Idaho Legislative Updates: What Parents Need to Know

Idaho Legislative Updates: What Parents Need to Know

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping families informed, the Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families has compiled a comprehensive update on the most impactful education bills from this legislative session. Below, you'll find the latest on bills affecting charter schools, school choice, and education policy in Idaho.

Bills Signed or Pending Governor’s Signature

• HB 93 - Parental Choice Tax Credit: Provides up to $5,000 per child for private education expenses. Signed by Governor Brad Little on Feb 27, 2025. Read More

• S1092 - Lifetime Teaching Certificate: Grants a lifetime teaching certificate to educators with 25+ years of experience, removing the requirement for continued professional development. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

• S1069 - Literacy Coaches Funding: Appropriates $5 million to extend a program providing voluntary literacy coaches for K-3 teachers. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

• S1147 - School Performance Incentives: Allocates $35 million to reward schools for meeting proficiency targets in math (grades 5-8) and for high schools achieving college and career readiness goals. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

• H41 - Restrictions on Flags in Schools: Passed with amendments clarifying it does not apply to personal items worn by students or to parking lots and sports facilities. Awaiting Governor’s Signature. Read More

• SB 1044 - Cursive Handwriting Requirement: Requires students to be proficient in reading and writing cursive by the end of 5th grade. Signed by Governor Brad Little; effective for 2025-2026 school year. Read More

Other Key Bills & Legislative Proposals: Status as of 3/14/25

• HB 368 - Eliminates 10 seats at WWAMI and adds 20 non-WWAMI seats over 3 years, impacting Idaho’s medical education. Passed House Education Committee; awaiting House floor vote. Read More

• S1145 - Would have allowed school districts or public charter schools to use literacy intervention funds for Early Literacy Readiness Programs for four- and five-year-olds. Failed in the Senate (14-21 vote). Read More

• HB 331 - Public Charter School Facilities Program: Enhances the program to assist qualifying charter schools with facility needs. Passed House; awaiting second reading in Senate. Read More

• HB 163 - Charter School Enrollment Preference for Military Families: Grants priority access to public charter schools for active-duty military families. Passed House Education Committee; awaiting full House vote. Read More

• HB 257 - Public Charter School Operations Amendments: Modifies provisions related to virtual charter schools and transportation funding. Introduced; awaiting further action. Read More

• HB 141 - Title IX Compliance Responsibility: Assigns responsibility for Title IX compliance to public college and university presidents. Passed House; to Senate for consideration. Read More

• S 1046 - Human Growth and Development Instruction: Requires schools to provide instruction on human growth and development. Passed Senate; referred to House Education Committee. Read More

• S 1068 - Parent-Supported Instruction: Establishes provisions and defines terms regarding parent-supported instruction for public school students. Introduced; referred to Senate Education Committee. Read More

• H 162 - School-Sponsored Bible Reading: Requires public schools to include Bible reading as part of school-sponsored activities. Introduced; referred to House Education Committee. Read More

• S 1032 - Distraction-Free Learning Policies: Requires Idaho public school districts to create policies limiting the use of electronic devices during class time. Passed Senate unanimously; awaiting House consideration. Read More

• HJR 1 - Amendment to Compulsory Education Language: Proposes to amend the Idaho Constitution to allow parents to educate children outside public school without government regulation. Advanced to full House; if passed, will appear on November 2026 ballot. Read More

Why This Matters

These legislative actions will have a direct impact on Idaho’s charter schools, parents, and students. Whether it’s expanding school choice, providing more funding flexibility, or protecting parental rights, staying informed is the first step to making your voice heard.

📌 Stay Engaged: Contact your legislators, attend advocacy events, and share your story to support the continued success of charter schools in Idaho.

For real-time updates, follow us on social media or reach out to us at Hello@idchartercoalition.org

The Coalition for Idaho Charter School Families

Governor Signs H93 And Now There's a School Choice Program for Every Idaho Family!

Idaho Expands Educational Opportunities for All Families

Governor Brad Little has signed House Bill 93 into law, creating a refundable tax credit for non-public school students. This legislation rounds out Idaho’s comprehensive approach to education funding, ensuring that all families—whether they choose public, private, charter, or home education—now have support.

