Currently rolling admissions for 7th Grade applications for the 2026–27 school year.
Founded in 2001, NBS is a recognized independent middle school in Ripton serving grades 7-9. With just 27 students, North Branch offers small classes and a low student-teacher ratio, creating a close-knit community where learning is both challenging and deeply personal.
Students are known well by their teachers and peers, and they are given real freedom and responsibility to help shape the culture of the school and the direction of their own learning. It’s a place where curiosity, independence, and strong relationships are at the center of the middle school experience.
Financial aid is available as needed.
Founded in 2001, NBS is a recognized independent middle school in Ripton serving grades 7-9. With just 27 students, North Branch offers small classes and a low student-teacher ratio, creating a close-knit community where learning is both challenging and deeply personal.
Students are known well by their teachers and peers, and they are given real freedom and responsibility to help shape the culture of the school and the direction of their own learning. It’s a place where curiosity, independence, and strong relationships are at the center of the middle school experience.
Financial aid is available as needed.
The North Branch School, founded in 2001, is a non-profit, independent school serving middle school age children (grades 7-9). The school is officially recognized by the State of Vermont and meets or exceeds all licensing standards. The school is a 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt entity.
The North Branch School was founded by parents who shared a vision of a small school tailored to the unique needs of early adolescents. The founding philosophy is centered on a school concept that promotes self-directed and active learning, incorporates students’ emotional, intellectual, and growth issues, emphasizes experiential and outdoor education, and fosters a strong community based upon close student-teacher-parent relationships. With twenty-seven students and a low student/teacher ratio, The North Branch School has the ability to build a flexible, personalized and engaging environment.
The North Branch School was founded by parents who shared a vision of a small school tailored to the unique needs of early adolescents. The founding philosophy is centered on a school concept that promotes self-directed and active learning, incorporates students’ emotional, intellectual, and growth issues, emphasizes experiential and outdoor education, and fosters a strong community based upon close student-teacher-parent relationships. With twenty-seven students and a low student/teacher ratio, The North Branch School has the ability to build a flexible, personalized and engaging environment.
We always conceive of our students as bold divers, going down and seeking. We believe in them as ones who believe in somewhere, who will go with full heart and faith into the difficult thing. Our dream is to see them break the surface and emerge having done that difficult thing, bringing up meaning where otherwise there would be little; exploring and mapping landscapes of experience, inner questions, and personal texts; opening up to a community of different minds; and defining value where otherwise there would be none.
- Tal Birdsey, Co-founder and Head Teacher of the North Branch School
