It is true that we have struggled with the term Intermountain West, but we decided to use it since it's an official geographical region that spans the area between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Range. We feel the Vail Mountain School identity most closely aligns with this western mountain region and the related environmental challenges - waterways, fire, human and animal habitats, etc - as well as the lifestyle future families will be looking for when considering a move with school-aged children. We aspire to be WAY better than just the best in Colorado, and we feel that a regional distinction is what we are aiming for in ten years. If we can get there, then a national scope might be incorporated into the next strategy!