Vail Mountain School

3000 Booth Falls Road

Vail, CO 81657

20 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

Find Homes for Sale in this School Zone

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 08, 2025

Our daughter has found her voice and her motivation and is thriving!
Submitted by other on November 11, 2024

VMS gave me the confidence and skills to not just excel in both college and life beyond. We moved our family back to the Valley so that our kids could benefit from the school's commitment to character development, community building, and intellectual curiosity. Our children will succeed as leaders, community members and ethical citizens thanks to the track record and commitment of VMS's faculty and staff.
Submitted by other on November 11, 2024

As a Vail Mountain School alumna (Class of '95) and current board trustee, I know that VMS offers something truly unique. The K-12 community creates an environment where students of all ages learn from and with each other, and the small class sizes (typically 14-16 students) ensure that each child receives individualized attention. The focus on academic excellence, experiential education, and intentional community has remained strong, producing graduates who thrive in both their professional careers and personal lives.VMS is a rare blend of rigorous college prep, experiential learning, and mountain culture. I remember arriving as a fifth-grader from NYC, completely out of my comfort zone. My teachers helped me discover a love for the outdoors, something that has stayed with me throughout my life. This supportive environment prepared me for challenges both in the wilderness as an Outward Bound instructor and in my current career as an attorney. The school’s 2024 AP Platinum Status, earned by only 6% of schools nationwide, is a testament to its ongoing academic strength.Beloved traditions like all-school ski days, the Senior/Kindergarten buddy program, and backcountry trips still define the VMS experience today. Programs such as Costa Rica language immersion and avalanche safety courses show how the school continues to push boundaries, encouraging students to grow beyond their comfort zones. The balance of high expectations with genuine care for each student's personal growth is what makes VMS exceptional.Today, I'm excited about our new strategic plan, 'Learning Elevated,' which aims to make VMS even more inclusive and innovative. We're expanding transportation options to serve more families, creating new experiential programs focused on environmental stewardship, and working to attract and retain exceptional teachers. These initiatives show VMS's commitment to both academic leadership and community engagement.For families considering VMS, I encourage you to visit campus. See the vibrant class discussions, the collaboration between students of all ages, and the integration of academics with the outdoors. These are the moments that set VMS apart—and why I chose to return and support this incredible school.
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2024

Our child just completed 13 happy years at Vail Mountain School. We will always be so grateful for our time at VMS. VMS teachers and community supported, inspired, truly knew, and appreciated our kid. While he was challenged academically, it was most important to us that VMS had a major role in his development into an empathic, strong, caring young adult. VMS offers so many opportunities to grow: clubs, hut trips, ski days, music, art, travel/immersion, cross-age activities, sports — a non-sport kid found a love of tele skiing and mountain biking thanks to VMS! That said, VMS consistently encouraged him to think critically and to lead. He scored 4s/5s on all his APs, a 33 on the ACT, and was thoroughly supported through his college search. He found a great fit (we appreciated that this is an overriding aim at VMS, as well as personal growth and discovery throughout the process.). Notably, his VMS friends over a few classes found fit at Johns Hopkins, U Penn, Harvard, Duke, Dartmouth, Cal Poly, among others. VMS has our highest recommendation.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2024

Our middle school son feels valued and known at Vail Mountain School. He has lasting relationships with teachers, who are invested in helping him to grow as a student and a person. He shows responsibility in being a good role model to the younger students, and he is accountable to the school's values of character, knowledge, and community. As parents, we've seen the whole-child approach to academics work. In lower school, the reading and math skills mixed in with the arts, languages, and a social-emotional curriculum laid a great foundation. Now, our son has the tools to succeed in more challenging classes, and even move at a faster pace in math. At the same time, he is actively being educated about how to manage himself and the workload. We can't wait to see him confidently pursue the meaningful projects, academics, and athletic demands that will be available in upper school.
Submitted by parent on August 12, 2024

