How to Get Into The Greenwood School

Overview of The Greenwood School

Located on over 100 acres of woodland with trails and a 3-acre pond in Putney, Vermont, The Greenwood School is an all-boys private boarding and day school. Devoted to preparing neurodivergent learners for fulfilling futures, the school offers students in grades 6-12 with specialized learning that supports a wide variety of learning differences. Founded in 1978, students learn, create, explore the outdoors, and become master carpenters, organic gardeners, and STEAM aficionados. Beyond that, students are also offered holistic support for their day-to-day needs by teaching organization, time management, and self-advocacy. Class sizes are small, with an average class size of 4 and a 2:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring students have the opportunity to grow in a close and inclusive environment. Greenwood education is built to support the unique needs of every student.  

How hard is it to get into The Greenwood School?

Staunch in its mission to serve the neurodivergent through supportive and personalized learning, The Greenwood School opens only a limited number of slots. Currently, the school serves a small student body of around 50 students. Applicants are welcome throughout the year. However, they recommend applying as early as possible. Although The Greenwood School is one of many boarding schools in Vermont, it is one of the few that offers a learning environment that sets them apart from the rest.  

While many parents may aspire to send their children to The Greenwood School, admissions are competitive in that The Greenwood School may reject applicants on the basis that the school feels that they may not serve an applicant effectively.

If you feel that you may need help improving your chances of getting accepted into The Greenwood School, we suggest seeking the help of private school admissions consultants who can help you navigate the admissions process. Their experience will help you plan and strategize to make your child stand out.   

The Greenwood School Admissions Process

To begin the Greenwood School admissions process, students must submit an inquiry form to receive links and contact information for application requirements. A preliminary health form will also need to be submitted with the final application. Here are a few steps you can expect to take as you navigate The Greenwood School admissions process:

1. Complete and submit the Inquiry Form
2. Delegate teachers who will write recommendation letters. 
3. Request recommendation letters from the counselor or principal.
4. Request a transcript from your current school.
5. Submit a psychoeducational evaluation taken within the last 3 years, which includes a WISC-V 
6. Take achievement tests in reading, language, spelling, written language, and math. 
7. Schedule an admissions interview.

The Greenwood School Application Requirements

Letters of Recommendation

Students must submit at least two recommendation letters with their application. It’s suggested that at least one is a teacher recommendation, with the other coming from either a principal or counselor. The forms are available at the Greenwood School admissions office, and they are provided after emailing admissions@greenwood.org.  

Transcript

All students applying to The Greenwood School are expected to submit their transcripts. They are an integral part of the admissions process, as they offer admissions counselors insights into past grades, present proficiency, and future potential. Grades will demonstrate a child’s ability to handle the specialized Greenwood Curriculum.

Not confident in your child’s current academic standing? Our tutors and academic coaches can provide individualized help to support your child. Through online or in-person tutoring, you can be assured that your child is receiving the best support and academic coaching for whichever courses may be holding them back. 

Admissions Testing

Applicants are required to submit WISC-V test scores alongside achievement tests in reading, language, spelling, written language, and math. Also required is a psychoeducational evaluation done within the last 3 years. If applicable, students may also be required to submit SLEP, TOEFL, or Junior TOEFL exam scores.    

With over two decades of experience offering educational support services to students, Cardinal Education offers test prep and practice tests to ensure that your child is prepared for the tests and achieves the best possible scores. 

Admissions Interview

To guarantee that a student is the best fit for The Greenwood School, interviews are conducted on campus. Admissions officers will guide candidates around as they come together to discuss the student’s learning abilities and the best course or academics to assign. It is a chance for students and families to ask questions to decide if Greenwood is right for their child and to express their excitement and desire to become a part of the Greenwood family.

As experienced private school admissions consultants, we understand that the interview process may be a nerve-wracking one, even more so for a student with diagnosed learning differences. This is why we offer interview preparation services to help families and students make the most of their interviews. 

The Greenwood School Support Services

The Greenwood School offers a variety of support services to make sure that students are able to make the most of their education. Language & literacy therapy is offered to students who may struggle with reading as a result of their disability. Language specialists create lessons that focus on individual needs to build confidence. Social-emotional learning, or SEL is designed to teach students how to navigate social situations with empathy and self-awareness. Speech-language pathology or SLP works closely with language and literacy to develop language skills. Occupational therapy is also offered to improve performance in all aspects of life   

Student Life at The Greenwood School 

Students at The Greenwood School enjoy a variety of possibilities that expose them to the broader world. From academics to the arts to athletics, The Greenwood School has made it their mission to open as many doors as possible to their students.   

Dorm residents follow an Activities of Daily Living program that sees them working with coaches who seek to develop independence. Delicious and dietary-specific meals are also provided by kitchen staff who do their best to not just cook for students but to engage them through gardening, cider making, and even maple tree tapping! 

The Greenwood School Academics

Students experience a wide range of academic offerings that focus on developing their academic prowess while facing their complex learning challenges head-on. Beyond English, Math, History, and Science, students may enjoy woodworking, innovative STEAM projects, and Adventure Leadership that build character and confidence through self-reliant practical skills. The Greenwood Curriculum is highly structured, ensuring that students are able to find success in areas where traditional schooling failed to meet their needs.    

The Greenwood School Athletics

The Greenwood School offers a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports to engage students physically, no matter their needs. Students may take full advantage of the 100-acre campus to explore and realize their passions. Their offerings include soccer, mountain biking, outdoor adventures, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, and more.   

The Greenwood School Arts

Students are encouraged to apply their creative skills in the interdisciplinary STEAM lab, where science meets computer science, art meets math, or English meets history. Courses offered to expand students’ creative aptitude include Studio Ar, Woodshop, Adventure Education, Outdoor Education, Spanish 1 & 2, and Music. 

The Greenwood School Activities

The Greenwood School offers a variety of engaging outdoor and indoor activities. Students are encouraged to explore and discover what they’re passionate about. Weekend activities include trips to see local offerings such as museums, festivals, improv shows, mini golf, and more. Those who want to see the world may do so with the CONNECT Travel Program. Past trips include Ecuador, Iceland, and Costa Rica, with future trips planned for Japan. Students get the chance to learn through the exploration of culture and community.