The Dorset School is a K-8 school of approximately 170 students.  Many parents who come to visit cite the reputation of the school as one of the reasons they choose to move to Dorset.  

It is the dedication and skill of the teachers and staff as well as the support and involvement of the parents and community that make The Dorset School into the wonderful place that it is for our students.  Teachers at The Dorset School are continuously working to move our school to the next level and to hone their craft.  To this end, we provide varied and ongoing Professional Development in Math and Reading programs at the Supervisory Union level, as well as access to in house Instructional Coaches.  While this collaboration keeps us up to date and moving forward in terms of the forward progression of educational practices, we meet regularly as a staff for Professional Development as well, which allows us to strengthen our team at The Dorset School.  We have worked with the Tarrant Foundation from the University of Vermont as well as the University of Washington and Bill Rich as we implement Proficiency Based Learning Goals through Project Based Learning.

Personalized Learning Plans (PLPs) are implemented for all students K-8.  Students work with their teachers to identify specific goals in academics, social emotional learning and transferable skills.  PLPs are a major component of our Student Led Conferences.  To further facilitate the personalization of learning, students in grades K-8 each have a Chromebook.  This allows students access to our learning management system both in and out of school. 

Teachers look for ways to foster student interest and learning outside the classroom as well.  Students participate in the Southern Vermont Arts Center Art Show each year as well as hosting an Arts Fest at The Dorset School.   Our band performs concerts throughout the year, as well as playing for our 8th grade graduation.  Our students participate in outdoor environmental learning experiences at Merck Forest, fifth grade’s Trout in the Classroom project continues to be an authentic learning experience for our students, and students in the primary and intermediate grades travel to see performances and to learn about historic places in Vermont.  Our middle school students carefully watch our eggs hatch and then care for the chicks and hens in the chicken coop that was designed and built by our own eighth graders several years ago.  Students in the first and fourth grades have planted a pollinator garden as well as a garden full of fall produce that is used in our cafeteria and for our annual community Thanksgiving Celebration.  

The Dorset School hosts our Soccer Teams in the fall (on our new field) and Basketball in the winter.  In between we have Volleyball Intramurals.  Several of our students join MEMS for spring teams.  Students in grades seven and eight have the choice of several elective classes each trimester, including ceramics, band, Dorset News, cooking, sewing and many other offerings.  

Our After School Program continues to thrive.  Students are able to stay after school and have a supervised session to work on their homework and participate in enrichment projects.  It provides peace of mind for those parents who are not home in those important after school hours.

Through our mentor and advisory programs, students from the upper grades work with students in the lower grades.  These activities range from help with reading to participating in fun activities. It is our hope that this fosters a better atmosphere, and strengthens students’ sense of community.  We are a PBIS School, (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) which teaches, reminds and encourages positive behavior.  

Our community is very supportive of our school.  Parent Volunteers are an integral part of The Dorset School through the Dorset Parent Volunteers (DPV).  For information, contact Kelsey Moskowitz (kelsey.a.moskowitz@gmail.com) or Karyn Jackson (kjackson@burrburton.org).  

We welcome newcomers, and are always happy to arrange a tour or a campus visit!