Academics

Curriculum

Academics at VA Curriculum and Courses

Vermont Academy’s faculty is made up of a knowledgeable and committed group of teachers who are dedicated to the whole education of each individual student. From grades 9 through 12, we guide students through a tailored list of courses, ensuring they can follow their passions and interests, all while achieving a high-level of education. Our college preparatory program and counseling is offered during each grade to give our students an idea of what educational path they may wish to take on.

To learn more about our academic opportunities or to begin the application process, we encourage you to schedule a tour today.

Department

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements

List of 6 items.

Typical 9th-grade schedule
- English -- The Quest
- Algebra 1 or Geometry
- Foundations in History
- The first year of a language
- Conceptual Physics
- 9th grade arts
Typical 10th-grade schedule
- American Literature
- Geometry
- United States History
- The second year of a language
- Chemistry
Typical 11th-grade schedule
- American Literature
- Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, or Probability & Statistics
- United States History
- The third year of a language
- Biology
- Art
- College Seminar (starting winter trimester)
Typical 12th-grade schedule
- English - Senior Writing Seminar followed by Electives
- Art
- Courses that are of interest to the student in math, science, history, language
- College Seminar
Typical Postgraduate Schedule
- English - Senior Writing Seminar for Postgraduates (fall)
- Learn more about research skills and decide on a long-term project to complete (winter and spring)
- A concentration in a subject area of interest to the student or a spectrum of classes across departments
- The schedule is rounded out with electives
- College Seminar
Graduation requirements (minimum of 5 classes per year)
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math to include Algebra 1 and 2, and geometry
- 3 years of science including biological and a physical science
- 2 years of a language (Starting with the class of 2025, 3 years of a
- language is required)
- 3 years of history including United States history
- 1 year of art - (Starting with the class of 2025 2 years of Art is
- required)
- 20 credits are required for graduation

List of 4 members.

Edward Carson

Dean of Residential Life and Belonging / Humanities Faculty

Harding University - BA
Harding University - MA
Lorna Schilling

Academic Dean

(802) 869-6649

Tufts University - BA

Bio
Mrs. Lorna Schilling is chair of the English Department at Vermont Academy. She teaches a number of English offerings. She is on the Curriculum Committee, a member of the Cum Laude Society, recipient of the Brodine Teaching Award, and has been selected for Who’s Who Among America’s High School Teachers. Mrs. Schilling was first employed by Vermont Academy in 1981 and fulfilled a number of roles on campus. Under Head of School Bob Long, she became the first ESL teacher and international student advisor at Vermont Academy. Over time, she became a full-time English instructor and department chair.

Mrs. Schilling enjoys working with young people. Her other interests are theater, history, and other cultures. An avid reader, some of Mrs. Schilling’s favorite books are The Secret Garden, The Lathe of Heaven, and Pride and Prejudice. Her favorite quote is “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”

Mrs. Schilling was a dorm parent for ten years with her husband, former longtime Vermont Academy faculty member Falko Schilling. Together they produced The Saxtons River Playhouse for eighteen years. They now reside in Saxtons River village. They are parents of Vermont Academy alumni Falko Erich’03, Nilsen '05, and Brian ’11.
Tammy Clark

Registrar, Primary Designated School Official (SEVIS)

(802) 869-6265

Champlain College
Peter Ahlfeld

Director of the Center for Learning & Coordinator of the MAPS® Program / Math Faculty / 9th Grade Class Dean

Clark University - BA
University of Connecticut - MA

Bio
Peter Ahlfeld joined Vermont Academy as the Director of Learning Skills in 2020. He comes to us from The Mountain School at Winhall where he most recently served as the Head of School. Peter has extensive experience working in education as well as serving students with learning differences. Previously, Peter was a Dean at The Long Trail School in Vermont and a math teacher and administrator at The Forman School in Connecticut.

He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Masters's degree in Educational Psychology and he received a B.A. in Mathematics from Clark University. Peter has over thirty years of experience in school communities where he has been dedicated to creating positive learning communities. Peter will be commuting to Vermont Academy but staying overnight when needed.