08/04/2026
Exciting News for Competitive Winter Sports Athletes!
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Nora Dock from Vermont Academy about their exciting new Trailhead Program - an innovative full-year 8th grade boarding program designed specifically for elite freeskiers, snowboarders, and freestyle skiers.
While Vermont Academy has long been recognized for serving students in grades 9–12, this new offering expands its exceptional programming to 8th-grade student-athletes preparing for high school. Students in the Trailhead Program will begin the fall semester on Vermont Academy's beautiful Saxtons River campus, transition to Vermont Academy at Mount Snow (VAMS) for winter training and competition, and return to campus in the spring to complete the academic year. Vermont Academy also continues to offer its highly regarded VAMS program for students in grades 9–12.
The inaugural Trailhead cohort is intentionally limited to just nine students, creating a highly personalized experience that blends rigorous academics, elite coaching, and a residential program focused on developing confidence, independence, and resilience.
If your family is exploring boarding school options for a passionate winter sports athlete, I'd be happy to discuss whether this unique opportunity could be the right fit.
🌐www.doolittleeducationalconsulting.com