About Colchester School District

Welcome to Colchester School District! We are a collaborative learning community of approximately 2,200 students and 450 employees across five schools, all dedicated to one shared goal: preparing every student to succeed in life. As one of Vermont’s larger school districts, we combine the variety of opportunities with a warm, supportive, and safe space.

Here, education goes beyond the textbook. We believe learning should be engaging, equitable, and tailored to each student. Through hands-on teaching and a strong focus on real-world skills, we empower our students to be curious thinkers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners

We are also proud to welcome tuition students from surrounding communities like Georgia and the Champlain Islands, who bring fresh perspectives that enrich our district. Whether our students come from down the street or across the Islands, we make sure everyone has what they need to thrive, both in school and far beyond.

Learn more about our current CSD initiatives in our Annual Report

Our Mission:

Colchester Schools offer diverse educational experiences filled with rigorous and responsive teaching practices. In our collaborative learning community, students are inspired to think critically, act responsibly, communicate effectively, and learn continuously to achieve their fullest potential.

Our Vision

We strive to prepare each student for success in life by providing an enriching, welcoming, and safe environment.

Caring and Expert Staff

Dedicated professionals who put students first.

Ask anyone at CSD what makes our district unique, and they’ll tell you the same thing: our community. From the classroom to the cafeteria to the front office, our staff works together to make every school day supportive, encouraging, and fun.

Our award-winning administrative teams lead passionate educators and support staff who care deeply about making sure every student feels safe, valued, and set up for success. If you want to work somewhere you truly belong, come grow your career with us at csdvt.org/jobs

Curriculum

Develops lifelong student success through rigorous, hands-on, research-backed learning

two children looking at books in a library

At CSD, our curriculum is built on a foundation of rigorous, evidence-based practices that ignite curiosity and foster academic excellence. We carefully select research-backed instructional materials to ensure every student receives a high-quality education tailored to their growth. By pairing high expectations with proven teaching strategies, we empower learners to master core concepts, build strong critical-thinking skills, and lay the groundwork for lifelong success.

In our classrooms, learning is an active, dynamic process rather than a passive routine. You will see students tackling challenging, hands-on projects, collaborating to solve real-world problems, and applying their knowledge in deep, meaningful ways. By connecting classroom lessons to practical applications, we create engaging environments where students do not just memorize information—they master it, take ownership of their learning, and thrive.

Arts, Athletics & Enrichment

Opportunities to explore, create, and thrive.

students in kayaks and canoes on the lake

Creativity, movement, and adventure are a huge part of the CSD experience! Our vibrant arts and music programs give students plenty of space to express themselves. We’re lucky to have a state-of-the-art performing arts center right in our high school to support our award-winning band and choir, the Colchester Theatre Company, and tons of community events throughout the year.

We are also proud to offer one of the region’s most dynamic physical education programs. With three of our schools within walking distance to Malletts Bay on the shores of Lake Champlain, we take full advantage of what our region has to offer. Add in acres of forest and our PE program goes way beyond the traditional gym class, offering unforgettable outdoor experiences like high ropes courses, canoeing, and mountain biking.

The Town of Colchester

A vibrant community.

Tucked right between the shores of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, Colchester offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit town with quick access to nearby Burlington. From sunny days at the beach and lakeside trail rides to neighborhood playgrounds and local school events, it’s easy to see why families love calling Colchester home. CSD is proud to be at the heart of this town, helping make Colchester an amazing place to live, work and play. Discover more about our hometown at colchestervt.gov.