The Founder’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Steamboat Mountain School, we recognize and celebrate the transformative power of academic excellence. The Founder’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence is designed to attract exceptional 9th grade day students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for learning.
This prestigious scholarship offers qualified students the opportunity to join a vibrant community that shares a collective appreciation for critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and deep learning. Recipients of the scholarship will be supported as they engage in a vigorous academic curriculum, benefit from close mentorship by dedicated faculty, and participate in unique experiential learning opportunities that only Steamboat Mountain School can offer.
Applicants should have a strong academic record, a commitment to intellectual exploration, and a desire to contribute positively to the school community. The Lowell Whiteman Scholarship for Academic Excellence not only recognizes past accomplishments but also provides the tools and resources to foster future success.
Eligibility Criteria
- Will only be awarded to new Steamboat Mountain School 9th grade students
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
- The $15,000 award is renewed annually provided that the recipient maintains a 3.5 GPA
- Applicants must complete a written essay of 300-500 words or provide a 1-3 minute video response explaining why they would be the best candidate for this scholarship.
Ski and Snowboard Scholar Award
The Ski and Snowboard Scholar Award recognizes exceptional students entering 9th or 10th grade who demonstrate both competitive excellence in winter sports and academic achievement.
Eligible applicants will actively compete with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) and showcase a strong academic record. This merit-based scholarship is designed to support student-athletes who embody the spirit of dedication, perseverance, and excellence in the classroom and on the hill.
Eligibility Criteria
- Awarded to new Steamboat Mountain School 9th or 10th grade boarding students who will compete with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
- Awards granted will cover the SSWSC program fee (excludes competition, travel, and accommodation fees) and are renewable each year for up to four years provided the student maintains a 3.0 GPA
- Applicants must complete a written essay of 300-500 words or provide a 1-3 minute video response explaining why they would be the best candidate for this scholarship.
UCHealth Community Partnership Merit Scholarship
The UCHealth Community Partnership Merit Scholarship is an innovative collaboration between UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center and Steamboat Mountain School, designed to support the children of YVMC employees by offering a $12,000 annual merit-based scholarship for students admitted to the upper school who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.
This renewable scholarship celebrates shared values of learning, discovery and community contribution, aligning with UCHealth’s mission to improve lives and Steamboat Mountain School’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and community engagement. Families receiving the scholarship may also apply for need-based tuition assistance, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. This partnership reflects a mutual investment in the Steamboat Springs community, supporting YVMC employees while cultivating a brighter future for students and strengthening the bond between health care, education and local families.
Eligibility Criteria
- Will only be awarded to incoming 9th and 10th grade students
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
- The $12,000 award is renewed annually provided that the recipient maintains a 3.5 GPA
- Parents/guardians must be full-time employees (0.8 FTE or greater) of UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center.
- Must be a permanent Routt or Moffat County resident
Application Process
- Apply to SMS
- Complete Scholarship Application: Email our Admissions Office to learn how.
- Scholarship Winners Announced
New for the 2025-2026 school year, SMS is proud to introduce [four] merit scholarships. Two are specific to our upper school boarding program; two are specific to our upper school day student program.
Once a prospective student has completed and submitted the scholarship application along with a completed admissions application, the Scholarship Committee at SMS will review and evaluate the application based on the criteria defined for each scholarship for any accepted student.
Most applications require applicants to complete a written essay of 300-500 words or provide a 1-3 minute video response explaining why they would be the best candidate for this scholarship. To apply email admissions@steamboatmountainschool.org to learn about the application process.
Early deadline (December 15) for the Global Scholar and Founders Scholarship. SSWSC Athlete is February 15 with the regular deadline.
Global Scholar and Founders Scholarship will be announced by January 10. March 1 for the other awards.
Once a prospective student has completed and submitted the scholarship application, the Scholarship Committee at SMS will review and evaluate the application based on the criteria defined for each scholarship. Amounts awarded are then based on the qualifications.
Tuition assistance based on need is also available. To apply, you maybe fill out our application on Clarity
Merit scholarship will not reduce a student’s tuition assistance. SMS is committed to supporting qualified students with tuition assistance but we will be limited by the extent of our resources.
No. Current SMS students are still eligible for tuition assistance if they qualify.