Community School is an independent pre-K-12 boarding and day school located on three campuses totalling 40 acres in iconic Sun Valley, Idaho.
Community School combines an outstanding academic program with an extensive outdoor program, taking advantage of the five mountain ranges that make up our backyard.
Our highly personalized approach to college counseling ensures that students are accepted to the best colleges and universities; More importantly, graduates find the ideal fit for the next step of their journey.
Our Outdoor Leadership Academy, Creative Arts Academy, and Sun Valley Ski Academy provide the classroom support and flexibility for our students to be able to pursue their outdoor, winter sport, and artistic ambitions at the highest level.
Sun Valley is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and brimming with culture and the arts; Residents live for adventure and enjoy a balanced lifestyle in this small, supportive and exciting mountain town.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) PK-12
- Enrollment: 435 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $56,900
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $38,100
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 7 / Jul. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12
Pre-K-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1973
1909
Campus Size
42 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
435 students
300 students
% Students of Color
4%
25%
% International Students
2%
20%
% Students Boarding
15%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
67%
70%
Summer Program Details
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
n/a
17
Courses
Tuition & Financial Aid
Endowment Size
$8.23 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$56,900
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$38,100
$33,500
Summer Program Cost
$1,050
(There are additional fees for summer term boarding.)
(There are additional fees for summer term boarding.)
% Students on Financial Aid
28%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$13,000
$25,000
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 7 / Jul. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Average Percentile SSAT
n/a%
-
Acceptance Rate
30%
58%
Director of Admissions
Alessia Carega
Associate Director of Admissions
Christy Giles
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
19
16
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Mascot
Cutthroat trout
College Matriculation
School Notes
- From our campus to the wilderness, we inspire students to think critically, engage confidently, embrace challenges, and lead impactful, purposeful lives.
- Sun Valley Community School is made up of a community of curious minds, adventurous spirits, compassionate hearts, and critical thinkers who engage in learning and connect with one another in the thriving mountain community of Sun Valley, Idaho. Surrounded by six mountain chains in the heart of Idaho, Sun Valley Community School offers students the chance for an excellent academic education, combined with unrivaled outdoor and wilderness experiences.
- Sun Valley Community School students come to know themselves and one another on campus and in the wilderness, finding joy and growth through academic challenge, outdoor experiences, artistic endeavors, and athletic passions.
- We find students who thrive at Community School are independent, prefer a small, close-knit environment, have a love for the outdoors, and value their role and voice in the classroom. Our boarding program has a family feel with just 36 students who are excited about living in our cosmopolitan mountain town.
- While we have established ourselves as a school that serves winter-sport athletes through the Sun Valley Ski Academy, we also have an incredible Outdoor Program, Outdoor Leadership Academy, and Creative Arts Academy. Upper School students spend 18 days per year on average in the field, all over the Western Region, with our renowned Outdoor Program.
- We encourage you to watch the Discover Sun Valley Community School video to learn more about our school and the Sun Valley Ski Academy video to learn more about the exceptional education and opportunities we offer for winter sport athletes.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tim Mott - Co-founder of Electronic Arts -
- Jonna Mendes - Two-time Olympian in Alpine Skiing -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Sun Valley Community School cost?
Sun Valley Community School's tuition is approximately $56,900 for boarding students and $38,100 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Sun Valley Community School?
The acceptance rate of Sun Valley Community School is 30%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 58%.
Who are famous alumni from Sun Valley Community School?
Sun Valley Community School famous alumni include: Tim Mott - Co-founder of Electronic Arts and Jonna Mendes - Two-time Olympian in Alpine Skiing.
What sports does Sun Valley Community School offer?
Sun Valley Community School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Orienteering, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Sun Valley Community School offer a summer program?
Yes, Sun Valley Community School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for Sun Valley Community School?
The application deadline for Sun Valley Community School is Feb. 7 / Jul. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 7 / Jul. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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