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Tuition & Scholarships

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Making a Vail Mountain School Education Possible for Every Family

At Vail Mountain School, we believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to an exceptional education. Through tailored flexible tuition and a range of scholarships, we are committed to helping families from all backgrounds invest confidently in their child’s future. 

2026–2027 Tuition Rates

Division Annual Tuition
Lower School (K–5)

$35,900
Middle School (6–8)

$38,400
Upper School (9–12)

$40,500

Included in Tuition:

  • 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–8)

Affording VMS: More Possible Than You Think

This year, Vail Mountain School is investing more than $2 million in tuition assistance and scholarships to make our education accessible to families from across the Vail Valley and beyond. We encourage all families who are concerned about affordability to apply—more than 25% of VMS students receive some level of support. Awards range from $1,500 to $38,900, ensuring that a Vail Mountain School education is possible for all families. 
 
 
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Flexible Tuition: Tailored to Your Family

Flexible Tuition adjusts the cost of attending VMS to fit your family’s unique financial situation. This program ensures that the cost of tuition is not a one-size-fits-all rate but instead reflects each household’s resources.

  • Personalized: Factors such as income, expenses, assets, debts, family size, and other obligations are all considered.
  • Accessible: Tuition is set at a level that makes a VMS education possible for a wide range of families.
  • Committed: Families can qualify for a combination of Flexible Tuition and scholarship support.
  • Transparent: Tuition levels are based on a thorough and confidential review of your financial information via Clarity, our trusted financial service partner.

Sample Families Flexible Tuition

Family of 3 with 1 Child at VMS, Income $70K - Tuition Level $6K per student
Family of 5 with 1 Child at VMS, 1 in preschool, 1 stay at home parent, Assets $130K, Income $175K - Tuition Level $17K per student
Family of 4 with 1 Child, 2 self employed parents, Assets $100K, Income $200K - Tuition Level $23.5K per student
Family of 4 with 1 Child at VMS, 1 in Daycare, Assets $82K, Income $300K - Tuition Level $30.5K per student

Please note that these sample profiles are provided as examples based on average tuition and do not offer a comprehensive view of a family's financial situation. Accessing need involves considering various factors such as income, assets, debt, tuition obligations at other institutions, family size, and other details provided in the application.

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FAQs

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Scholarship Opportunities 

VMS offers a range of need- and merit-based scholarships, which families can pursue alongside Flexible Tuition to help offset costs. 

Taft Conlin Scholarship

  • A prestigious, merit-based scholarship honoring the legacy of Taft Conlin, a valued member of the VMS community. 
  • Provides full tuition through graduation for deserving, high-achieving students committed to 
  • Open to students entering Upper School (typically Grade 9)

Next available: For students entering in the 2027–2028 school year

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Mountain Locals Scholarship

  • Offers up to a 25% annual tuition award for families who have been full-time residents of local mountain communities for a specified period.

  • Renewable each year for students in grades K–12 so long as criteria continue to be met. 

  • Awarded to new students who demonstrate a strong commitment to community involvement.
     

Imperi Educational Opportunity Scholarship

  • A need-based scholarship that supports families with demonstrated financial need and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Early Learner Access Fund

  • A new initiative dedicating up to $300,000 in financial support specifically for families considering enrollment of Kindergarten through Grade 2 students. 
  • Reflects VMS’s belief in the importance of early childhood education and expanding access at a critical stage of development. 
  • Available to eligible families in the upcoming admissions cycle. 

How to Apply & Next Steps

  1. Submit a VMS admissions application for your child. 
  2. Complete the Flexible Tuition application via the Clarity Application to assess need-based support.
  3. Apply for specific scholarships (Taft Conlin, Mountain Locals, Imperi, Early Learner Access Fund) as appropriate — many require essays and recommendations. 

Families interested in learning more or starting the process are encouraged to contact the VMS Admissions Office at 970-477-7175 or admissions@vms.edu.

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