04/13/2026
Fox Hollow Forest School and the Vermont Achievement Center (VAC) are pleased to announce a new lease agreement that will expand Fox Hollow's nature-based preschool program to VAC's campus at 88 Park Street in Rutland City. The partnership marks the opening of Fox Hollow's second location and signals the beginning of what both organizations hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration in service of Rutland County's youngest learners and their families.
Fox Hollow Forest School — Rutland County's first forest preschool — was founded on the knowledge that many children, particularly our youngest, thrive when they are given time, space, and freedom to learn in the natural world. Since opening its first location on the grounds of Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden, Fox Hollow has offered full-day, year-round education and care for children ages 3–5, spending between 4 - 8 hours outside in the East Creek Trails every day. The new Rutland Location at VAC will offer year round programs for children aged 1 - 6 as well as after school and summer programs for elementary aged children for a total capacity of 68 during the School Year and 94 during Summer.
“We couldn't ask for a better space for the next chapter of our journey.” said Fox Hollow owner Kristin Lucas, who will become the Executive Director of Fox Hollow, overseeing both campuses “For us, it’s almost unbelievable to find a location so central that also has 3.5 acres of forest land for nature based learning, and we are excited to work with the VAC team."
VAC has been serving children and families in Rutland since 1937, growing from a small association into one of the largest providers of social services in Rutland County. Its campus already houses an integrated early education and care program, Sheldon Academy and multiple family-focused grant programs— making it one of the most dynamic hubs of child and family services in the region. Leadership sees the Fox Hollow partnership as a natural continuation of their mission.
"“VAC has always been a place where the community comes together," said Mark Mossey, VAC Executive Director. "Welcoming Fox Hollow Forest School is a symbol of everything we stand for. We are excited about what we can build together."
VAC's own preschool program will continue to operate on campus alongside Fox Hollow, with the two programs running in parallel and committed to learning from one another. Rather than
competition, the two organizations see this as synergistic — providing choice for families on what type of program suits their values and children’s dispositions.
"Having both types of programs available to families works really well already in our current partnership with Barstow Memorial School." explained Kristin Lucas, “Every family is different and choices about how your child spends their day and the type of education they receive is wonderful for the Rutland community.”
To support the launch of the Rutland City location and the approximately 90 children it will house between its various programs, Fox Hollow will be hiring many educators over the coming months. “We have a couple of team members who have been with us for a while joining the new site, including myself, and we’ve already had interest from early educators from around the country, willing to relocate to Rutland for this opportunity.” explained Kristin, “It’s very exciting.”
“This expansion is only possible because of Act 76” stated Clair Purcell, a co-owner of the school who will continue in a Board Member capacity. Act 76 is the 2024 legislation that provides more funding for early childhood education through a small tax on businesses. “Rutland County needs over a thousand childcare spots to meet demand.1 Thanks to Act 76, we can invest in infrastructure and pay livable wages even while families are only charged on a sliding scale according to their income and need. It’s a fantastic system and we’re grateful to childcare advocates like Let’s Grow Kids, VTAEYC and Building Bright Futures for creating the foundation for this expansion.”
Enrollments are open now with tours of the classrooms and outdoor forest space taking place in July and August once the weather has warmed up to get it prepared. More details can be found on a dedicated website for the Rutland City location www.foxhollowrutlandcity.com.
About Fox Hollow Forest School
To learn more about Fox Hollow Forest School, Rutland campus: visit www.foxhollowrutlandcity.com
Chittenden Campus: visit www.foxhollowforestschool.com
Contact: Kristin Lucas, [email protected] | 802 774 8726
To learn more about Vermont Achievement Center, visit www.vacvt.org.
Contact: Mark Mossey, Executive Director, 802.775.2395, x2094 | [email protected]
