| Metric | Fairfax School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 1,049 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 2 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↑ 53% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax School District (this district) | 3/10 | 26th | 1,049 |
| South Burlington School District | 10/10 | 98th | 2,717 |
| Essex Junction Schools | 9/10 | 86th | 3,767 |
| Montpelier Roxbury Unified Union School District | 10/10 | 92nd | 1,234 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 85 rated districts in VT → 26th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Vermont Agency of Education VTCAP, grades 3–8 ELA & Math, Proficient and Above, 2024–25 school year; district figures aggregated from school-level results. Full methodology →
- Bellows Free Academy Elementary (Fairfax) — Grades PK–6 · 579 students
- Bellows Free Academy Middle/High School (Fairfax) — Grades 7–12 · 393 students
About Fairfax School District
Families in zip code 05454 (Fairfax, Vermont) are assigned to Fairfax School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
Fairfax School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Vermont’s VTCAP grades 3–8 ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Vermont is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Fairfax School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Vermont benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 05454
Children in zip code 05454 are assigned to Fairfax School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 05454, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Fairfax School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Vermont districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Fairfax
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Fairfax School District serves zip code 05454, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 05454. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Vermont, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Fairfax School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 05454.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Fairfax School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 05454 data.