student life

Community Connections

Fountain Valley School has been named to Niche.com's 2024, 2025, and 2026 "Best Schools" rankings and grades.  Fountain Valley offers eighth-grade students advisory groups with the community in order to meet older students and to feel connected to the community. The advisor: oversees all aspects of a student's experience; serves as an advocate; and is the point of contact for parents. Eight-grade students are welcome to attend all clubs, are welcome on all weekend activities, will have two weekend retreats to the mountain campus in the fall and spring.  They have designated eighth-grade only spaces for belongings and hanging out.  Dorm assignments for dorm competition only.  Two juniors or seniors serve as 8th grade day prefects. 

Academics

A PASSION FOR LEARNING

Fountain Valley's comprehensive curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, writing-intensive, and discussion-based, with particular focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. The goal is to prepare students for the rigor demanded at the high school level at a college preparatory school. 

Athletics

REACH FOR NEW HEIGHTS

Set amid a majestic Rocky Mountain landscape, Fountain Valley takes full advantage of its unique location in the American West to provide a one-of-a-kind and inspiring athletic experience. In addition to offering traditional sports such as basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming, FVS proudly offers non-traditional mountain sports ranging from climbing to biking to skiing and three-season Western and English Riding programs.

Eighth-grade students are required to attend three seasons of afternoon activities in the fall, winter, and spring. They can participate in:

- JV CHSAA Athletics, but may not compete in league games.
- Climbing at both the Varsity and Beginner Levels 
- Mountain Biking at both the Varsity and Beginner levels 
- Ski Club
- English and Western Riding
- One season of Theater
- One season of an alternative sport with special permission

*Broadcasting, yearbook, theater tech, strength and conditioning, and robotics are options for high school students ONLY, as they require more independence

Tuition

DARE TO BE BOLD

The Tuition for a Day Student in the 8th grade program is $35,000. This is inclusive of all meals, afternoon activities, bus services.  There is an additional $750 programming cost for the March interim and retreat trips.

Advisory

Putting students first

Eighth grade students participate in small, intentionally designed groups that help them build meaningful connections—both with peers in their grade and with older students across the community. These Advisory groups consist of approximately six students and meet weekly, creating a safe space for individuals to express themselves, reflect on their learning, and receive support tailored to their needs.

Unlike the traditional model, where hundreds of students may share a single guidance counselor, FVS students are paired with a dedicated faculty advisor. Advisors provide individualized support with course selection, navigating challenging subjects, managing schedules, and handling the many facets of school life. They serve as trusted adults and advocates, partnering with students and communicating with parents and teachers to ensure each student feels supported, known, and connected.