Meet the VAHS Principal

Dennis Barger was the first high school teacher hired by the Vail School District. He helped open Vail High School in 1997, served as Cienega High School's first assistant principal, and has been the Principal of Vail High School since 2006, responsible for its relocation and reorganization into Vail Academy and High School. He was recognized as Arizona's Secondary Principal of the Year in 2016 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and again by Junior Achievement in 2018. He is the proud dad of two VAHS graduates and loves the feeling of family on his campus. When asked about his campus, Dennis said, "Watching kindergarteners and high school seniors together... it doesn't get any better than that."

Why Vail Academy & High School

VAHS is a small learning community that encourages high academic and social Achievement. We foster responsibility through nurturing individual relationships for success.

• Small class sizes create a strong community feel at VAHS

• VAHS has Advanced Placement courses and a stellar robotics program

• It is the only school where high school students can be a Teacher's Aide in a kindergarten classroom

Vail Scholar Programs

The Vail School District offers specific supports for families who have students who are high achieving and academically motivated. Each school has a program that is slightly different; however the focus of each of these programs is to prepare students for admittance into highly selective universities and/or programs within universities. Click HERE to learn more about VAHS's scholar program.

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Electives and Athletics

Transportation Policy

Vail USD High School Transportation Policy

High school students residing within a mile and a half radius with walking paths to the school do not receive bus transportation to and from school unless hazardous or difficult walking routes exist.

Students who live beyond the mile and a half radius receive transportation.

Students residing anywhere within the district beyond the mile and a half radius have transportation available to them to and from Vail Academy and High School.