Tuition & Financial Aid
Invest in a Semester That Lasts a Lifetime
A semester at the Mountain School is an investment in academic growth, personal resilience, and lifelong community. We’re committed to making this transformative experience accessible to students from all financial backgrounds.
Tuition, Deposit & Payment Plans
We know that planning for tuition is an important part of the decision to attend the Mountain School. Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and flexible so that families from all backgrounds can access this transformative semester school experience. Below you’ll find details on tuition, deposits, and payment plans designed to help you plan with confidence.
Tuition
Tuition for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters is $39,750, which also covers student activities, fieldtrips, books, course materials, and community programming.
Deposit
To confirm your enrollment, a 15% non-refundable deposit of your family’s tuition balance (after financial aid) is required. This amount is applied toward your overall tuition.
Payment Plans
We understand that flexibility matters. Payment plans begin in May and allow families to pay tuition in up to 10 monthly installments, completed by the following February.
Financial Aid
Making a Transformative Education Accessible
The Mountain School offers need-based financial aid to ensure that students from all backgrounds can experience our community. These are grants that never need to be repaid.
We do not offer merit-based scholarships, as every admitted student is already academically qualified and contributes to our shared community.
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Applicants whose families wish to apply for need-based financial aid should provide a Parent Financial Statement, along with supporting documents, through the SSS portal.
Use school code 3537.
This statement is due at the same time as the student's portion of the application on February 15 for the upcoming fall or the following spring. It will ask for your tax returns — please provide the most recent year that is available.
The admissions team reviews your financial aid application at the same time as your application for admission and provides a financial aid package based on your family's demonstrated need when decisions are released in March.
If you are applying to the Mountain School after our priority deadline on February 15, please check with us to confirm whether financial aid is still available.
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Similar to the FAFSA used for college admissions, SSS takes into account all sources of income for your family, existing savings & investments, real estate (primary residence is excluded but second homes and investment properties are considered), how many students in your family are attending school, medical and health expenses for your family and the cost of living in your home city.
Because we receive applications from all types of family backgrounds and students from all over the country, we encourage you to reach out as soon as possible if you have any questions about your financial aid package.
Additionally, many private schools that we work with send a pro-rated portion of your financial aid package at home to the Mountain School on your behalf. This can be combined with Mountain School financial aid to lower your family’s contribution. If you are not sure whether your home school forwards financial aid, check with our admissions team at admissions@mountainschool.org or ask your home school counselor.
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In the most recent admissions season, 40% of accepted students were offered a need-based scholarship. We do not offer merit-based scholarships, since all students who come to the Mountain School are academically motivated.
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Sometimes, the Mountain School is unable to meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need. This could be the case if you are applying late or if there is a particularly competitive application cycle. Over the years, we have seen students be extremely resourceful in contributing to their Mountain School education. Some past students have…
Gotten a summer job to contribute towards their tuition and travel
Applied for grants to local Lions Club, Rotary, or other community organizations
Received support from a church or religious organization that they are a part of
Received contributions from family members, such as grandparents
Received contributions from local businesses
If you have another suggestion or would like to discuss these options, please email admissions@mountainschool.org
Additional Costs of Attendance
Health Insurance
We require all students who attend the Mountain School to have active health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you can purchase plans through the school.
Travel
Travel costs to the Mountain School can vary depending on where you live. Families are invited to attend Opening Day and Closing Day on campus in Vershire. This can also be helpful for moving into and out of the dorms. During the semester, there is one longer break (Thanksgiving or Spring Break) during which all students must leave campus. For students receiving a 100% scholarship, the Mountain School covers travel costs for the student and one family member.
Gear for Outdoor Program
You may need gear for the Outdoor Program at the Mountain School. As an alternative to purchasing new gear, TMS has gear libraries. We have sufficient cold-weather gear and camping equipment available for all students who prefer to borrow them.
Shipping & Miscellaneous
At the end of the semester, some students choose to ship items home rather than carry them on a plane. If you decide to ship items home, our office is happy to do so for you and will bill you for the shipping cost.
Partnerships with Sending Schools
Many independent schools waive home tuition during a student’s semester away and may forward a portion of financial aid to the Mountain School.
If you’re unsure of your school’s policy, please contact your advisor or email us at admissions@mountainschool.org.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
Experience a semester that changes the way you see the world.