The Upper School program stretches students intellectually, encourages deep exploration of areas of passion, and cultivates a meaningful connection with the school community. Every mountain top, every country, and every moment offers an opportunity to prepare our students for a world in which they will collaborate, grow, and challenge themselves.
We are more than a college preparatory school—we offer students the opportunity to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally everyday. Whether they are solving a challenging problem in physics, learning to navigate using a topographic map, or engaging in conversation with their homestay family in Nepal, our students learn about themselves, the value of their engagement with others, and the importance of moving beyond their comfort zone. Students gain the ability to be independent thinkers, to ask questions that move the conversation beyond a typical discussion, and to flourish as students of life. We prepare our students for college life and life beyond.
FAQs
Check out the upper school curriculum and course catalogue here.
At Steamboat Mountain School, our curriculum has evolved over the years, but our commitment to academic excellence, student-driven learning, and purpose-driven education has never wavered. As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we took a deep dive into the role of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, evaluating whether they truly fostered the highest level of intellectual engagement and skill development for our students.
Our decision to move beyond AP courses in favor of our own advanced and honors offerings—designed to challenge students at the top end of their abilities while allowing for deeper inquiry, interdisciplinary connections, and real-world application of knowledge. Since our decision, many schools have decided to follow suit. This shift ensures that our world-class faculty can mentor students as they pursue their passions and produce authentic work while developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for college and beyond.
With the full support of our College Counseling and research with colleges, we are confident that the absence of AP designation will not impact our students’ college admissions prospects. Many top universities increasingly recognize the value of unique, in-depth coursework over standardized AP curricula, appreciating applicants who have engaged in distinctive, challenging academic experiences.
By moving beyond APs, Steamboat Mountain School joins a growing number of leading independent schools that are redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. This transition represents an extraordinary opportunity to place our students’ exceptional talents and ambitions at the center of their learning—empowering them to chart their own paths and graduate with the skills to lead purposeful lives.
Read more about the intention to depart from APs here.