Explore a world-class education in a world-class setting. Located on a secure 1,100-acre Prairie at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Fountain Valley serves a diverse, global community of boarding and day students grades 9 through 12 across more than 20 countries and 20 states.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education and are empowered to map their own paths to success at this college preparatory institution. The School's challenging academic programs promote independent thinking, globally-minded inquiry, problem-solving, experiential learning, and creative expression. Fountain Valley School's 1,100-acre Prairie campus provides abundant opportunities for student-athletes to pursue a number of mountain sports inspired by a western lifestyle like equestrian (English and Western), climbing, mountain biking, and skiing, as well as traditional sports. Students also take advantage of FVS's Mountain Campus located just two hours west near Buena Vista, Colo. for recreational and experiential learning.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 230 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $75,900
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $40,700
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1930
1909
Campus Size
1100 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Grey, Red
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
230 students
300 students
% Students of Color
44%
25%
% International Students
25%
20%
% Students Boarding
70%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
20
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
63%
70%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$50 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$75,900
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$40,700
$33,500
Tuition international students
$79,900
$53,975
% Students on Financial Aid
45%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$28,000
(Financial Aid and merit scholarships available.)
(Financial Aid and merit scholarships available.)
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Dec. 15 / Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
70%
58%
Director of Admissions
Alex Winnicker
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
20
17
Courses
2-D Studio Art3-D Studio Art
Advanced Calculus ABAdvanced Calculus BC
Advanced ChemistryAdvanced Chinese Language and Culture
Advanced English Literature and CompositionAdvanced Environmental Science
Advanced French Language and CultureAdvanced Music Theory
Advanced Spanish Language and CultureAdvanced Spanish Literature and Culture
Advanced StatisticsAdvanced World History
AP BiologyAP Computer Science Principles
AP Physics C: MechanicsAP U.S. Government and Politics
AP U.S. History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
20
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
20
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Academic Honor SocietyAdmission Ambassador
Athenaea (student newspaper)Board Game Club
Girls Leadership ClubGreen Team
Healing Psychology ClubHispanic Honor Society
MatchwitsMath Club
Model UNStudent Cultural Organization
Student GovernmentThe Owl (Yearbook)
Varsity Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Barn Assistants
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
100%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Colorado, Boulder
20
Colorado State University
13
University of Denver
9
University of Puget Sound
9
New York University
7
Colorado College
6
University of California, San Diego
5
Case Western University
4
Lewis & Clark University
4
Colby College
3
School Notes
- Exploration and learning on Fountain Valley School's 1,100-acre campus in the great American West builds an incredible foundation for personal growth. FVS faculty come from diverse backgrounds and offer high-level academics supplemented by their own professional experiences. Small class sizes allow for knowledge, growth, and discussions that stretch far beyond any had at schools that teach to the test, because that is not the metric used at FVS. Rather, FVS students learn by doing, as faculty emphasize experiential learning throughout the School's challenging curriculum.
- Fountain Valley School's Class of 1969 Mountain Campus, located approximately two hours west of Colorado Springs, serves as a learning landscape and lodge that invites adventure and brings students and faculty together in yet another spectacular setting throughout the academic year. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Collegiate Peaks, the Mountain Campus is the scenic homebase for 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 FVS alumni spanning the globe have dedicated their time and resources to the renovation and upkeep of this historic treasure.
- The combination of an international student body and Western setting is what makes Fountain Valley School truly unique. A purposeful approach to global education provides students with on-campus cultural events, excursions throughout the region, and opportunities for international travel each spring during Interim Expeditions. In addition, the School's world-class location offers a unique twist on the traditional boarding school experience by offering immediate access to countless natural resources and activities, including both English and Western Riding.
- Fountain Valley's Prairie is home to approximately 60 School-owned horses and includes space for student-riders to board their own horse. Indoors and out, the accommodations for horse and rider, including one of the largest indoor arenas in the State, are vast. 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: National Association of Independent Schools, Association of Colorado Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jeff Brabec, Ph.D., Alumni, Class of 2014 - Transformative Life Experiences -
- Burton McLucas, Alumni, Class of 1987, Parent, Class of 2026 - Impacting Generations -
- School Motto: Truth and Honor
- School Mascot: Dane
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 $75,900 for boarding students and $40,700 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Fountain Valley School of Colorado?
The acceptance rate of Fountain Valley School of Colorado is 70%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
Who are famous alumni from Fountain Valley School of Colorado?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado famous alumni include: Jeff Brabec, Ph.D., Alumni, Class of 2014 - Transformative Life Experiences and Burton McLucas, Alumni, Class of 1987, Parent, Class of 2026 - Impacting Generations.
What sports does Fountain Valley School of Colorado offer?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado offers 20 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Riding, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Tennis and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for Fountain Valley School of Colorado?
The application deadline for Fountain Valley School of Colorado is Dec. 15 / Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / 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. . .
The location in the Rocky Mountain west is unparalleled. The amount of experiential learning that can occur both on campus and in the amazing nature that surrounds our region is unique to FVS. The Western. . .
Show more reviews (1 review)
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