Service Learning
Hero
At Vail Mountain School, service is more than a component of education—it’s a mindset we foster from the earliest grades through graduation.
A Culture of Purpose, Not Just a Requirement
Service is deeply woven into the fabric of a VMS education. Whether it's a second grader reading to raise funds for a school in Uganda or Upper School students volunteering at local soup kitchens, our students are encouraged to engage with the world around them with empathy and intention.
What sets us apart:
- Embedded in Curriculum: From letter exchanges with students in Ghana to hands-on service in Costa Rica, opportunities are integrated into the academic experience.
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Student-Led Impact: Our Philanthropy and Service Group empowers students to respond to needs locally and globally, raising funds through a student-run store and coordinating meaningful outreach.
- Life-Long Influence: Service at VMS isn’t about checking a box—it’s about cultivating a lifelong habit of meaningful contribution. Our alumni continue to lead with compassion and purpose well beyond graduation.
- Service in Action: A Few Highlights
- Lower School: Classroom projects spark early connections—like art exchanges and read-a-thons tied to global causes.
- Middle School: Students support local non-profits and deepen their understanding of social responsibility through guided projects.
- Upper School: Students volunteer with organizations ranging from local shelters to international outreach efforts. The ninth-grade trip to Costa Rica includes service in underserved communities, connecting classroom lessons with real-world impact.
- Philanthropy & Service Group: This student-led initiative in both manages donations and service partnerships throughout the year, responding to current needs in our community and beyond.
Where We Serve
In recent years, students and faculty have volunteered with dozens of local, regional, and international organizations, including:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Community Market
- Walking Mountains Science School
- Eagle River Youth Coalition
- Roundup River Ranch
- Youth Closet & Toy Chest
- US Forest Service
- Vail Veterans
- …and many more.
