FVS is an independent high school located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, offering an international boarding and day school program for grades 9-12.
FVS offers a diverse, global community of students and faculty who are deeply committed to their learning. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and empowered to write their own history. Our broad-based liberal arts approach will challenge students how to think, not what to think through globally-minded inquiry, problem-solving, experiential learning, and creative expression. Our magnificent setting on 1100 acres at the foot of the Rocky Mountains provides abundant opportunities to pursue sports inspired by our Western lifestyle like equestrian (English & Western), rock climbing, club soccer, mountain biking, skiing, as well as traditional sports. We offer a second mountain campus located 2 hours near Buena Vista, Colorado used for recreational and experiential learning.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
- Enrollment: 245 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $69,950
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $37,500
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- MAJOR ACCOLADES FOR FVS SCIENCE STUDENT - 05/02/2022Fountain Valley School congratulates Tony T. `23 on his outstanding performance at the Pikes Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair held on February 26, 2022 and the Colorado State Science ...moreand Engineering Fair held on April 7-8, 2022. hide
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1930
1906
Campus Size
1100 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
245 students
315 students
% Students of Color
38%
25%
% International Students
32%
20%
% Students Boarding
65%
69%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
19
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$50 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$69,950
$62,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$37,500
$35,070
Tuition international students
$73,000
$55,000
% Students on Financial Aid
45%
40%
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
60%
58%
Director of Admissions
Lindsey Ratliff
Matt Rinkin
Matt Rinkin
Associate Director of Admissions
Santiago Durango
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
19
17
Courses
2-D Studio Art, 3-D Studio Art, Advanced Biology, Advanced Calculus AB, Advanced Calculus BC, Advanced Chemistry, Advanced Chinese Language and Culture, Advanced English Literature and Composition, Advanced Environmental Science, Advanced French Language and Culture, Advanced Music Theory, Advanced Physics C: Mechanics, Advanced Precalculus, Advanced Spanish Language and Culture, Advanced Statistics, Advanced United States Government & Politics, Advanced United States History, Advanced World History, Anatomy and Physiology, and Trigonometry, Authority & Theories of Human Nature, Colorado Natural History, Financial Math/Economic Reasoning, Functions, Global Citizenship, Global Studies, Honors Algebra II, Honors Chemistry, Honors Discrete Mathematics, Honors Freedom, Honors Geometry, Honors Linear Algebra, Honors World History, International Relations, Mandarin I-III, Principles of Engineering, Robotics, Spanish I-III, Spanish IV: Hispanic History, Statistics, Sustainable Science, U.S. History: Origins to 1877, World History and Geography, World Societies
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
22
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
13
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Academic Honor Society, Admission Ambassador, Athenaea-Student Newspaper, Board Game Club, Environmental Club, LGBTQ+, Matchwits, Math Club, Student Cultural Organization, Student Government, The Owl (Yearbook), Varsity Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Barn Assistants
Academic Honor Society, Admission Ambassador, Athenaea-Student Newspaper, Board Game Club, Environmental Club, LGBTQ+, Matchwits, Math Club, Student Cultural Organization, Student Government, The Owl (Yearbook), Varsity Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Barn Assistants
College Matriculation
Year: 2019 - 2022
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
Chapman University
20
Colorado State University
20
New York University
20
Northeastern University
20
Santa Clara University
20
Syracuse University
20
University of Colorado Boulder
20
University of Puget Sound
20
University of Toronto
20
University of Washington
20
School Notes
- Exploring and learning on our 1,100 acre campus in the Rocky Mountain West builds an incredible foundation for personal growth. Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds and offer high-level academics supplemented by their own professional experiences. The small class size allows for academic depth far beyond teaching to any test, because that is not the metric we use to measure student growth. FVS students learn by doing, as we emphasize experiential learning throughout our curriculum. Our world-wide alumni network is another source of lifetime support, as many alumni return annually to kick off the summer at FVS Alumni Weekend.
- Our second Mountain Campus, the Class of `69 Mountain Campus is a learning landscape and lodge that invites adventure and brings students and faculty together in a spectacular setting. A two-hour drive from Fountain Valley School and settled at the foot of the majestic Collegiate Peaks, the Mountain Campus is the scenic home base to many FVS outings, seminars, and class retreats-and a place for learning, camaraderie, and fun. Generations of students have bonded at this extraordinary place, and alumni have dedicated their time and resources to the renovation and upkeep of this historic treasure.
- The combination of our international student body and Western setting sets us apart. Our Global Education approach provides on-campus cultural events, excursions throughout the region, and opportunities for international travel each Spring during our Interim Expeditions. Our Western location offers a unique twist on the traditional boarding school experience and offers immediate access to countless natural resources.
- An FVS parent stated, "My daughters were blown away by the experience of discussing the Cold War in a history class along with students from such countries as China, Vietnam, and Russia."
- The School`s distinguished Equestrian program continues to thrive on our ranch property, housing 55 school-owned horses, as well as space for your child to board their own horse. Both English and Western riding are offered, with Equestrian being the longest-running athletic program at Fountain Valley School. Indoors and out, the accommodations for horse and rider-which include one of the largest indoor arenas in the state-are extensive. With the barn and riding facilities located in the same area as the athletic center, students are able to ride every day, which gives them an edge in the competitive arena.
- Fountain Valley School of Colorado accreditations: The National Association of Independent Schools, Association of Colorado Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fountain Valley School of Colorado cost?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado's tuition is approximately $69,950 for boarding students and $37,500 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Fountain Valley School of Colorado?
The acceptance rate of Fountain Valley School of Colorado is 60%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
What sports does Fountain Valley School of Colorado offer?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Freestyle Skiing, Indoor Soccer, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Riding, Rock Climbing, Ski Jumping, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Fountain Valley School of Colorado offer a summer program?
Yes, Fountain Valley School of Colorado offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Fountain Valley School of Colorado?
The application deadline for Fountain Valley School of Colorado is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
For me, FVS was a one-of-a-kind experience. In my search for boarding schools, FVS stood out for two reasons. First, the school combines an Eastern education—liberal arts & sciences—with an adventurous and outdoorsy environment typically. . .
Fountain Valley School of Colorado Alumni #2
Class of 2015
5.001/16/2017
University of Colorado at Boulder
Class of 2015
5.001/16/2017
University of Colorado at Boulder
There is a required trip the week before spring break where you can go to the Bahamas to learn about marine life, go to China, France, New Orleans, and many other places. The majority of. . .
Fountain Valley School of Colorado Alumni #3
Class of 2013
5.0012/4/2016
University of Colorado Denver
Class of 2013
5.0012/4/2016
University of Colorado Denver
FVS is extremely unique in the sense that it allows students to engage in not just one aspect of life. There is a really healthy balance between academic, athletic, and artistic activities in the schedule. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
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