Service to others is at the core of the VMS mission and one of the most important lessons we teach. Service is woven throughout our curriculum, with projects ranging from a second grade read-a-thon that raised money for a school in Uganda, to exchanging art projects and pen pal letters with friends in Ghana, to volunteering with local non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and the Community Market. Other long standing service traditions include serving at Denver and local soup kitchens feeding those who need a hot meal and spending time during the ninth grade Costa Rica trip learning about the challenges of poverty in the nation's capital and working alongside residents to improve an impoverished neighborhood.

Key to our success in serving others is our Upper School Philanthropy and Service Group. The mission of Vail Mountain School's Philanthropy and Service Group is to empower and inspire members of the VMS community and beyond to invest in and improve our world through the combination of philanthropy and service. This group responds to the needs in our valley and around the world with their time and the money they raise through the student-run school store. 

Service to others is key to a Vail Mountain School education. While service hours are not required, opportunities to play an active role in helping others are valued. This work stays with our students long after they leave VMS and we are proud to say that our Alumni not only do well but also, good.

Vail Mountain School is pleased to be a founding partner of Students Shoulder to Shoulder.

Shoulder to Shoulder

A sampling of organizations at which VMS students and faculty have volunteered in recent years: