Discover Vail Mountain School

Explore our campus, where students are empowered through personalized, experiential learning and a vibrant community in a beautiful mountain setting.

Plan your visit to experience the connection between students & teachers and see our vibrant, joyful K-12 community firsthand.

Vail Mountain School is the only state and nationally accredited co-ed independent K-12 school in Eagle and Summit Counties. Our rigorous, globally-inspired, college preparatory curriculum prepares students for challenges both in and out of the classroom.

When you visit our school, you’ll learn how we inspire tomorrow’s ethical leaders by developing character, seeking knowledge, and building a community of lifelong learners from the heart of the Colorado mountains to the world beyond.

Education at VMS is personalized and student-centered. Small class sizes allow students to connect their interests and strengths with what they learn, making learning relevant and impactful. With a focus on academic rigor and real-world application, students expand their minds, open their hearts, work collaboratively, and form habits that enrich their own lives and those of others.

Our supportive community of faculty and peers encourages students to take thoughtful risks, discover their passions, and grow in confidence. By graduation, they are prepared to succeed academically and equipped with strong character and a lifelong love of learning. 

In our unique cross-grade environment, we encourage students to interact with peers of different ages to build mentorship opportunities and a strong sense of community that helps students thrive together.

Our nurturing Lower School environment inspires children to build a strong foundation in academics, social skills, and emotional growth. Early exposure to diverse subjects such as arts, athletics, and science allows students to spark their interests.

Through exploration and lessons that ignite intellectual curiosity, students learn to connect their ideas to the real world and deepen their understanding through hands-on experiences. With a focus on social-emotional learning and personalized attention, we ensure every child feels known, supported, and valued. 

Middle School is a pivotal time for young adolescents as they discover their identity, build independence, and develop confidence. Our supportive program helps students understand who they are as learners, friends, and members of their community. The VMS faculty is dedicated to knowing the whole child so we can provide personalized academics and social-emotional guidance. 

We are committed to helping students thrive in and out of the classroom by offering experiential learning, class trips, outdoor education and abundant opportunities in athletics and arts. 

Our globally-inspired Upper School program prepares students not only to be admitted to the colleges that best fit them, but also to thrive once they arrive. We recognize every student’s journey is unique and we provide a wide range of opportunities to help them explore their interests – all within a supportive community of caring faculty and peers where they’ll feel safe to take risks that inspire academic excellence and build strong character.

Upper School students complete core academic and athletics requirements while having the freedom to shape their education through electives, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and focused learning experiences during Intraterm and Senior Programs.

Many of our students pursue interests outside of school that demand significant commitments of both time and energy. As a formal academic partner of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV), VMS is staffed, prepared, and accustomed to ensuring the academic success of snowsport athletes. We provide flexible programming and academics to help them excel in their training and competitions while maintaining their studies. 

Student life at Vail Mountain School is enriched through signature programs like outdoor education, cross-age curriculum, community service, ski days, and more. These cherished traditions and non-classroom opportunities create special, well-rounded educational experiences for every student while maintaining our focus on academic excellence. 

We believe the best colleges for our students are those that will nurture their academic and personal growth. Our college counseling program focuses on finding the right match between students and post-secondary institutions, emphasizing alignment with each individuals’ abilities and interests. By working closely with students and their families, we aim to identify a number of suitable options and provide guidance through the application and decision-making process to ensure each student enters their next educational journey confidently.

Flexible Tuition is a cornerstone of our commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all families. By tailoring tuition rates to each family’s unique financial situation, Vail Mountain School ensures that a high-quality education is within reach for a wide range of students. This reflects our belief that financial constraints should not be a barrier to educational excellence. 

Vail Mountain School is a co-ed independent college preparatory school for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Vail, Colorado.

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