Education in the Town of Shaftsbury Shaftsbury's K-6 children reside in one of two school districts. The children who attend Shaftsbury Elementary School (SES) are part of the Southwest Vermont Union Elementary School District (SVUESD). The Union School District also includes schools located in the Towns of Bennington, Pownal and Woodf ord. The remainder of Shaftsbury's K-6 students reside in the North Bennington Graded School District (NBGSD). Some years ago NBGSD closed its public elementary school. The children residing in the N BGSD district pays tuition for its students to attend approved elementary schools. A small, independent school, known as the Village School of North Bennington (VSNB) operates in the former North Bennington public school building. For historical reasons, the North Bennington School District includes part of southwestern portion of Shaftsbury. (See state-wide school district map) (Shaftsbury residents often refer to NBGSD as "the ID district" and "District One.")
SES students graduate to Mount Anthony Union Middle School (MAUMS) for grades 7-8. MAUMS also serves sixth grade for some schools in the area. MAUMS feeds into Mount Anthony Union High School (MAUHS) for grades 9-12. MAUMS and MAUHS are governed by a board made of representatives from Bennington, Pownal, Shaftsbury, and Woodford.
Area students are also served by the Southwest Tech providing technical and vocational training to high school students and adults.
The Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU) includes three school districts: Southwest Vermont Union Elementary SD, North Bennington SD, and Mount Anthony Union School District (which includes Mount Anthony Union Middle School and Mount Anthony Union High School). SVSU provides administration and special education services to its member districts.
There are several small private schools in the area, including, Southshire Community School in North Bennington serving ages 5-14. Hiland Hall School in Bennington serving grades K-8. Grace Christian School in Bennington serving pre-K through high school. The School of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales (Sacred Heart) in Bennington serving pre-K through eighth grade.