Although you are paying nearly the same tuition as an East Coast private school, this is not an ivy feeder and is barely a college prep school. Google "Vail Mountain School Five Year Matriculation List" to fully understand that the vast majority of students are attending state schools. The public schools have much more impressive matriculation lists than VMS.Starting in middle school, public schools in Eagle County have G&T programming, compressed math options, ski days, rafting trips, nordic ski teams, comprehensive athletic programs, and diversity. Most concerning is that VMS doesn't offer advanced math in middle school, which puts students at a HUGE disadvantage through high school.For parents who aren't wealthy and VMS is a sacrifice, consider what you are (or in this case, are not) paying for.If you are looking for a small, insulated school with mediocre academics, parents and teachers who shun new families, and a transient student population where wealthy donor parents pull their kids for weeks at a time for exotic vacations, VMS will be a good fit. My advice to potential VMS families is to ask critical questions about the academic program before signing that contract.
Submitted by other on April 22, 2024

The new headmaster is terrible and inexperienced. The school brags about their funding, but doesn't provide adequate support to those with academic differences, whether that be disabilities OR giftedness. There is literally no library or librarian because they believe that screens and technology should replace books. VMS is riddled with gossip amongst both students and parents and the classes are so small that new children have a difficult time. VMS has no morals/values and doesn’t teach philanthropy, which is disgusting in a place of such wealth. There is shockingly low diversity (online stat was 90% Caucasian). List of college admissions is not at all impressive. The ski program is lacking and those students often fall behind. The staff are there to ski, party, and live the good life, not because they’re passionate about teaching. Staff is pretentious and entitled. There is a SRO but he is nowhere to be found and they’ll buzz anyone in, with or without an appointment. Children sometimes even open the front door to strangers. The school is dirty and not well kept or organized at all. Admissions process is ridiculous and they formally test your children on their shadow days without your notification or permission. The school’s vision is not clear; they do not have purpose and it shows. I have literally not one good thing to say about this place except that it is a massive waste of money. Luckily, there are a lot of amazing schools in and around the valley; look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2023

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 of 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 definitely are in for a challenging curriculum. But 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.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2022

My children did not have a good experience. Grades are small, and families are not friendly. There was a lack of extracurriculars in high school, no choir, no band, no debate team, no robotics team. The few extracurriculars there were, we were told there was no room in. One child was not “selected” for theater the other was not “selected” for basketball (after a middle school basketball team was coached by a dad who only played his son and his son’s friends). Leaving them feeling unvalued and unconnected to their school. Teachers had zero interest in trying to engage my child and they were aware of it. We left when one child told us they felt like nothing more than a tuition check. Trying to bring up any concerns was met with if you don’t like it leave.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2022

VMS strives to live its mission across a K-12 setting by intentionally integrating multi-age experiences for all children every day. Some examples include where classrooms are located, how lunch tables are assigned, the house program, reading buddies, and senior/kindergarten buddies. To our family, this is the greatest differentiator among other Eagle County schools. The experience of faculty, outdoor education focus, and service learning components all make this well-rounded education the best choice for our lower school son.
Submitted by parent on December 07, 2022

Our boys entered VMS in 6th grade as good boys and good students. They graduated from VMS as great young men with purpose, passion, and respect for education and educators. They matriculated to top Universities and are pursuing their dreams. This would not have been possible without the incredible experience at VMS. They were encouraged to be athletes, leaders, actors, and students. They formed bonds with their teachers that will last into their future. I am very grateful that VMS provides such a top notch education in our little mountain town. I recommend this school without hesitation.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2022

This year marks our 12th year having children at Vail Mountain School. One thing that has surprised me about raising and educating children is that it is a fluid process. One child is excelling while the other is struggling, and then it will change or flip flop. Along the way, we are grateful to have had a partner in a teacher and/or administrator who helped to support our kids no matter what they were going through at school. Vail Mountain School has been the best choice for my family.
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2022

My daughter has been at VMS for 4 years and my second child will (hopefully) be attending next year. The school is warm, welcoming, and inviting to family and community members. Academically, I feel that my child is appropriately challenged and the communication I have regularly with her teachers is excellent. My daughter truly feels loved and known at this school and enjoys attending everyday. The school offers many different opportunities at all age levels for a wide variety of student interests - especially considering the small size of the school. We are excited to be a part of this community!
Submitted by parent on December 06, 2022

I am a grateful parent of 4 graduates of VMS. No school is perfect, but my children left VMS after 13 years with an incredible capacity to succeed in college and life. They treasure the experience and return to see the faculty, who are like family.
Submitted by parent on November 28, 2022

