Message from the Head of School

I am delighted to extend a warm welcome as you explore Vail Mountain School - an extraordinary independent school nestled among the stunning peaks of the Colorado Rockies. At its heart, VMS empowers students to fall in love with learning, embrace their uniqueness, and cultivate the character and curiosity that prepares them for meaningful lives. Our Vision - Educating and Elevating Humans for Good - guides everything we do, and is the inspiration for our Mission: We inspire tomorrow’s ethical leaders by developing character, seeking knowledge, and building a community of lifelong learners from the heart of the Colorado mountains to the world beyond.

At VMS, these are not mere words, but the foundation of a school that lives by five Core Values: Character, Knowledge, Community, Leadership, and Environment. Whether in classroom discussions, outdoor adventures, service projects, or quiet reflection, these values shape how students and adults show up for each other and for our world.

In 2024, we proudly launched our Learning Elevated: 10 Bold Initiatives for a Decade strategic plan - an ambitious roadmap that builds on our mission and vision. Guided by our core values, Learning Elevated charts ten initiatives designed to cultivate academic excellence, deepen character, ignite curiosity, nurture community, extend leadership, and expand environmental stewardship through innovative, experiential programming.  Academic Excellence, Experiential Learning and Educating for Leadership stand at the center of this vision. 

We define Academic Excellence not by test scores alone, but by cultivating deep understanding, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. That said, our results are remarkable. In one recent year, for example, 90% of our students scored a 3 or higher on their AP exams - compared to 60% nationally.  Our MAP Growth results placed our Lower School students above the private school mean in every subject, earning VMS the designation of a High Achieving School, among the top 15% nationwide. These results are not achieved by “teaching to the test,” but by nurturing engaged learners through exceptional teaching. Our faculty combine high expectations with high support, ensuring that each student is both challenged and encouraged to grow beyond what they imagined possible.

Alongside this academic foundation, Experiential Learning is woven into every division. Whether it’s Upper School scientists testing water quality in the Eagle River, Middle Schoolers running a Probability Carnival, third graders designing and modeling Tiny Homes or fifth graders devising solutions to global problems, our students connect theory to practice every day. One of the most extraordinary aspects of our school is our unparalleled natural surroundings. One thing is clear - our approach rests on a powerful truth: when students are engaged in meaningful, hands-on and relevant work, academic rigor is not diminished - it is amplified.

Leadership emerges naturally and intentionally in our students among our majestic Rocky Mountains setting. We believe that leadership is the art of realizing one’s own potential while elevating others to fulfill theirs, all in the service of a greater common good. The stunning landscapes of Vail Valley serve as an extension of our classrooms, inspiring a deep appreciation for nature, a commitment to environmental stewardship and a deliberate approach to developing thoughtful leaders.  Both on our campus and in the outdoors, students gain the humility to learn from their peers and the confidence to advocate for their beliefs.  Looking ahead, we envision a  Center for Leadership that will bring even greater structure and visibility to this integrated approach. Anchored by Emily’s Hut in the backcountry and the Baldauf Cabin at the heart of campus, the Center will ensure every student has the opportunity to grow as a leader - through wilderness expeditions, community partnerships, internships, and interdisciplinary projects. 

We are a school rooted in this extraordinary valley, yet reaching outward to the world beyond. I encourage you to explore our programs and offerings, and to discover how we bring our vision, mission, core values, and Learning Elevated plan to life every day by Educating and Elevating Students for Good.

Thank you for considering Vail Mountain School for your family’s educational journey. I look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant and inspiring community soon.

Warmly,

Steve Bileca
Head of School