Looking for a place to raise kids? Try North Bennington

NORTH BENNINGTON -- Anyone thinking about raising children in Vermont may want to consider North Bennington first. That's what Business Week says in its recent "2010 Best Place to Raise Your Kids" ranking.

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North Bennington, with a listed population under 1,400, the magazine said "is a small town with the state's oldest fire company, four churches, a library, post office, railroad station, a dozen stores, a few restaurants, hiking trails, a college, a 35-acre lake, two schools, and a symphony orchestra."

When hearing the news, Patterson immediately pointed to North Bennington Graded School, which he referred to as the "glue of the community," and as a major factor making the village attractive for families.

"Certainly what would have created that honor is our school; that's what sets us apart," Patterson said. "It's a unique school with the dedication of families to its programs."

James Williams, a member of the North Bennington Prudential Committee, said what differentiates NBGS from other elementary schools is the community's involvement in the student's education.

"We really focus on individualized education," Williams said. "We really understand that it takes an entire community to support local education ... it's not just the students, it's not just the teachers, it's not just the parents, but it takes an entire community to achieve what we are, and what we are going to achieve."

Patterson said hiking trails that wind through open land in the village, Bennington College and Lake Paran where kids fish year-round and swim in the summer also add a lot to the community.

"It's kind of a perfect storm of features that has allowed the village to be what it is," Patterson said.

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