I sent my kid to school here for his 8th grade year. Throughout the year he constantly faced bullying and was harassed by many of the other kids in his grade. The grade he was any was very "Click" with only a few kids hanging out with each other. For example we lived down the street from a kid in his grade and not once did the family offer to invite him over and the two didn't engage at all. Next is the teachers. The academics at the school are some of the worst I've ever seen in a private school. The teachers wouldn't help outside of class at all and slowed down the class for the few kids constantly skiing making VMS almost 2 years behind other schools. Your kid is taking algebra 1 in 8th grade and doesn't take biology until there sophomore year. Please do not send your kid here it isn't at all worth $30,000 a year DONT SEND YOUR KID TO VAIL MOUNTAIN SCHOOL.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2022

This is not a school for everyone. If you want a social club and are not afraid of gossip, it may be fine for you. This is a very small school where the problem is that education is all equal...mostly...whether your child is brilliant or in need of services. So the individualized education you may expect for the big price tag you won't likely receive. UNLESS, of course, you are in the favor of key board or staff members. Such problems are not uncommon at private schools, but VMS has others as well that plague the school culture. A long history of unresolved bullying is still prevalent, and frankly, has worn us out. Additionally I do not think the teacher are as engaged as many think. We find that while a few are, many are here to mountain bike, or get discounted tuition for their own children. The school is getting a new headmaster, but needs a real house cleaning and change in family involvement dynamics before it can improve. Thinking of applying? I say look closely. Not many amenities, nor is there much variety in class offerings in MS and HS. Small class size is not so great when you have wide range of learning abilities and needs in out group. Better to consider schools with more separation based on ability.
Submitted by parent on October 03, 2021

The teacher turnover it big! SEVERAL of my child's middle school teachers did not return this year. This has always been the case, and in a recent Head of School search surgery, finding and retaining good teachers was the #1 thing parents were concerned about.Offering a variety of interesting courses is problematic when you cannot find good faculty to teach them, so look at the course offerings, but also know they may change next year if that teacher does not stay.This other issue is that learners are not separated by ability, so classes move very slowly for bright kids. Once a very outdoorsy school, the focus has shifted indeed to a pretend prep school trying to appeal to the deeper pockets moving to Vail form places with more traditional prep school options. Much has been sacrificed in the process, including real character development and community. The school now aspires to be the Kent Denver of the Mountains (though it's got a long way before it achieves that), rather than the cool mountain school it once was. For now the school has an identity in a rip tide, and we can only hope that the new leadership will help it find its way. Until then, take a VERY close look. And ask the people around Vail for honest opinions. Some are happy, many have left he school. Our child's grade had less than 40 kids and I think 6 or 7 did not return.
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2021

My Children's Experience at the School:My two lower school children love going to school everyday and have had nothing but positive experiences at VMS. The quality of teaching staff is phenomenal due to the school's robust investment in professional development. Community of the School:The VMS curriculum for all divisions places emphasis on the development of character with a strong focus on social emotional learning and instilling kindness, empathy and inclusivity everyday. VMS at its core focuses on the creation of community from the design of the building, the programming, and the traditions. My children have gained invaluable friendships and mentoring skills from the intentional cross-age programming, which help make VMS not just a school, but a community. And it is truly a special community. Classroom Experience: My children love the small class sizes and low student-teacher ratio which allows more personal attention. They also emphasize the student role in the learning process so kids are actively engaged and learn by doing. Moreover, the curriculum goes beyond academics to include visual and performing arts, foreign language, technology, music, greenhouse, public speaking, outdoor experiential education, and cross-age programming in the K-12 environment.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2021

VMS is a very strong independent school, emphasizing character and community as well as rigorous academics. VMS students are readily identifiable in our small community for their respect and ease in the presence of adults. When we toured the school prior to entering kindergarten, we were escorted by a senior who answered our every question. We both thought that she displayed the qualities we hoped our son would achieve when he is a senior. Nine years later, it is working, and we are proud VMS parents, confident he is in the right place.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2019

The K-12 format at VMS is a special and unique environment; the way that the older students embrace and guide the younger ones sets the bar high for behavior and achievement. The faculty and staff have embraced our children and are helping them to grow into the best and brightest that they can be. We love VMS and the community around the school and are happy that we found this gem of a school in our mountain town.