News & Events

Thursday May 13th, 4 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. We're hosting our second Virtual Open House of the year! If you missed the first one, this is your opportunity to learn more about our small, supportive day and boarding high school on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont. During this event, you will have the chance to talk to students, alumni, teachers, and staff in small groups ... all from the comfort of your favorite chair! Educational consultants, interested families and students, and other professionals who work with teenagers are encouraged to attend!

This winter, our English and Science teachers teamed up to guide students through a research and writing unit about the nature of viruses and pandemics. Our students have learned so much first-hand this year about pandemics; we decided to present them with the scientific and historical context and have it culminate in a project of their own creation. In Science classes, students learned the basic science behind how viruses work and some information about historical viruses that have caused pandemics. We studied several types of writing and communication in English class, including narratives, infographics, and persuasive writing. Students then chose a specific topic within virology and pandemics, and dove into a research project.

The Rock Point School library is a hub for all kinds of activities. Musicians practice in the loft, actors rehearse on the main floor, our Dungeons and Dragons group meets there on the weekend, and study groups work together at the big table throughout the week. Of course, it’s also full of classic (and sometimes outdated) books!

Prom is one of our favorite non-traditional traditional events at Rock Point School. While most high schools have a prom, ours is an original event that, in typical RPS fashion, does not take itself too seriously. Staff members and students wear everything from traditional black tie to goofy costumes. Students are treated to a ride in a thematic vehicle dubbed the "lame-o" and served milkshakes and smoothies by staff at the Hydration Station. There's often an ice cream truck, an appreciation of seniors, a fancy dinner, and there is always a lot of dancing.This year, we were challenged to bring together these elements of silliness, celebration, community, and tradition while we are all staying home!

Like most schools, Rock Point School has temporarily suspended our on-campus activities due to COVID-19. As we made arrangements with families to get students home safely, we also started to make plans with our staff about how we could best support our students and their families at this uncertain time. While we know it is necessary to be physically distant at this time, we also know it is crucially important to stay deeply connected to our community.

Each year, Rock Point School makes an effort to participate in the grand tradition of Vermont Town Meeting day. The overall vision for Town Meeting Day is to explore how we live and participate in community.

You're invited to the Rock Point School Open House on Thursday January 23rd, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Learn about our rich art program, dorm adventures, and our nurturing approach to academics. During this event you can: Tour our school Meet teachers, residential staff, and students Discover how you can fit in and stand out at Rock Point School Eat snacks! Activities will be available for younger kids

On our first day back from winter break, Victoria Pearson, the Statewide Youth Organizer from Outright Vermont, came to work with students about creating inclusive school communities. Victoria described ways in which LGBTQ+ students are vulnerable to struggling in schools, and helped us discuss ways we can all be more aware and more inclusive. We discussed our own experiences in the world, and times we had been affirmed or had struggled. We then discussed how we might be better allies for people in need of our support. We left feeling invigorated, and with our intentions set on being even more intentional and supportive in the new year.

This fall a group of students at Rock Point applied for and were accepted into Teens Reaching Youth for the Environment (TRY). The TRY program was developed by UVM Extension and their environmental partners, and the goal is to coach teens how to teach elementary students about environmental issues. Besides getting to learn a lot about a particular environmental issue, these students will be developing mentoring and leadership skills, while increasing environmental literacy and responsibility in younger kids.

Since its inception in 1995 by Jake Burton Carpenter, The Chill Foundation has worked with over 25,000 young people to help them overcome challenges through boardsports. Rock Point School has been participating in Chill, almost since the beginning. This past year, the program selected four of our students to participate in a leadership program and be featured in a film, "Built on Boards."