Vail Mountain School

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.