BFA AT A GLANCE

Bellows Free Academy has a long standing tradition of achievement and success among the high school communities in Vermont. From our support services for students, to our co-curricular and extracurricular activities, when combined with our strong academic programs, BFA offers everyone the opportunity for educational success and personal growth. The strength of BFA comes from a collaborative effort of a highly qualified staff and a supportive community working together with students and families.

HISTORY:

  • Formally opened with dedication on May 28th, 1930

  • Willed by Hiram Bellows on August 24th, 1876

  • At one time a private institution, it became public in 2008

  • Made up of 2 different campuses, as well as Collins Perley Sports Complex

  • More than 10,000 alumni still reside in Vermont

  • The only high school with separate names for their girls and boys sports' teams

STUDENTS:

  • Approximately 950 students

  • Over 13,000 graduates since 1930

  • Serves students from St. Albans City and St. Albans Town, Alburgh, Bakersfield, Berkshire, Fairfield, Fletcher, Georgia, Isle Lamotte, Montgomery,

  • North Hero and Sheldon Vermont

FACULTY:

  • 93 faculty members: Faculty Bio Pages

  • More than 75% teachers with 10+ years teaching experience

  • 85% with advanced degrees

  • 5 guidance counselors: BFA Guidance Page

ACADEMIC PROGRAM:

  • 12 offered AP courses

  • Average class size of 18 students

  • 68% of graduates continue to college or post-secondary school

  • Ranked as a Silver Medal school by U.S. News and World Report

  • Ranked in the top 8% of all high schools in the nation

  • Ranked 6th among all Vermont High School

ATHLETIC PROGRAM:

  • 557 student participants in one or more sports

  • 29 athletic programs with 45 different teams

  • 7 state championship visits in the past 2 years

  • 1/3 student participation in athletics each season

FACILITIES:

  • 390 seat Performing Arts Center

  • Wireless campus

  • Dance Studio

  • Fitness center and locker rooms

  • Newly renovated gymnasium

  • Made up of 2 different campuses, as well as Collins Perley Sports Complex

  • Tennis courts, hockey rink, track, trails for cross country running and skiing, playing and practice fields, basketball court, weight rooms

  • Home of the Northwest Technical Center

STUDIO AND PERFORMING ARTS:

  • Theater - 3 productions per year, full year theater curriculum

  • Music -  Theory, music appreciation, electronic music, recording, vocal, jazz, chamber ensembles, concerts, and festivals)

  • Dance - Hip hop, jazz, ballet, modern, advanced choreography and production, African dance, Latin dance, after school dance team and dance club,

  • musical theater opportunities

  • Studio Art - painting, drawing, clay, sculpture, portfolio development, studio art, black and white photography, digital photography, film making