The Key to Getting Into Fountain Valley School

Overview

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Fountain Valley School is a college prep school offering boarding and day options for students from grades 9 to 12. Established in 1930, the school sits on over 1,100 acres of land in Colorado Springs. It has a total population of just over 230 students and nearly 100 full-time faculty, with nearly 90% residing on campus. The 12:1 student-teacher ratio encourages strong bonds that transcend the boundaries of traditional classroom education. Students can expect a unique balance of fun and rigor that pushes students to pursue their dreams. From exploring the mountains to exploring the world, Fountain Valley School pushes the boundaries of education that guarantee bright and curious future leaders ready to take on anything.    

How hard is it to get into Fountain Valley School? 

A well-respected institution in the Colorado Springs area, Fountain Valley School is a top choice for families seeking to have their children pursue a rigorous but balanced education. Although Fountain Valley does accept admissions year-round through rolling admissions, the school offers Early Action Application and Regular Admission Application due to the limited number of slots. Families who are highly interested in sending their children to Fountain Valley are encouraged to send in their applications as soon as possible to ensure a slot. 

To help your child stand out from the rest, we recommend you seek the help of experienced private school admissions consultants. We understand the process and may increase your chances of getting accepted into Fountain Valley through careful planning and strategizing.  

Fountain Valley School Application 

The Fountain Valley School Application process begins by submitting an inquiry form with your family’s basic information. Expect that an admissions officer will reach out shortly to get to know more about your child and family. Here’s what to expect from Fountain Valley’s five-step application process:

1. Submit the Inquiry Form.
2. Schedule a Campus Tour and Interview.
3. Obtain letters of recommendation. 
4. Provide a transcript.
5. Submit SSAT scores (optional). 

Fountain Valley School Admissions 

Admissions Interview

Applicants are asked to schedule a 90-minute campus tour to get a comprehensive understanding of Fountain Valley School. There, families are given the opportunity to meet students, faculty, and more to discern if Fountain Valley is the right school for their child. After the campus tour, families will be interviewed by a member of the admissions staff.   

Both the campus tour and interview are important aspects of the admissions process. While you will have the chance to learn about your family’s fit, the school as well will be gauging if you’re right for the environment. Your accompanying admissions officers will be assessing and evaluating your and your child’s place in the school community. If the idea seems daunting, fret not. With over 20 years of experience, Cardinal Education’s expert admissions consultants are equipped with interview preparation that introduces you to the basics of private school admissions interview questions.        

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to submit recommendation letters from their current teachers in English and Math, as well as from either their principal or counselor. Recommendation letters are a crucial part of the admissions process, allowing admissions officers to thoroughly evaluate a child’s character, personality, and academic aptitude from the perspective of a current instructor.  

Teachers interact with applicants on a daily basis, allowing for unbiased observation. Thus, the key to a good recommendation letter is building strong relationships with teachers so that when the time comes, they may provide strong recommendations and other supporting application materials. 

Transcript

Grades 9-12 applicants are required to submit their transcripts from the previous school year as well as from the first semester of the current one. Transcripts are a measure of your child’s readiness to handle the academic environment of Fountain Valley. Worried that your child may not meet these expectations? Just look to our coaches and tutors who provide online or in-person tutoring for a variety of courses. Our holistic academic coaching will work to both improve your child’s grades and prepare them for the struggles they may face in this ever-evolving world. 

Testing

Though optional, the school encourages applications to submit their SSAT results. This is especially important for hopeful applicants who wish to be eligible for the Summit Scholarship. Traditional schooling may not be enough to prepare students for the SSAT which is why we recommend a test prep program to get them headed in the the right direction with confidence.  

Fountain Valley School Alumni

1. Marshal Bell – an actor notable for films such as A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers.
2. Dave Philipps – an award-winning author who has received a Pulitzer prize for his work chronicling the fallout of American wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 
3. Paul Matisse – an artist and sculptor; the grandson of Henri Matisse
4. Dominique Dunne – an actress famous for her leading role in the iconic film Poltergeist.
5. Ed Sherin – an American-Canadian who directed the police and crime procedural show Law & Order from 1991 to 2005. 
6. John Perry Barlow – an activist and founder of the Electric Frontier Foundation who also served as a lyricist for the rock band The Grateful Dead. 
7. Lang Fisher – a writer who co-created the Netflix television series, Never Have I Ever.
8. Bob Weir – a founding member of the rock band the Grateful Dead.    
9. Brad Dourif – an actor notable for voicing the horror icon Chucky in the Child’s Play franchise and his performances in The Exorcist III and Deadwood. 
10. John R. Lane – the former director of the Dallas Museum of Art. 

Student Life at Fountain Valley School

Earnest in its desire to develop well-rounded individuals, students at Fountain Valley are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests, with Fountain Valley offering a wide range of opportunities from academic to athletic to artistic. Community engagement opportunities are also offered to develop heartfelt connections with the local area.  

Fountain Valley School Academics

Just like the hiking trails that dot the Rocky Mountains, Fountain Valley’s approach to education is a journey that challenges students to reach their peak. Each grade level’s curriculum is tailored to develop curiosity, global perspectives, and self-reflection, culminating in a Capstone project that explores passion and intellect. Offering over 100 interdisciplinary courses, students can expect to pick and choose from a wide range of subjects falling under Arts, English, History, Mathematics, Science, and World Languages. Students at Fountain Valley experience small class sizes to encourage holistic development.      

Fountain Valley School Athletics

Fountain Valley offers a wide range of athletic opportunities for its students. Its location makes it possible to pursue a wide range of activities. Beyond traditional sports such as Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, and more, students are also encouraged to pursue non-traditional sports such as Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Equestrian.      

Fountain Valley School Arts

Arts at Fountain Valley is driven by a ‘learn by doing’ approach. Student talents are nurtured as they’re prompted to explore various types of art. From film, visual arts, theatre, and even pottery, there are numerous options available to them. Students can explore the FVS Art Barn to see art from fellow students or to see the long history of filmmaking at Fountain Valley School. A culmination of Fountain Valley’s appreciation for the arts is seen in the Arts Guild which recognizes the artistic pursuits of alumni and faculty.   

Activities at Fountain Valley School

Students are given to option to cultivate their interests in numerous different ways. Fountain Valley School has affinity groups, interest clubs, and various other programs that extend beyond the classroom. Students may participate in Leadership camps where they may expect intensive workshops that teach them the core competencies of what it takes to be future leaders. Also offered are Summer Sessions that encourage students to take advantage of the vast wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.