For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 414 students in Essex County, VT (there are 2 private schools, serving 47 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Essex County, VT are educated in public schools (compared to the VT state average of 87%).
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VT are Canaan Schools, Brighton Elementary School and Lunenburg & Gilman Schools. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Essex County, VT public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Vermont public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Essex County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Vermont public schools.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Vermont public school average of 13% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Best Public Schools in Essex County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Canaan Schools
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
99 School Street
Canaan, VT 05903
(802) 266-8910
Canaan, VT 05903
(802) 266-8910
Gr: PK-12 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
Brighton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
825 Railroad Street
Island Pond, VT 05846
(802) 723-4373
Island Pond, VT 05846
(802) 723-4373
Gr: PK-8 | 127 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #33.
Lunenburg & Gilman Schools
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2720 River Road
Gilman, VT 05904
(802) 892-5969
Gilman, VT 05904
(802) 892-5969
Gr: PK-5 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Concord Graded/middle School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
173 School Street
Concord, VT 05824
(802) 695-2550
Concord, VT 05824
(802) 695-2550
Gr: PK-8 | 144 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Canaan High School Cte Program
Vocational School
99 School Street
Canaan, VT 05903
(802) 266-8910
Canaan, VT 05903
(802) 266-8910
Gr: 9-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VT?
The top-ranked public schools in Essex County, VT include Canaan Schools, Brighton Elementary School and Lunenburg & Gilman Schools.
How many public schools are located in Essex County?
4 public schools are located in Essex County.
What percentage of students in Essex County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Essex County are educated in public schools (compared to the VT state average of 87%).
What is the racial composition of students in Essex County?
Essex County public schools minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the Vermont public schools average of 13% (majority Hispanic and Black).
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