Sun Valley Community School Photo #0 - Students participate in four outdoor trips each year as a part of their school experience. We have over 50 years of experience in outdoor education with an Outdoor Leadership Academy for students who want to become leaders in the outdoor field.

Sun Valley Community School

Sun Valley Community School (SVCS) is an independent pre-K-12 boarding and day school located on three campuses totalling 40 acres in iconic Sun Valley, Idaho.
Sun Valley is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and brimming with culture and the arts; Residents live for adventure and enjoy a balanced lifestyle in this small, supportive and exciting mountain town.
SVCS combines an outstanding academic program with an extensive outdoor program, taking advantage of the five mountain ranges that make up our backyard.
Our Outdoor Leadership Academy, Creative Arts Academy, and Sun Valley Ski Academy provide the classroom support and flexibility for our students to be able to pursue their outdoor, winter sport, and artistic ambitions at the highest level. Our highly personalized approach to college counseling ensures that students are accepted to the best colleges and universities; More importantly, graduates find the ideal fit for the next step of their journey.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked ID School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 446 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,200
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 6 / Jul. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Sun Valley Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Idaho for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1973
Colors
White, Navy Blue
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Aug 24, 2026
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
Campus Size
44

Student Body

Total Students
446 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
4%
State avg.: 15%
Students by Grade
Sun Valley Community School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
15 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1270
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
28
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 6 / Jul. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Upper School Day Tuition: $41,200 Upper School Boarding Tuition: $71,000 (includes schools costs, housing, food, books and 4 outdoor trips per year)
Summer Program Cost
$1,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer tuition depends on number of credits. Does not include boarding costs.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,000
Acceptance Rate
45%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Alessia Carega
Admissions Associate
Christy Giles
Application URL
Endowment Size
$8.7 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Green TeamInvestment Club
Model United Nations ClubRadio Club
Student SenateSun Valley Ski Academy
Ultimate Frisbee Club


Arts and Music Programs:
Creative Arts Academy


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Backcountry Ski ClubKayak Club
Outdoor Leadership Academy

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Cutthroat
  • Sun Valley Community School is made up of a community of curious minds, adventurous spirits, compassionate hearts, and critical thinkers who engage in learning and connect with one another in the thriving mountain community of Sun Valley, Idaho. Surrounded by six mountain chains in the heart of Idaho, Sun Valley Community School offers students the chance for an excellent academic education, combined with unrivaled outdoor and wilderness experiences.
  • Sun Valley Community School students come to know themselves and one another on campus and in the wilderness, finding joy and growth through academic challenge, outdoor experiences, artistic endeavors, and athletic passions.
  • We find students who thrive at Community School are independent, prefer a small, close-knit environment, have a love for the outdoors, and value their role and voice in the classroom. Our boarding program has a family feel with just 36 students who are excited about living in our cosmopolitan mountain town.
  • While we have established ourselves as a school that serves winter-sport athletes through the Sun Valley Ski Academy, we also have an incredible Outdoor Program, Outdoor Leadership Academy, and Creative Arts Academy.Please come explore our website and reach out to us with any questions!
  • We encourage you to watch the Discover Sun Valley Community School video to learn more about our school and the Sun Valley Ski Academy video to learn more about the exceptional education and opportunities we offer for winter sport athletes. You can learn more about our students by visiting our "Meet some Cutthroats" page.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Sun Valley Community School cost?
Sun Valley Community School's tuition is approximately $41,200 for private students and $1,000 for summer students.
What schools are Sun Valley Community School often compared to?
Sun Valley Community School is often viewed alongside schools like The Sage School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Sun Valley Community School?
The acceptance rate of Sun Valley Community School is 45%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Sun Valley Community School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Idaho with low acceptance rates.
Does Sun Valley Community School offer a summer program?
Yes, Sun Valley Community School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Sun Valley Community School offer?
Sun Valley Community School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Ice Hockey, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Weightlifting. Sun Valley Community School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Idaho for most sports offered.
What is Sun Valley Community School's ranking?
Sun Valley Community School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Idaho for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Sun Valley Community School?
The application deadline for Sun Valley Community School is Feb. 6 / Jul. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 6 / Jul. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

Endorse Sun Valley Community School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Applying to Private Schools
Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Applying to Private Schools
Avoid the most common missteps families make during the private school admissions process. From starting too late to focusing on prestige over fit, this guide helps parents navigate applications with confidence and clarity.
How to Afford Private School: Real Tips for Middle‑Class Families
How to Afford Private School: Real Tips for Middle‑Class Families
Practical strategies for middle-class families to make private school affordable—covering financial aid, scholarships, tax-advantaged savings, flexible payment options, and smart budgeting tips.
Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid at Private Schools
Navigating Scholarships and Financial Aid at Private Schools
A practical guide to understanding financial aid and scholarships at private schools—covering the application process, key differences between aid types, and strategies for maximizing tuition support.

Quick Facts (2025)

  • Top Ranked ID School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 446 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $41,200
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 6 / Jul. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Idaho is $11,367 for elementary schools and $11,564 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Idaho is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Quick Links