Welcome!

Founded in 1867, Lyndon Institute is dedicated to providing a unique educational experience for our students that leads to a lifetime of learning and good citizenship. We are an independent and comprehensive high school for grades 9 – 12, offering a 150-course curriculum specializing in core and honors academics, fine and performing arts and technical and career programs. The main 130-acre campus hosts 34 buildings, including the Main Building, Alumni Gymnasium and 650-seat Alumni Auditorium, the Elliott Memorial Library, the John L. Norris, Jr. Center for the Arts, the Monahan Academic Commons, and six dormitories. The 300-acre Binney Woods forest, located on Burke Mountain, provides outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.  

Explore Our Curriculum

The teachers and administrators of Lyndon Institute believe that learning is a process which continues throughout life, and that formal education should provide a sound basis for later development.  We recognize that student interest and motivation are vital to educational success and therefore, school should be both a challenging and enjoyable experience for all concerned. Academic Divisions Students learn by making connections and they need to make their learning more relevant. The best way we can assist our students is to work on connecting our departments in our academics. As a result, LI has moved away from separate academic departments and has introduced new department “divisions” combining key departments to increased collaboration, shared practices, and interdisciplinary connections. The four academic divisions are: Humanities (English, Social Studies, Fine and Performing Arts) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Languages (International Students and World Languages) Technical Education (Career Sciences and Vocational Pathways) Humanities Division Philosophy The Humanities are centered on the human desire to understand ourselves and our surroundings by studying the literature, history, and art that has come before us.  Understanding the craft and content of these disciplines offers students the opportunity to both make and appreciate connections to the world around them that will deepen their understanding of the world and their place in it.  By developing the interpretative and expressive skills critical to these three disciplines, students can gain a more complex and richer view of what it means to be alive World Languages Division Philosophy The World Languages Division prepares students for world readiness. We believe that language is at the heart of the human experience. We want our students to have all the tools they need to fully engage in that experience. With its focus on the five competencies identified in the national standards for language learning our program readies our students for participation in a global society. In our program, students focus on communication and the ability to express themselves and share ideas authentically in a second language. They focus on culture and the ability to understand and appreciate the richness of cultures other than their own. They focus on connections and the ability to tie language learning to other subject areas and create a more diverse perspective for understanding the world around them. They also focus on participating and building communities within that language. Finally, our program encourages them to make comparisons of languages and cultures to help them better understand their own place in the world. It is our hope that our students will develop a love of language and culture that keeps them engaged throughout their lives in the diversity the world has to offer. STEM Division Philosophy The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) faculty is committed to engaging all students in rigorous and relevant inquiry, discovery, and problem-solving. We strive to prepare our students for college, careers, and life in an increasingly technological and quantitative world by producing graduates who ask questions about the world and investigate patterns and connections, who identify compelling problems and discover/design effective solutions, who use technology skillfully and strategically, and who reason and communicate precisely in a variety of contexts. Technical Education Division Philosophy Lyndon Institute’s Career and Technical Education Division is dedicated to providing students the skills necessary to pursue a career in a field of interest.  We ensure that students gain the skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation and real-world experience they need to prepare for high-skill, high-wage, high-demand careers.  We strive to help students discover their interests and passions, empowering them to choose the educational pathway that can lead to success in high school, college and their chosen career.  

Arts

Lyndon Institute reflects our community's commitment to the arts by requiring all students to take at least one credit in the fine arts during their high school career. The Fine and Performing Arts faculty firmly believe that “art is a unifying language.” Through serious application, relevant experiences, and professional guidance, students learn self-discipline and freedom of expression simultaneously, current and best educational practice in each of the arts (fine and performing), as well as excellent preparation for college and or a professional career. Lyndon Institute is one of the few high schools in Vermont that offers a complete range of Fine and Performing Arts courses.  These include full course loads in each discipline: fine and graphic arts, theater, instrumental and vocal music, and dance. Students can choose from a range of classes in each of the disciplines ranging from introduction to art, photography, AP level art classes, and painting; acting, introduction and techniques in dance, jazz and lyrical ballet, dance history and improvisation/composition to dance company, plus concert and jazz band to chorus and select chorus. The Fine and Performing Arts teachers instruct to the whole student – physical, cognitive, social, and emotional being – and meets each student at their individual needs and learning styles. Our instruction is current in our field and is designed specifically to prepare the students for the arts beyond high school with relevant experiences, professional trips and guests, and a multitude of opportunities to showcase and share work. The Fine and Performing Arts program gives students the opportunity to explore and grow in their own creative energies and talents by fostering individual self-motivation and self-evaluation.  

Athletics

While academics are our primary concern, Lyndon Institute recognizes that athletics provide additional opportunities and challenges for personal growth and development. Through competition, students learn the value of discipline and respect for rules. Athletics become a model for good citizenship. At Lyndon Institute, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer a wide range of athletic opportunities. Over twenty varsity level teams in 18 sports, are complimented by an additional 12 sub-varsity level teams. Student athletes of all abilities are encouraged to participate.  

Campus Life

Lyndon Institute is a unique academic community providing students with excellent preparation for success in school, college, careers, and life. We welcome over 550 students from 16 countries, many U.S. states and over 20 area towns and villages. We are grateful for the amazing diversity this combination of students creates and our community is grateful too. Many of our international students are befriended by area families and this offers a unique opportunity for our international students to experience life in America. We strive to provide a positive and safe learning environment. Our school is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the United States, the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This provides us unlimited access to fresh air, mountain views, beautiful walks, and scenic runs.  Our students are accustomed to being outside and enjoying nature. A Community School Founded in 1867, LI has a deep-set relationship with our neighbors. Our 150 acre campus is comprised of 34 buildings, many of them dating back to the early 20th century. LI is a positive presence and contributing member of the community. Our students participate in a number of community service projects. Several on-campus amenities are available to the public:  the Track (for fitness walking and running); the Simpson Nature Trail (hikes and picnics); the athletic fields (for youth programs); and other facilities host performances and continuing education programs in our Alumni Auditorium. Vermont has been rated the Healthiest State in the United States for six years in a row. Learning is not limited to the school day; learning also takes place after school. Learning happens in the resident halls, on the playing fields, during recreation time, when students are with their families and friends or out in the community providing service. The size of Lyndon Institute is such that students and faculty are able to form strong relationships and all members of the community have a sense of belonging.