The largest and oldest institution, the University of Vermont in Burlington, was founded in 1791. Norwich University in Northfield, established in 1819, is the oldest private military college in the United States.

Vermont's 376 public elementary and secondary schools include 16 area vocational centers and several one-room schoolhouses in small communities. There are also more than 40 approved private schools.

Emma Willard, a crusader for women's rights in education, was a Vermonter, as was John Dewey, who is regarded as the father of modern progressive education in America.

Recently, Vermont schools have received national acclaim for innovating programs that include multi-grade classes in elementary schools, student writing projects, and use of student "portfolios" to measure learning progress rather than traditional grade cards.