High Mountain Institute Photo #7 - Natural Science class at HMI

High Mountain Institute

HMI is both an academic school and a wilderness programs provider. As a fully-accredited independent school, HMI brings high school juniors and seniors from all over the world to our campus in Leadville, Colorado for a single semester of place-based academics and wilderness expeditions.
In this environment, students can connect with their best self and become more engaged learners, community members, and citizens.
As a summer programs provider, HMI offers courses for middle and high school students with an emphasis on backpacking in the Colorado Rockies, intellectual inquiry, and experiential education-all to spark a desire for exploration and growth, and to set students on a path of self-discovery.
Finally, as a Gap Year provider, HMI leads high school graduates on three-month traveling courses through Patagonia and the American West where students pursue outdoor adventure while gaining experience in the field of environmental conservation.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

Top Rankings

High Mountain Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
98 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
High Mountain Institute Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
10 students
Number of AP Courses
2 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AB Calculus, AP U.S. History, BC Calculus, Literature of the Natural World, Natural Science, Practices and Principles: Ethics of the Natural World, Precalculus, Spanish, U.S. History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 15
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Jill Gardiner

School Notes

HMI offeres programing for students ages 12-22 as well as wilderness medicine and avalanche safety courses for adults. HMI offeres the following programs:
  • TheHMISemesteris an academic and wilderness semester school for motivated college-boundjuniors.
  • TheHMISummer Termis a five-week interdisciplinary program that combines academic enrichment and wilderness expeditions in the ColoradoRockies.
  • TheApprentice Programis a professional residency for recent college graduates in traditional and outdooreducation.
  • TheHMIGapis a rock climbing and conservation semester for 18-22 year olds that travels throughout the American West andPatagonia.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate of High Mountain Institute?
The acceptance rate of High Mountain Institute is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 91%. High Mountain Institute's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Colorado with low acceptance rates.
Does High Mountain Institute offer a summer program?
Yes, High Mountain Institute offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is High Mountain Institute's ranking?
High Mountain Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for High Mountain Institute?
The application deadline for High Mountain Institute is Feb. 15.

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Colorado is $12,463 for elementary schools and $15,954 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Colorado is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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