Discover Colorado’s #1 Boarding High School & College-Prep Program for Grades 8–12.
DARE TO
ASCEND.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN THE WEST.
Fountain Valley School prepares students in Grades 8–12 for college and beyond through rigorous academics, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit boarding community in Colorado.
5:1
40+
1,100-acre
campus
student-to-faculty ratio
School Horses & Equestrian Program
100%
100+
Students from 23 countries & 20 states
of graduates attend post-secondary institutions
Interdisciplinary courses
1,100-acre
campus
5:1
student-to-faculty ratio
40+
School Horses & Equestrian Program
100%
of graduates attend post-secondary institutions
Students from 23 countries & 20 states
100+
Interdisciplinary courses
#1 Best Boarding High Schools in Colorado
2027 Niche Best School
Discover Life at FVS
Discover a close-knit boarding and day school where students lead with agency, purpose, and academic excellence. Fill out the form to connect directly with our Admissions Office and schedule your personal call.
THE FVS DIFFERENCE
A College Prep Experience Like No Other
At Fountain Valley School (FVS), students experience college-prep academics in an environment unlike any other. Our Colorado setting, expansive campus, and immersive programs encourage students to explore beyond the classroom, embrace new challenges, and grow into confident, independent thinkers.
Expansive Mountain Campus
1,100 acres of main campus in Colorado Springs featuring 11 miles of trails for equestrian riding and mountain biking.
Academic Rigor & Western Heritage
A 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio delivering dedicated academic guidance while blending character-building Western traditions with a challenging college-preparatory curriculum.
Premier Equestrian Programming
Professional facilities housing 40+ horses, providing elite riding and training integrated into the daily schedule.
Flexible Boarding Options
Two flexible boarding models featuring a 5-day program and traditional 7-day boarding.
Diverse Student Community
Students from 23 countries and 20 states bring a range of perspectives and experiences to campus.
Signature Program Offerings
Two specialized diploma pathways in Global Scholar and STEM, allowing students to pursue advanced research, interdisciplinary coursework, and targeted academic distinctions.
Expansive Mountain Campus
1,100 acres of main campus in Colorado Springs featuring 11 miles of trails for equestrian riding and mountain biking.
Academic Rigor & Western Heritage
A 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio delivering dedicated academic guidance while blending character-building Western traditions with a challenging college-preparatory curriculum.
Premier Equestrian Programming
Professional facilities housing 40+ horses, providing elite riding and training integrated into the daily schedule.
Flexible Boarding Options
Two flexible boarding models featuring a 5-day program and traditional 7-day boarding.
Diverse Student Community
Students from 23 countries and 20 states bring a range of perspectives and experiences to campus.
Signature Program Offerings
Two specialized diploma pathways in Global Scholar and STEM, allowing students to pursue advanced research, interdisciplinary coursework, and targeted academic distinctions.
ACADEMIC PROGRESSION
The FVS Journey
Bridging the curiosity of middle school with the deep independence of college preparation.
EIGHTH GRADE: BASE CAMP
Combining strong academics with hands-on field work, from exploring the Paint Mines to zip-lining and hiking.
- 2 Mountain Campus Retreats: Mandatory fall and spring retreats to Buena Vista for team-building and outdoor education.
- 3-Season Afternoon Activities: Required participation in climbing, biking, equestrian, or JV sports.
- 6-Student Advisory Groups: Small group mentorship providing dedicated guidance and peer connection.
NINTH GRADE: THE WEST
Every FVS education begins with a connection to place, immersing students in the ecology, history, and culture of the American West.
- 1-Week Field Expedition: Hands-on study of Colorado's ecosystems and history across prairie and mountain campuses.
- Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Combines literature, environmental science, art, and field journaling.
- Core Foundation: Establishes the school’s founding principle of place-based learning and self-reliance.
TENTH GRADE: GLOBAL SOCIETIES
The focus shifts beyond the classroom to develop a global mindset centered on common themes of Resources and Revolutions.
