What It’s Really Like to Raise Kids in Chitteden County, Vermont

“The surrounding area has a mix of elementary schools, but a great high school (U-32) that serves all the towns around there.”
(source)

One thing that comes up often in local forums is how the district blends rural values with thoughtful programs. There’s a real effort to support different learning styles while maintaining strong academic expectations. If you're living outside Montpelier proper but still want a cohesive school community, WCUUSD is a serious contender.

Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools (Montpelier, Roxbury)

This district covers Vermont’s capital and the nearby town of Roxbury. It’s smaller than some, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in approachability. I’ve heard a lot from families here about the school’s emphasis on inclusion, especially when it comes to kids with unique educational or emotional needs.

“When I was a kid I went through the Montpelier school system (Union Elementary, Main Street Middle, Montpelier High School) and felt like it was a pretty good school.”
(source)

Montpelier High School, in particular, gets good marks for encouraging student voice and creative engagement. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid—and there’s a lot of pride in the school’s connection to the broader Montpelier community. If you're moving from a larger city and want something that feels grounded without being overwhelming, this district has that small-town-meets-progressive-Vermont balance.

Barre Unified Union School District (Barre City, Barre Town)

Barre’s school district covers both the city and the surrounding town, and has more of an old-school Vermont vibe. Spaulding High School is the anchor here, and while the school buildings might not be the newest, the district is deeply tied to community events and local pride.

“Spaulding High School has a dedicated staff and a variety of programs that cater to different student interests. The community is very involved in school activities.”
(source)

There’s a kind of hometown loyalty to Spaulding that shows up in things like sports attendance and volunteer-run fundraisers. I've talked to a couple of moms from Barre Town who appreciate the straightforward approach here—there’s a focus on preparing kids for real-world success without a lot of pretense.

A Capitol Experience

Washington County’s schools are like the county itself: varied, grounded, and quietly proud of their place in the world. Whether you're drawn to the nature-connected community around East Montpelier, the down-to-earth energy of Barre, or the small-but-mighty culture of Montpelier, you’re likely to find a district that fits your family’s rhythm.

As always, it’s worth visiting the schools and talking to other parents. But if you're looking for real-world insights, these local voices say a lot more than any official brochure ever could.