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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. 

2025–2026 Tuition Rates

Division Annual Tuition
Lower School (K–5) $34,600
Middle School (6–8) $36,900
Upper School (9–12) $38,900

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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Scholarships

In addition to Flexible Tuition, VMS offers a range of need- and merit-based scholarships. Families may apply for both scholarships and Flexible Tuition. Please email our Admissions Team to learn more about current scholarship opportunities at admissions@vms.edu. Below you will see a sample of some of the VMS Scholarships. 

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Mountain Locals Scholarship

25% Renewable Award

Taft Conlin Scholarship

Full Tuition for Upper School

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

Imperi Educational Opportunity Scholarship

Need-Based Tuition Support

Rising Leader Scholarship

80% Renewable Tuition Award

Next available: For students entering in the 2026–2027 school year

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