New Charter Schools Enrich Idaho's Educational Landscape
/In recent months, Idaho has welcomed several new charter schools, each offering unique educational opportunities to students across the state.
In August 2024, Idaho Novus Classical Academy opened its doors in the Avimor community near Eagle. This tuition-free public charter school currently serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade, with plans to expand by adding one grade level each year until it becomes a K-12 institution. The academy emphasizes an American Classical Education, focusing on both academic excellence and character development.
Also in August 2024, Elevate Academy East commenced operations in Idaho Falls. Catering to students in grades six through ten, this career-technical public charter school specializes in trades-based education. Elevate Academy offers hands-on learning experiences in fields such as construction, welding, manufacturing, business, marketing, and graphic design, aiming to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation.
Looking ahead, the North Idaho Classical Academy is set to open near Bonners Ferry in August 2025. Approved by the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, this institution will serve students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, gradually expanding its offerings over time. The academy will implement a curriculum developed in partnership with Hillsdale College, emphasizing classical education principles.
Additionally, Gem Prep Charter School plans to break ground on a new campus in Ammon in September 2024, with an anticipated opening in July 2025. This K-12 institution focuses on preparing students for college, offering high school students the opportunity to take college-level courses with the goal of earning an associate degree upon graduation. Enrollment will prioritize students in the Ammon area, with remaining seats available to others.
The Alturas charter network is also expanding with the planned opening of Alturas Academy North in Rigby, scheduled for fall 2026. This new K-8 public charter school will serve students across the Jefferson, Madison, Ririe, and Bonneville school districts. It will adopt the same small-group instruction model and International Baccalaureate (IB) programming as its sister schools, Alturas International Academy and Alturas Preparatory Academy in Idaho Falls. The expansion aims to address the educational needs of the rapidly growing Rigby community and alleviate waitlist pressures at existing Alturas campuses.
Idaho Home Learning Academy converted to a charter school in 2024. They are an online school through the Oneida School District.
These new charter schools reflect Idaho's commitment to diversifying educational options, providing families with innovative and specialized learning environments tailored to meet the varied needs of students across the state.