- 7-to-14 Day Interim Expedition: Mandatory faculty-led travel abroad and global learning trip.
- Global Systems Focus: Deep analytical coursework exploring societal structures and cultural shifts.
- Round Square Access: Connection to exchanges across 300+ partner schools in 50 countries.
ELEVENTH GRADE: LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Students explore influence, action, and leadership while reflecting on their impact within FVS and the broader community.
- Student-Led Mountain Retreat: Juniors design and execute their own leadership retreat at the Mountain Campus.
- Prefect & Advisory Leadership: Opportunities to mentor 8th grade and younger peers across campus houses.
- 1-on-1 College Prep Counseling: Launch of personalized college selection and application planning.
TWELFTH GRADE: CAPSTONE – INDEPENDENT INQUIRY
A culmination of independent research, creative expression, and intellectual depth guided by faculty mentors.
- 1 Senior Capstone Project: Original independent research, artistic installation, or policy analysis.
- 2 Distinction Pathways: Opportunities to earn a specialized Global Scholar or STEM Diploma.
- 100% College Matriculation: Personalized counseling that helps students gain admission to top-fit institutions nationwide.
BEYOND ACADEMICS
An Environment That Inspires
From mountain adventures and equestrian programs to athletics, arts, and global experiences, FVS gives students countless ways to explore their passions and challenge themselves.
Athletics and Outdoor Leadership
11 competitive sport offerings paired with specialized mountain facilities, including the tallest high school indoor climbing wall in the nation and 11 miles of private trails.
Arts and Creative Expression
100% student participation across visual arts, ceramics, digital music production, and performing arts set against an inspiring 1,100-acre natural backdrop.
World Languages and Cultural Fluency
Full immersion in French, Spanish, and Mandarin coursework enhanced by daily perspective sharing among a residential student body representing 23+ countries.
Western Immersion
One signature 9th-grade expedition rooted in the ecology, history, and land of the American West across our 1,100-acre prairie and 40-acre Mountain Campuses.
Global Travel and Learning
100% sophomore participation in faculty-led international Interim expeditions, combined with global student exchange opportunities across 300+ partner schools in 50 countries through Round Square.
Financial Aid
FVS awards $3.5 million in annual need-based financial aid, with 52% of the student body receiving some form of tuition discounting. Explore our financial aid options and flexible payment plans to support your investment.
Transportation
Discover convenient daily shuttle service for Front Range families alongside direct transfers just 15 minutes from Colorado Springs Airport for national and international borders.
TESTIMONIALS
Hear From the FVS Community
Explore firsthand perspectives from the FVS community and hear how the school’s academics, community, and distinctive Colorado experience help students grow and discover their path.
“It's a very close and tight-knit community that values diversity, unity, and belonging which is very important for a boarding school.”
— FVS Senior
“FVS has been such a great high school experience and college preparatory education—I get individualized attention and get to take advantage of the myriad of opportunities and programs at FVS.”
— FVS Junior
“My child just started at FVS as an 8th grader. Every interaction with the school has been stellar so far- great academics, extracurriculars, experiences and community. My child is thriving and is looking forward to her high school experience at FVS. My child comes home saying she is excited to go back to school each day- she is loving FVS. We are so grateful she is there.”
— FVS Parent
“Watching my Freshmen and Junior grow as individuals, has been the greatest joy. With smaller and more attentive class sizes-my students went from helping other students in their classes to advancing far ahead of where they would have been, had they stayed in their other school. Thank you FVS!”
— FVS Parent
Contact our admissions team to learn about our programs, faculty, and campus life, and get answers to your questions.
Connect With FVS Admissions
Founded in 1930, Fountain Valley School is a coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school for Grades 8–12 in Colorado Springs. Students learn through rigorous academics, outdoor education, athletics, arts, and experiential learning.
6155 Fountain Valley School Rd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80911
Main: 719-390-7035
Main Fax: 719-391-9039
2027 Fountain Valley School