We realize that considering Steamboat Mountain School for your student’s education requires not only a commitment to our philosophy of learning but also a significant financial investment. This financial commitment should not be a barrier when it comes to providing your student with the best possible education, which is why we offer flexible tuition to qualifying families. On average, about 35-40% of our students have received some level of financial assistance. It’s important to note that our flex tuition is not unlimited, and we recommend applying for assistance early in the application process.
In addition, Steamboat Mountain School offers merit scholarships to recognize the diverse talents, achievements, and aspirations of our exceptional students. These awards honor global scholars, competitive snowsport athletes, and students who embody our values. By investing in these individuals, we foster a community of leaders who excel academically, athletically, and personally.
Income Ranges of SMS Families Who Qualify For Flexible Tuition
Because great education shouldn’t come with sticker shock, SMS sets tuition on a sliding scale tied to each family’s resources. Last year families that qualified paid anywhere from $10k to $30k for the same world-class program—proof that ability, not income, opens our doors. It is important to note, we do take assets into consideration as part of earned income.
Flexible Tuition is a program that, when applied for through our third-party partner, Clarity, evaluates each family’s unique financial position and determines a tuition level at SMS that is in line with their ability to pay. This makes a Steamboat Mountain School education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth-grade student may apply for Flexible Tuition if they are concerned about affording Steamboat Mountain School. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to invest, including income, assets, expenses, and the size of the family. The tuition reduction available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Flexible Tuition budget available at Steamboat Mountain School.
An application for Flexible Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. New families complete both the application for admission and the Flexible Tuition processes simultaneously. Flexible Tuition decisions are communicated to new families when a student is offered admission and tuition is determined for the year in which the student will begin. Flexible Tuition is not awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, however maximum consideration is given to new families who apply by the initial deadline of February 15 each year.
It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Flexible Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to Clarity—our school’s online financial review partner. Clarity evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Flexible Tuition team.
The school is not able to offer flexible tuition for mid-year starts or for every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible. As a school, we seek to admit talented and motivated students, regardless of family resources. Inclusion is an essential element to our mission and culture. We believe that economic diversity enriches the educational opportunities for all our families.
No. Only families with children in grades K-12 who feel that the top of the SMS tuition range is beyond their reach should submit an application.
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year. Families can expect a similar percentage discount year over year, assuming their overall financial situation does not change. All families will incur annual tuition increases for inflation and at changes in grade levels.
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year if they have experienced a significant change in their financial situation.
Yes. The application for admission and the application for Flexible Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families complete both application processes simultaneously.
Yes. You will receive your Flexible Tuition with your offer of admission.
No. Admission applications and Flexible Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Flexible Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to full tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated including income, assets, expenses, debt, the size of the family, and the division the child is in.
Multiple students are one of the key factors in determining Flexible Tuition. One of the important questions asked on the confidential Flexible Tuition application relates to family size and number of students enrolled at Steamboat Mountain School.
No. The school does not have the ability to offer Flexible Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Flexible Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed in a wait pool for Flexible Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for admission and Flexible Tuition as early as possible and before the posted deadlines.
No! Steamboat Mountain School has established maximum class sizes that will not be surpassed. Within those limits, we accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.
Questions from prospective families about Flexible Tuition should be directed to:
Admissions Office
admission@steamboatmountainschool.org.org
970-879-1350 ext. 118
Contact Clarity at 206-210-3752 or support@clarityapp.com. Support hours are Monday through Friday, 7 AM-7 PM. A Spanish-speaking representative is available.
To get started, please go to the Clarity application and create an account. The Clarity application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time.
At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools.
The deadline for completing the financial aid application including relevant supplemental documents is December 11 for returning families and February 15 for new families.
If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish.
We know that you may have questions about your Clarity Applicaiton. We welcome you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We also invite you to review the FAQs.