Student Support
At the Mountain School, every student is known, supported, and cared for in all aspects of their intellectual, emotional, and social development. Our small, close-knit community allows each student to build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers while accessing a robust network of support resources.
In addition to two dorm faculty members and a dedicated faculty advisor, students have access to a school counselor, nurse, learning specialist, and various affinity groups. Our Student Support Team collaborates to ensure that every student thrives academically, socially, and personally during their semester in Vermont.
Personalized Advising
Each Mountain School student is paired with a faculty advisor who provides one-on-one guidance throughout the semester. Advisors check in weekly in both small group and individual meetings, helping students manage academics, balance responsibilities, navigate challenges, and develop strong communication and time management skills.
Advisors also serve as the main point of contact for parents and guardians, providing updates at key points during the semester—two weeks after arrival, at midterm, and again at the end of the program. At the close of each semester, advisors write a personalized letter that highlights the student’s growth, academic performance, and contributions to the community.
Health, Wellness, and Learning Support
Well-being is central to life at the Mountain School. Students are encouraged to care for themselves and each other while drawing on the expertise of our dedicated support staff.
Student Support Team
The Student Support Team—composed of the school counselor, nurse, and assistant director—meets weekly to ensure students are receiving appropriate care and connection to on- or off-campus resources.
Academic Support & Learning Accommodations
Students with IEP, ILP, or 504 plans can submit documentation from their home schools. Our counselor and faculty work collaboratively to implement reasonable accommodations, ensuring equitable access to the full academic program.
Dietary Support
Our kitchen team provides nutritious, inclusive meals that accommodate a range of dietary and allergen needs. Every meal includes options without dairy, gluten, eggs, and meat. We regularly support students with Celiac disease, nut allergies, and other medical or religious dietary requirements.
Physical and Mental Health
Our full-time school nurse and counselor support students’ physical and emotional well-being throughout the semester. Students may schedule one-on-one meetings on campus or coordinate off-campus care with specialists as needed.
Families can contact our health team at health@mountainschool.org.
Family Communication and Community Care
When a student experiences a mental health concern or when the community navigates acts of racism, bias, or harassment, we prioritize transparency, compassion, and privacy.
For individual concerns, families are contacted directly by the Director, Assistant Director, or a member of the Student Support Team. For mental health matters, our counselor partners with families to determine next steps for care. When the issue affects the larger community, we communicate openly about the harm caused and the steps being taken toward accountability and healing.
Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion
The Mountain School is a community built on care, respect, and belonging. We actively work to create spaces where students of all identities feel seen, valued, and supported.
Affinity Groups
Students can connect through three standing faculty-led affinity groups:
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)
LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and others)
FLI (First-Generation and Low-Income Students)
Additional student-led affinity groups form each semester based on interest and need, such as Dis/Ability, Jewish Students, or Children of Divorced Parents. These groups provide meaningful opportunities for reflection, connection, and empowerment.
Bridge Program
Our Bridge Program offers a pre-orientation experience designed for students receiving significant financial aid or those who may benefit from extra time to adjust to life at The Mountain School. Participants build early connections with peers, faculty, and members of the Student Support Team before the full community arrives.
Faculty Training & Restorative Practice
Faculty receive ongoing professional development in diversity, equity, inclusion, and restorative practices. When bias incidents occur, we engage in facilitated conversations to address harm, rebuild trust, and strengthen our community’s shared values.
Discover the Supportive Power of a Semester at The Mountain School
At The Mountain School, students don’t just attend classes—they join a caring, intentional community that nurtures growth in every sense. Our integrated support systems ensure that each student is known, heard, and prepared to succeed both here and beyond.
Ready to experience the difference of a truly supportive semester?