school could be the perfect choice. The benefits extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for a bright and beautiful future.
1. Individualized Attention
One of the hallmark benefits of a small boarding school is the low staff-to-teacher ratio. With fewer students in each class, teachers can provide personalized instruction tailored to each student's learning style and pace. This individualized attention helps students excel academically and fosters a deeper understanding of the material.
In the dorm program, this means that students can develop mentoring relationships with staff where they get feedback on social interactions, managing their time outside of school, and learning life skills like doing laundry or cleaning their room.
This level of individual support and attention may not be necessary for every student, but for some students, it is truly essential for their growth and development.
2. Strong Sense of Community
In a small boarding school, everyone knows each other by name. This close-knit environment creates a sense of family and belonging, helping students feel supported and connected. The tight community fosters trust, collaboration, and meaningful relationships among students and staff alike.
At Rock Point School, that community is built in so many ways. At our weekly all-school meeting, students have the chance to problem-solve through community issues big and small. For example, students might give feedback about a new school policy or brainstorm how to use the laundry room more effectively as a group (don’t forget to take your clothes out of the dryer!). We build community through Spirit Days, dorm floor activities, all-school celebrations, group chores, and so much more. Our students often refer to Rock Point as their “second family,” and we hope that the relationships they create here will last a lifetime.
Learning to be an active, responsible part of a community is a critical skill that students can learn at a small school because they can see how their contributions matter. 
3. Holistic Development
Small boarding schools often emphasize not only academic success but also the development of character, leadership, and life skills. With fewer students, there are more opportunities for each individual to participate in leadership roles, sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience.
It can be daunting to take on a leadership role at a large school, but at a small school it can be easier to find those areas where students excel or show interest and encourage growth into leadership roles. For example, each day, our students complete chores around the building. For some students, this is a time they relish learning practical skills and doing tangible, hands-on work. One student in particular loves running the dishwasher in our industrial kitchen. He’s trained both staff and students on the best way to do the dishes and is a leader in the kitchen!
In the classroom, this holistic approach can be seen in how teachers find the right level of challenge for each student. Students who would be reluctant to share their thoughts in a large class build their confidence and start contributing to class discussions. Teachers know when a student may need to attend to their emotional well-being over classwork on a certain day and, conversely, know when a student may be ready to take on more challenging tasks.
4. Tailored Support for Personal Growth
In a small school setting, educators and staff can closely monitor students’ progress and provide timely guidance. For many of our students, being unable to hide in the back of the classroom is essential to their success. They are able to create relationships with staff members where they can communicate their needs, goals, and plans and get direct feedback.
This becomes critically important during their later years when students and families work closely with our guidance counselor to make plans for life after high school. Because there is such a small group, the counselor can really take into consideration each student’s strengths, challenges, financial situation, and areas of interest to help them make the best choice for them. At Rock Point School, each student has one-on-one time weekly as well as a weekly Senior Seminar class to help them explore options and prepare applications for college, gap year programs, and more.
In the dorm, this kind of support can help students work through personal challenges like roommate issues, conflicts with friends, managing time, finding ways to relieve stress, and more.
5. Safe and Nurturing Environment
With a smaller student body, maintaining a safe and supportive environment becomes more manageable. Students often report feeling more secure and less overwhelmed in smaller settings, which allows them to focus on their studies and personal development without the distractions or pressures common in larger schools.
Students (neurodivergent students in particular) often report feeling safer and more at ease in between classes or in the lunchroom because not only is it a quieter environment, but they also know all the people around them. In the classroom, students feel more comfortable taking intellectual risks and speaking up when they have questions because they know their peers and teachers support them.
Small is beautiful
While large schools often boast extensive facilities and a wide range of extracurricular options, small boarding schools offer a unique and enriching experience that can profoundly shape a student’s personal and academic growth. Small schools can offer students big opportunities.