Founded in 1928 by Ellen Geer Sangster, Buxton has upheld a flexible and responsive vision of progressive education for nearly a century.
The school's founding principle-to awaken each student's "eagerness to expand their own horizons"-remains central, guiding an approach that values curiosity, individuality, and authentic engagement.
Today, Buxton continues to evolve to meet the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of each generation; nurturing students whose creativity, collaboration, and sense of purpose prepare them to thrive beyond high school.
Buxton is a school where a traditional academic core meets the freedom for our students to follow their instincts and discoveries, offering a framework and supportive boundaries to enable exploration and curiosity.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12, PG
- Enrollment: 50 students
- Yearly Tuition (51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students): $71,000
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $43,000
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 7 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Buxton School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 275 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Affordability
Student Attention
Student Attention
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1928
1907
Campus Size
114 acres
130 acres
Colors
White, Green
Student Body
Enrollment
50 students
320 students
% Students of Color
35%
27%
% International Students
4%
20%
% Students 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
90%
67%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Average Class Size
7 students
12
* National Avg. »
Student-Teacher Ratio
3:1
7:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
60%
72%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$3 million
$30 million
Yearly Tuition
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
(51³Ô¹ÏÍø Students)
$71,000
$69,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$43,000
$38,000
Tuition international students
$71,000
$58,650
% Students on Financial Aid
80%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
90%
64%
Director of Admissions
Tim Custer
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
8
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
18
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- At Buxton School, learning aligns with discovering who you are. Established in 1928, Buxton was an early leader in progressive education, inspired by John Dewey's experiential principles. We continue to believe education is more than just instruction - it's about building meaningful relationships, taking risks, and shaping a path that is uniquely one's own.
- Our small classes and tight-knit community foster an environment where students feel empowered to explore interests and ask challenging questions. Creativity is everywhere - from our art studios and science labs to our meals, dorm rooms, and gardens because students are encouraged to give their ideas tangible form.
- At Buxton, you are not just preparing for life, you are living it.
- Buxton School accreditations: NAIS, NEASC, MA DEPT. OF ED.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Peter Shumlin - Served as the 81st Governor of Vermont.
- Christian Parenti - Journalist and author who has written for publications like The Nation and The New York Times.
- Philip Rickey - Sculptor.
- Justin Theroux - Actor, screenwriter, and director known for his roles in Zoolander and Iron Man 2.
- Frank Wood - Tony Award-winning actor who has appeared on stage and screen.
- Marco Williams - Documentary filmmaker.
- Miles Joris-Peyrafitte - Filmmaker, director, and writer known for directing films such as As You Are (2016), Dreamland (2019), and The Good Mother (2023).
- Duncan Tonatiuh - Award-winning author and illustrator of children's books
- Max Cantor - Journalist and actor in films such as Dirty Dancing (1987) and Fear, Anxiety & Depression (1989)
- School Motto: Not provided
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Buxton School cost?
Buxton School's tuition is approximately $71,000 for boarding students and $43,000 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Buxton School?
The acceptance rate of Buxton School is 90%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Buxton School?
Buxton School famous alumni include: Peter Shumlin, Christian Parenti, Philip Rickey, Justin Theroux, Frank Wood, Marco Williams, Miles Joris-Peyrafitte, Duncan Tonatiuh and Max Cantor.
What sports does Buxton School offer?
Buxton School offers 8 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Dance, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Buxton School's ranking?
Buxton School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students), High percentage of students on financial aid, Small average class sizes and Low student-teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for Buxton School?
The application deadline for Buxton School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
The all school trip to a city in the U.S. or foreign country for a week to ten days during which students put on a play for the public and complete a project relevant to. . .
Buxton is a small and special school. They focus on the arts but are not technically an art school. It’s set on an old property and is very pretty. One of the special things, is. . .
For me, Buxton school felt like home away from home. I was a day student my first year, and was surprised at how quickly I realized that I wanted to board there. The feeling of. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
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People that viewed Buxton School also viewed these schools: Berkshire School, Deerfield Academy, Cushing Academy, Brooks School and The Cambridge School of Weston.
The nearest boarding school to Buxton School is Hoosac School (12.4 miles away)
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