Applying to VMS

A Personalized Process Designed for Meaningful Connection

At Vail Mountain School, we believe the most meaningful educational journeys begin with strong partnerships—ones built on shared goals and aligned values.

Our multi-step admissions process is designed to foster that connection. It includes a formal application, interviews with the Director of Strategic Enrollment and Division Director (in person or virtually), and an in-depth look at our campus and community. Most families tour the school early in the process, though this can also be combined with your student’s visit day later on. We look forward to meeting you and learning more about your hopes for this partnership.

Vail Mountain School Lower School Student in Green House

Begin Your Application

The Application Process

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Begin by creating an account on our Admissions Portal via Veracross. From there, you’ll start the formal application process, which you can pause and resume at any time.

You’ll be asked to upload the following required documents:

Parent and student statements
Teacher recommendations
Three years of school records
Standardized test scores (if available)
Any additional testing

Please note that additional steps will be required for International Students.

There is a $75 application fee. If the application fee presents a financial barrier, please contact admissions@vms.edu for assistance.

Step 2: Schedule Group Visit Day & Kindergarten Readiness

Upcoming Group Visit Days (S

Thursday, October 15
Friday, November 20
Tuesday, December 8
Tuesday, January 5
Tuesday, January 19
Friday, February 5
Wednesday, February 10
Tuesday, March 2
Tuesday, March 30
Monday, April 5

Upcoming Kindergarten Readiness Screenings
Instead of a standard visit day, applicants will participate in an in-person Readiness Screening. A VMS representative may also observe your child in their preschool setting.

Saturday, December 12
Saturday, January 23

What to expect:

On your application, you will sign up for one of the upcoming Group Visit Days or Readiness Screenings.
We view admissions as a two-way conversation. Through interviews and visit days, we aim to learn about your child’s strengths, needs, and goals—while giving you a window into our learning community.
Parent/Guardian Interview (often held during your tour or visit day, but can happen at any time throughout the admission process; virtual options available)

Need help? Email us!

Optional Step 3: Apply for Flexible Tuition & Scholarships

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

IMPORTANT DATES

October 27 at 5 pm: Kindergarten Trunk or Treat (Open to all rising kindergarten families)
November 2: First day to submit Flexible Tuition applications
November 3 at 5 pm: Kindergarten Preview Night (Open to all rising kindergarten parents)
December 1 at 5 pm: Middle & Upper School Preview Night (Open to all rising middle & upper school families and anyone interested in learning more)
December 12 and January 23 : Kindergarten Readiness Screenings (Scheduled for each rising kindergarten student)
January 31: Last day to submit applications for priority consideration.
February 15-19 Admission & Flexible Tuition notifications are sent via email.

FAQs

Where do most VMS families live?
Students live in communities from Breckenridge to Gypsum.

What are the school day hours?

Morning meeting: 8:10 AM
Dismissal: 3:15 PM
Lower School students can arrive at 7:45 AM for “Rev Up The Brain”
Upper School starts at 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays

What does tuition include?

Orientation and Hut Trips
Most in-state overnight travel and field trips
Catered lunch by Sage Dining
Guest speakers and author visits
School-provided tech devices (grades K–9)

What does diversity look like at VMS?
We embrace diversity in all forms—socio-economic, geographic, neurodivergent, racial, ethnic, and religious. One in four students receives tuition assistance, and we offer need- and merit-based scholarships. We support learners with a range of needs and are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community for every student.

What is a waitpool?
A waitpool is a group of accepted applicants for whom we currently don’t have space. These students are considered if a spot becomes available.