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 Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked CO School
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 11-12
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Yearly Tuition: $38,800
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
High Mountain Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 11-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Last Day of School
Sun. May 24, 2026
Campus Size
80 acres
Student Body
Total Students
40 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
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 CalculusAP U.S. History
BC CalculusLiterature of the Natural World
Natural SciencePractices and Principles: Ethics of the Natural World
PrecalculusSpanish
U.S. History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$38,800
Summer Program Cost
$11,900
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Jill Gardiner
Admissions Associate
Keira Obert
Application URL
Endowment Size
$4 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: When Nature & Minds Meet
- School Mascot: Pika
- 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
How much does High Mountain Institute cost?
High Mountain Institute's tuition is approximately $38,800 for private students and $11,900 for summer students.
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 84%. 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 sports does High Mountain Institute offer?
High Mountain Institute offers 4 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Climbing, Cross Country and Nordic Skiing.
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 rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed High Mountain Institute also viewed these schools: Maine Coast Semester At Chewonki.
The nearest high school to High Mountain Institute is The Link School (25.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Aspen Country Day School (26.1 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
485 Chewonki Neck Road
Wiscasset, ME 04578
(207) 882-7323
Wiscasset, ME 04578
(207) 882-7323
1905.1 miles
Gr: 11 | 46 students Avg. class size: 7 students Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
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