Below Average
#239 of 280 schools in VT
Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)
High School · Fairfax School District
75 Hunt Street, Fairfax, VT 05454
Enrollment
396
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
4.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Enrollment
396
Student-Teacher
10.4:1
Score
4.5
Grades
7th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fairfax
#1 of 2
public schools
Vermont high schools
#39 of 46
In district
#1 of 2
Fairfax School District
About Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)
Bellows Free Academy Middle/High School in Fairfax, Vermont, is a regular public school serving students from seventh through twelfth grade. With an enrollment of 396 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10.4:1, the school offers personalized attention to its diverse learning community. Located on Hunt Street in a rural setting, Bellows Free Academy provides a range of educational programs and extracurricular activities for middle and high schoolers.
While the academic performance data shows room for improvement, with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10 and state ranking at #237 out of 280 schools in Vermont (16th percentile), the school is dedicated to fostering student development through its supportive learning environment. In ELA/reading, 47% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 30% reach proficiency benchmarks. Bellows Free Academy Middle/High School sits in a rural area where students can enjoy natural surroundings and engage with their community outside the classroom.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) — Students at Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
31.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores VT EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 4 test records from VT state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.4/10.
How Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) Compares
See how Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2021) to 27% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2021) to 42% (2022).
Location
75 Hunt Street, Fairfax, VT 05454
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Milton Senior High School (rated 8.1/10, 5.7 miles away, in nearby Milton), which scores notably higher. Another option is BELLCATE SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 11.3 miles away, in nearby Essex Junction), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Mt. Mansfield Union High School (rated 6.7/10, 12.5 miles away, in nearby Jericho), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fairfax, see our Fairfax schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bellows Free Academy Elementary (Fairfax) Fairfax | 0.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Westford Elementary School Westford | 4.2 mi | 5.4 |
| THE BARN SCHOOL Westford | 4.5 mi | — |
| Fletcher Elementary School Cambridge | 4.4 mi | 4.7 |
| Milton Middle School Milton | 5.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Milton Elementary School Milton | 5.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Milton Senior High School Milton | 5.7 mi | 8.1 |
| Georgia Elementary & Middle School Saint Albans | 7.0 mi | 4.1 |
| DISCOVERY ROOTS ACADEMY Milton | 6.4 mi | — |
| Fairfield Center School Fairfield | 10.0 mi | 5.9 |
| St. Albans Town Educational Center Saint Albans | 10.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Essex Elementary School Essex Junction | 10.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Jericho Elementary School Jericho | 11.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Browns River Middle School Jericho | 10.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Bellows Free Academy (St. Albans) Saint Albans | 10.6 mi | 6.2 |
| BELLCATE SCHOOL Essex Junction | 11.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Founders Memorial School Essex Junction | 11.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Essex Middle School Essex Junction | 11.6 mi | 7.5 |
| St. Albans City Elementary School Saint Albans | 11.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Mt. Mansfield Union High School Jericho | 12.5 mi | 6.7 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 05454 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$118,438
Median Home Value
$361,000
Median Rent
$1,054/mo
Population
5,195
College Educated
49.3%
Homeownership
81.2%
Avg Commute
28.7 min
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Median Age
40.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) has a median household income of $118,438. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $361,000, with a median rent of $1,054/month. The local poverty rate of 4.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 29 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Hazen Union High School Hardwick, VT | 4.5 |
| LYNDON INSTITUTE Lyndon Center, VT | 4.5 |
| THETFORD ACADEMY Thetford Center, VT | 4.5 |
| Enosburg Falls Middle/High School Enosburg Falls, VT | 5.0 |
| Otter Valley Union High School Brandon, VT | 4.0 |
| Richford Junior/Senior High School Richford, VT | 4.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)
What grades does Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) serve?
Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) serves students in grades 7th through 12th.
How many students attend Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)?
Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) has an enrollment of approximately 396 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)?
The student-teacher ratio at Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) is 10.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) rank in VT?
Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) is ranked #239 out of 280 schools in VT.
What is Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)'s MySchoolScout rating?
Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) has a composite rating of 4.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) has 29.5% math proficiency and 47.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) a charter school?
No, Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) a Title I school?
No, Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax)?
31.6% of students at Bellows Free Academy Middle/high School (fairfax) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (197/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 396
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 31.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Franklin County
- Phone
- (802) 849-6711
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fairfax School District- District Enrollment
- 1,012
- Schools in District
- 2
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,595
- District Rank
- #1 of 2
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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