Admissions Overview

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Discover The Mountain School Experience

Choosing the right semester school is about more than academics; it’s about finding a place where learning and living truly connect.

At the Mountain School in Vershire, Vermont, students join a close-knit community that blends rigorous college-preparatory courses with hands-on work in the farm, forest, and classroom. Every day offers a chance to think deeply, work collaboratively, and build meaningful relationships with people and the land.

Here, learning doesn’t stop when class ends. Whether you’re studying ecology in the field, preparing meals from the campus farm, or hiking through our 418-acre landscape, you’ll experience how intellectual and physical work come together to shape both mind and character.

“Every day at the Mountain School, students experience real learn through working our farm, studying ecology in the forest, and building community together. Our semester program offers the kind of transformative, hands-on education that prepares young people for life beyond college.”

Jara Ruiz-Anchia,
Director of Admissions, Enrollment & Financial Aid

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Experience a Semester that Transforms You

During your time here, you’ll:

  • Engage in challenging Honors and AP courses that inspire transcendent thinking.

  • Contribute meaningful work through our Commons Work Program and Outdoor Program.

  • Build lifelong friendships and discover your strengths through shared work, study, and reflection.

Your semester at The Mountain School will deepen your connection to the land, your peers, and yourself — preparing you to return to your home school and beyond with new skills, confidence, and perspective.

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Application & Enrollment Timeline

Date Event
Fall 2025 School visits and virtual info sessions begin.
September 15, 2025 Application opens for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
February 15, 2026 Priority application deadline (including financial aid applications) for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
March 7, 2026 Admission decisions released for priority candidates.
March 21, 2026 Enrollment decisions due.
Spring–Summer 2026 Rolling applications may be accepted, depending on availability and financial aid.

Tip: For the best chance of acceptance and financial aid, apply by the priority deadline

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Supporting Every Student: Health, Wellness & Academics

At The Mountain School, we believe that success grows from self-awareness, communication, and community. Our Student Support Team works closely with faculty to help each student thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.

We use a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that includes:

  • Individual academic, health, and mental health support

  • Small group support sessions and advising meetings

  • Faculty collaboration to ensure every student receives appropriate care

We welcome applications from students with diverse learning styles and experiences. While our program is designed for highly independent learners, we encourage families to discuss any health, academic, or mobility needs during the application process.

Learn More about Student Support
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Essential Eligibility Criteria

Because our 418-acre Vermont campus includes forests, trails, and uneven terrain, students participate in hiking, farm work, and outdoor learning. Applicants should be comfortable navigating natural environments and collaborating in hands-on projects.

We ask families to be transparent about their child’s needs and abilities. In turn, our team will help determine if the Mountain School can provide the right support for a successful experience.

Our Essential Eligibility Criteria
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Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

The Mountain School admits qualified students of every race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status — in full compliance with Vermont and federal law.

Our admissions process is grounded in equity and care, ensuring that every applicant is evaluated on motivation, curiosity, and capacity to engage fully in our community.

Belonging, Equity, & Inclusion
Our Outcomes

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Our admissions team is available to support you throughout the process from first inquiry to your first day on campus.

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Admissions Policies Overview

As an approved independent school the Mountain School follows these enrollment policies:

  1. All applications to the Mountain School shall be made voluntarily.

  2. No student shall be denied acceptance for enrollment in the Mountain School on the basis of disability (as defined in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended), or that the student is eligible for special education or undergoing the comprehensive evaluation process for special education, or on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or any other classification protected by federal or state law.

  3. The Mountain School may make acceptance decisions based on considerations including meeting minimum academic or extracurricular activity preparation requirements, demonstrating motivation and capacity to take advantage of the intellectual and creative freedom offered in our program, student and family agreement with the school’s educational philosophy, student willingness to participate in extracurricular programs and activities, and enrollment of other family members.

  4. If the number of applicants to the Mountain School exceeds capacity, enrollment decisions shall be based first upon continuing to enroll previously enrolled students and then upon considerations itemized in paragraph three above. 

Note: The Mountain School does not accept public tuition dollars from Vermont high schools.

Nondiscrimination & Enrollment Policies:

The Mountain School admits qualified students of any race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law, including the Vermont Public Accommodations Act (9 V.S.A. Chapter 139) and the Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act (21 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter 6), and extends to them all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.  The Mountain School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies or programs.