Academics
Vail Performance Academy is built on the Two Hour Learning academic model, compressing core academics into a focused, high-impact morning block. Through AI-personalized instruction, students receive precisely targeted lessons, immediate feedback, and advance only after demonstrating true mastery.
This mastery-based approach allows students to learn at an accelerated pace without sacrificing depth or rigor. By late morning, core academics are complete—freeing afternoons for elite athletic training, advanced studio courses, interdisciplinary projects, and AlphaX-style capstone work that applies learning in real-world contexts.
The result is a no-compromise academic experience: college-level rigor, personalized pacing, and time to pursue excellence beyond the classroom.
Grade Levels & Academic Scope
Vail Performance Academy serves students in:
• Lower School: Grades 5–8
• Upper School: Grades 9–12
• Postgraduate Program: Available
The academic program includes 80+ total courses, with 22 Advanced Placement (AP) offerings across mathematics, English, science, social sciences, computer science, fine arts, and psychology. Students may pursue advanced coursework including AP Calculus, AP Sciences, AP English, AP History, AP Economics, and AP Computer Science, among others. Dual Enrollment courses are offered through a partnership with the Colorado Mountain College.
Lower School (Grades 5–8)
The Lower School emphasizes strong academic foundations, independent learning habits, and critical thinking. Students engage in a mastery-based model that prioritizes depth of understanding, frequent feedback, and confidence-building—setting the stage for accelerated learning and long-term academic success.
Upper School (Grades 9–12)
The Upper School delivers a full college-preparatory curriculum with flexible pacing designed to support training, travel, and competition. Progress is determined by demonstrated mastery rather than seat time, allowing motivated students to accelerate while maintaining academic rigor and balance.
Postgraduate Program
The Postgraduate (PG) year is intentionally designed to be infinitely flexible. Students may close academic gaps, accelerate through advanced coursework, complete any of the school’s AP offerings, earn college credit through dual enrollment with Colorado Mountain College, or engage in the AlphaX entrepreneurship program.
The PG experience allows students to design a customized academic pathway aligned with college readiness, athletic goals, and long-term personal development.
