Vail Mountain School

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Vail Mountain School main entrances

Vail Mountain School (VMS) is an independent K -12 college preparatory school in Vail, Colorado.

VMS is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.^[1] Its curriculum includes fine art, music, performing arts, and a physical training program.

History[]

1960's[]

In 1962, the Vail Country Day School (VCDS) was established in Vail, the first school in that town. Jack Tweedy, Betty Seibert, and Barbara Parker formed VCDS, with Allen Brown as its first teacher. The first classes were held October 15, 1962 at the dining table at the Siebert house. By mid 1962, VCDS had moved to space in the Lodge at Vail.

In 1964, Brown was named head teacher at the now expanded VCDS. It moved into the top floor of the Vail Fire House, with parents transforming the space into two large classrooms, a library, a teacher’s office, and a bathroom. By 1966, VCDS had grown to 26 students with Ginny Crowley as head teacher.

In 1967, VCDS relocated to the Vail Clinic Building in an open space classroom. In 1968, the Eagle County School District was formed and absorbed the VCDS K-6 students and resources.

1970's[]

By 1970, the remaining VCDS school had six students, with the school moving to different locations over the next 10 years. A number of VCDS students would later compete as members of the U.S. Ski Team. During the early years of the school, students were dismissed mid-day to ski. This tradition continues with Friday afternoon school-wide ski outings during the winter trimester. VCDS started admitting out-of-area students who were competitive racers living with local host families.

In 1974, VCDS was renamed Vail Mountain School (VMS). The school added a tenth grade during the fall and fifth and sixth grades in January, bringing enrollment to forty-five students. VMS moved to a new location at Meadow Mountain that was previously occupied by the US Forest Service. Two modular buildings were added to the VMS campus.

In 1975, Caryle Clark was appointed headmaster. Enrollment at VMS grew to 112 with the addition of grades one through four, In 1978, Peter Abuisi becameHeadmaster. VMS began construction of a new school building in Booth Creek on land donated by Vail Associates. The project was designed by architect Gordon Pierce and built by developer Bob Lazier. The new building opened in 1980. Enrollment reached 107 students in grades one through twelve.

1980's[]

In 1980, VMS was granted membership in the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS). Exterior restoration of the Homesteader Cabin (1906) was completed under the guidance of Edna Baldauf Norgaard who spent her childhood there. In 1981, VMS became a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Advanced placement calculus and the expansion of computer science resources.

By 1982, VMS had grown to 137 students with fourteen teachers. The curriculum has evolved from tutor-based instruction to a college preparatory course of study. In 1084, VMS added kindergarten and expanded the campus to include a kindergarten classroom, math center, computer lab, conference room, and kitchenette.

In 1989, the VMS Campus Center was built, expanding the Booth Creek facility. The center included a gymnasium, locker rooms, and a stage for performing arts. Enrollment reaches 180 students and 21 teachers.

1990's[]

In 1993, VMS developed its first strategic plan. By 1996, the library held 10,034 volumes. In 1996 VMS launched SummerQuest, a program for middle school students in Eagle County Public Schools who have been identified as talented and in need of additional academic support.

By 1999, VMS had been re-accredited by ACIS and had adopted its second Strategic Plan, resulting in a decision to expand the school.

2000's[]

By 2002, VMS enrollment had grown to 260 students with 40 faculty members, drawing from as far east as Breckenridge and as far west as Gypsum. The $26 million “!magine” Capital Campaign was launched to fund a completely new campus at the existing location. Vail Resorts donated the land east of Katsos Ranch Road for faculty housing. Ground is broken on the new facility in April 2003.

By 2005, new art rooms, computer lab, music rooms, classrooms, theatre, library, and the Common were complete. Enrollment expanded to 315 students. The new VMS campus is dedicated on September 23, 2005, with a new kindergarten room, dining room, gymnasium, and playground.

In 2007, VMS adopted its third strategic plan focusing on academics, aesthetics, athletics, character, and settings. In 2009, it was re-accredited by ACIS. VMS awarded more than $1,000,000 in need based tuition assistance to a total of 26% of the students.

2010's[]

In 2010, the VMS Upper school launched a one-week Intraterm for tenth grade students to expand the traditional curriculum. Further enrichment opportunities were provided by staff focused on community service, outdoor education, technology, and college counseling. The school installs solar panels on the roof:

Following a successful pilot program in the Spring of 2018, Vail Mountain School implemented a mandatory project based learning curriculum for second semester seniors.

Notable alumni[]

• Michael Johnston

References[]

Coordinates: 39°38′52″N 106°19′09″W / 39.64789°N 106.31917°W / 39.64789; -106.31917