Yampah was formed in 1989 in response to the growing need to provide a non-traditional educational environment for the increasing number of students who were not being successful at their home school. In 1994, a Teen Parent Program was added to address the needs of students not attending school because of parenting responsibilities.

Originally located in two local churches of Glenwood Springs, in the winter of 2000, the school moved under one roof in a purpose-built facility. In 2001, after an extensive self-study process, the school was designated a Glasser Quality School, by the well renowned psychiatrist and educational theorist, Dr. William Glasser.

The school is fully accredited, and participates in an annual state accreditation review. In 2003, the Teen Parent Program nursery was nationally recognized for their high quality becoming accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. In both 2006 and 2007, the nurseries were again recognized earning the highest rating available, 4-stars, by Qualistar the state's rating system for early childhood programs.

All YMHS programs are funded through PPOR of our member school districts through a pay per service model. Additional funding for programs is provided by our local Departments of Human Services and a variety of local & state nonprofit organizations. Please click on "links" to learn more about our collaborating organizations.