Vail Mountain School

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CO School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 418 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Vail Mountain School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1962

Student Body

Total Students
418 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Vail Mountain School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
12 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Literature/Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Music Theory, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art, AP U.S. History, AP World History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies according to grade. Please visit school website for details.
% on Financial Aid
26%
Admissions Director
Jeremy Thelen & Jen Bill

Sports

School Notes

  • Vail Mountain School is the only independent, co-educational, college preparatory school for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in Eagle and Summit Counties. The school is proud of its continued reputation for excellence in education and placing its graduates in college and universities ranked among the top in the country. At each grade level, teachers are acutely aware of the developmental stages and needs of students. Age-appropriate curriculum is designed for each level while maintaining a focus on elements of both academia and character enhancement. Students are encouraged to be independent in their contribution to the well-being of their school, their classmates, and the community. VMS strongly believes that its graduates are prepared to contribute and succeed in an increasingly complex and demanding world.VMS is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools and a member of the National Association of Independent Schools,
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Vail Mountain School often compared to?
Vail Mountain Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Vail Christian Academy by visitors of our site.
What sports does Vail Mountain School offer?
Vail Mountain School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball. Vail Mountain School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for most sports offered.
What is Vail Mountain School's ranking?
Vail Mountain School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Largest student body, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Vail Mountain School?
The application deadline for Vail Mountain School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (7 reviews)
5  
I'm a parent of a Freshman and this is our first year at VMS. I have nothing but positive things to say about this school. Vail Mountain School is located in beautiful Vail Colorado, surrounded by nature and views of the Gore Mountains, home to one of the best ski resorts in the US. From the moment we started the application process it was clear we were applying to the best school. They didn't just have a meticulous application process but also they highlighted the importance of looking for the best match school-student. Which I greatly appreciate. The students are in for a challenging curriculum. However, the small class size plus the teaching standards sets the students for success. What I love the most about the school is how they emphasize the importance of values and how they build leaders through each of their classes and lessons. The administration is open-minded with an "open door" policy which translates into a successful educational experience for the students and peace of mind for parents. I'm positive VMS is committed to the whole child. They have a broad choice of opportunities for the students to explore interests inside and outside the classroom with a variety of sports, clubs, interterm trips, and outdoor education. High schoolers spend time in projects with younger classes, promoting leadership and role modeling, And parents are encouraged to socialize and participate in school activities, which brings a deep sense of community and belonging to the school. I highly recommend VMS to any parent interested in college-focused education and looking for the best all-rounded experience for their children.
- Posted by
5  
If I could go back and experience K-12th grades again I would want to do so at Vail Mountain School. Each student is treated and respected as an important member of the overall community. The interactions between divisions, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, are meaningful and truly foster friendships that last a lifetime. My children love how there are so many opportunities to get to know their teachers and friends outside the traditional classroom setting while participating in ski days, camping/hut trips, hiking adventures, and more!
- Posted by
5  
We transferred our 1st and 2nd graders into VMS during covid. For a year that held so many questions and fears, I knew from the first day that VMS was a very special school that strived to make life as "normal" as possible for our kids. Community is a word that we heard over and over again when applying to the school and after a week at VMS, I fully understood why. The community between students and faculty and classmates and parents was so strong, welcoming, and kind. We feel so fortunate to be part of this community and are very thankful for VMS.
- Posted by
5  
Our children look forward to going to Vail Mountain School almost every day! And that is the biggest testament to this schools excellence. They form a close relationship with all of their teachers that really encourage the strengths and fosters the development of each individual child. The electives they are able to choose from in Middle School is broad and boosts their interests. I have seen our children grow into open-minded, independent, community based, caring individuals with the support of VMS.
- Posted by
5  
Each day, I am amazed by the incredible rapport between teachers and students and the learning that is accomplished as a result. The breadth of program and opportunities available to students leaves me wanting to go back to school every day!
- Posted by
5  
We have three children at VMS - each is very different learners. The school is allowing all three children to blossom and grow in beautiful ways. We highly recommend VMS!
- Posted by
5  
As a long-time Vail Valley resident, I have always been impressed by VMS kids who seemed thoughtful, engaged and very comfortable speaking with adults. Since having my own son, I have been very happy with his experiences there ever since he came to the school in kindergarten (he's now in 6th grade). The teachers have been outstanding in treating him as an individual and building his progress academically. It is truly a K-12 family with many cross-age integration activities. He has flourished in the outstanding theater program and embraced team sports through middle school basketball. We look forward to the next six years and feel VMS will fully prepare him for college and independent, productive life.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CO School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 418 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Colorado is $11,703 for elementary schools and $15,578 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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