Admissions

Discover SMS

An Exciting Place to Learn, Compete & Grow

Stratton Mountain School fosters a lifelong appreciation for a commitment to excellence. Our community of students, teachers, and coaches work in harmony towards common goals: world class training, highest level in college preparatory academics, and the development of strong personal values.
SMS students achieve their full potential in an environment where hard work, commitment, and intellectual curiosity are the norm. Please take a moment to explore our website and learn about our history, educational and athletic philosophy, and strong community. 
 
Contact our Admissions Team (802-856-1103) to schedule a visit and learn more about SMS. We encourage a visit during the winter months to enable training on the hill with our coaches and athletes.  Visits also include time in the classroom, meetings/interviews and a campus tour.  We also welcome visitors during the summer, fall and spring seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

  • When should I apply?

    Students are encouraged to apply before March 15th. We would also like to meet you! Our admissions visits typically occur from December to March. Visits usually consist of morning training on the hill, lunch at the school, and a tour and interview in the afternoon. Visit the Application Process Overview page for details.
  • Where should we stay when we visit SMS?

    Call 1-800-STRATTON or visit www.stratton.com for information on lodging at Stratton Resort. If you would like to stay somewhere off the mountain visit: http:/visitmanchestervt.com. Click HERE for driving directions. Manchester Taxi Service is very reliable if you need a taxi from the airport: 802-362-4118. Albany International Airport is the closest airport to our campus. Some families fly into Bradley International Aiport (Hartford, CT) and Logan International Airport (Boston, MA) as well.
  • Is financial aid available?

    Financial aid is need-based. Stratton Mountain School offers financial aid to student athletes based primarily on the family’s need for support. Because the financial aid program is limited, parents are encouraged to apply before March 15. Visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page for details.
  • Where can one find information on SMS's college placement record?

    Our ultimate goal is to help each student-athlete to identify and gain admission to the best colleges for their individual needs. Visit the College Acceptances page for recent college acceptances. For information on our College Counseling program, click here.
  • Where can I find course descriptions?

    You can find course descriptions on the Curriculum page of our website. You can sort courses to view them by each Department.
  • How do I know if a winter sports academy is for me?

    Enrolling in a new school is an exciting challenge. Finding the right school for you is part of the process. The major difference between a traditional boarding school and SMS is our strong commitment to supporting winter sports. Our students enroll with a passion for their sport and internal motivation to seek their best.
  • What makes SMS different?

    Stratton Mountain School’s Mission Statement speaks to the opportunity for each student athlete to pursue excellence in competitive winter sports and college preparatory academics while developing strong personal values. We are committed to this unique combination of athletics and academics in a residential environment. We believe that by holding high expectations of our student athletes and demanding their best, each student athlete will aspire to reach his or her own potential while elevating those around them.
  • What other sports are offered?

    In addition to our fall dryland training program, our student athletes have the opportunity to play a number of Fall & Spring Sports including interscholastic soccer, mountain biking, cross country running, and skateboarding. In the spring, we offer interscholastic lacrosse for boys and girls as well as baseball, golf, cycling and tennis.
  • What else do kids do besides ski, snowboard and go to school?

    Our kids participate in local community service projects, enjoy annual social events such as spirit week or spring prom, or engage in fun weekend activities throughout the region. Our fall and spring sports also provide healthy alternatives to the rigors of our primary focus.
Admission to Stratton Mountain School is awarded based on academic, athletic, and personal accomplishments, as well as potential. It is the school’s policy to accept qualified students without regard to sex, race, color, creed, or national or ethnic origin.
 
Enrollment Policy:
As an approved independent school, Stratton Mountain School follows these enrollment policies:
1) All applications to Stratton Mountain School shall be made voluntarily.
2) No student shall be denied acceptance for enrollment in Stratton Mountain School on the basis of disability (as defined in Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended), or that the student is eligible for special education or undergoing the comprehensive evaluation process for special education, or on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or any other classification protected by federal or state law.
3) Stratton Mountain School may make acceptance decisions based on considerations including enrollment of other family members, meeting minimum academic or extracurricular activity preparation requirements, student and family agreement with the school’s educational philosophy, student willingness to participate in extracurricular programs and activities, and family willingness promptly to pay invoices for tuition, fees and other student expenses.
4) If the number of applicants to Stratton Mountain School exceeds capacity, enrollment decisions shall be based first upon continuing to enroll previously enrolled students and then upon considerations itemized in paragraph 3 above.
Stratton Mountain School is an independent boarding and day school that focuses on college preparatory academics and competitive winter sports. Located at the base of Stratton Mountain, SMS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.