logistics

Life at the Monastic Academy is radically simple and orderly. Many find the clarity of the daily schedule to be an enormous relief.

Location

The Monastic Academy is located in Lowell, VT. The property includes breath-taking views of the Green Mountains, hundreds of acres of forest and field to explore, three ponds, and a large garden.

Food

There are two meals a day. Meals are typically vegan and gluten free, with some vegetarian or dairy products if they are donated. However, residents are welcome to buy their own meat or dairy products. We buy local and organic food whenever possible. This is greatly facilitated by Vermont’s thriving local/organic food system. We are happy to make any reasonable dietary accommodations.

Lodging

Residents receive a bed and storage in a shared living space. Conditions are comfortable and spartan.

Trial Periods & Training Fees

During your apprenticeship, you may be invited to apply for residency. If your application is accepted, we will ask you for a $10,000.00 payment to become a full-time resident, for which need-based financial aid is available.

The payment for residency is required before the start of your residency and is non-refundable.

Room and board is included. We offer monthly living stipends to full-time residents beginning their second month in the training.

Vacation

Residents can take four free days a month, twenty days of vacation per year, and one retreat off. Free and vacation days can be scheduled at essentially any time (provided that the resident’s responsibilities are taken care of, and the vacation does not substantially inconvenience the organization). Additionally, each year, residents may do one meditation retreat at another center, for up to seven days.

Stipend

Residents receive a modest monthly stipend.