Comprehensive Educational Support Programs in Idaho

Idaho now offers a full portfolio of school choice programs to support every student:

• Idaho LAUNCH – Grants covering up to 80% of tuition and fees (up to $8,000) for high school seniors pursuing college or trade school.

• Empowering Parents Grants – Helps public school families pay for educational tools and services.

• H.B. 93 – Refundable tax credit for non-public school students, including those in private schools, homeschooling, micro-schools, learning pods, and tutoring programs.

Increased Funding for Traditional Public Schools

While Idaho expands school choice, the state is also making major investments in traditional public education:

• Superintendent Debbie Critchfield's Funding Initiatives:

  • $24 million for a weighted funding formula to support students with additional needs.

  • $3 million for a special needs student fund to assist schools in covering high-cost special education needs.

  • $65 million for career-technical education (CTE) programs in high schools.

• Legislative Proposals to Increase Public School Funding:

  • H.B. 75 – Establishes a Public Education Facilities Fund for school infrastructure improvements.

  • S.B. 1096 – Implements a weighted student funding model to allocate more resources for students with greater needs.

Key Charter School-Related Legislation

Beyond funding, Idaho lawmakers are considering several important bills related to charter schools and educational policies:

• H.B. 163 – Gives active-duty military families priority access to public charter schools, allowing them to move to the top of waitlists. (Read More)

• H.B. 256 – Expands the Public Charter School Facilities Program, making it easier for charter schools to finance facility improvements. (Read More)

• H.B. 257 – Revises charter school operations and admissions policies to improve transparency and efficiency. (Read More)

• S.B. 1032 – Requires school districts to implement policies limiting the use of electronic devices in classrooms, ensuring a more focused learning environment.

• S.B. 1044 – Establishes proficiency benchmarks for cursive handwriting in Idaho schools to reinforce fundamental literacy skills.

Idaho’s Commitment to Every Family

With these initiatives, Idaho is leading the way in supporting all educational choices—from public schools and charter schools to homeschooling, private schools, and virtual learning. No matter how you choose to educate your child, there is now a program designed to support your family’s choice.

#SchoolChoice #EducationFunding #IdahoParents

H.B. 93 Passes Senate, Heads to Governor’s Desk

H.B. 93 Parental Choice Tax Credit

The Idaho Senate has passed H.B. 93, a landmark school choice bill, sending it to the governor for final approval. With S.B. 1025 no longer under consideration, attention shifted to H.B. 93, which successfully made its way through the Legislature.

Key Points of H.B. 93:
✅ Provides $50 million in refundable tax credits to help families cover private school tuition and other nonpublic school educational expenses.
✅ Available to all Idahoans, with priority given to low- and middle-income families (earning below 300% of the federal poverty level).
✅ Supports private schools, homeschooling, micro schools, and learning pods through direct financial assistance.
✅ Does not take funding from public schools—the tax credits are funded separately from the state’s education budget.

With the bill now in the Governor’s hands, school choice supporters have contacted his office to encourage his signature and share their support.

📖 Read the full bill here.

Stay tuned for updates on the next steps! 🚀

Empowering Education: Insights on School Choice Reform

New survey results reveal overwhelming public demand for bold education reform.

The Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families is an Independent Chapter of the National Coalition of Parents for School Options. 

Survey details graphic

These findings reflect a seismic shift in public opinion. Parents and voters are no longer willing to accept a status quo that leaves students behind. Instead, they demand policies that prioritize student achievement, empower parents, restore transparency, and ensure that education funding follows students, not bureaucracies.

COMMENTS FROM IDAHO's CHAPTER

“This survey confirms what we’ve been hearing in Idaho for years—parents want more choices, more control, and fewer barriers when it comes to their children’s education,” said Karen McGee, PSO National Board Member and former President of the Idaho State Board of Education, from Pocatello. “As a national board member, I see this movement growing across the country, but here in Idaho, we know firsthand that local solutions work best. Families deserve the freedom to choose the education that fits their values and their child's needs, without interference from government overreach.”

“In Idaho, we trust parents and believe that education decisions should be made by families—not bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.,” said Tom LeClaire, President of the Coalition of Idaho Charter School Families. “This survey reinforces what Idaho parents have been saying for years: we want transparency, accountability, and control over our children's education. We must continue pushing for policies that keep decision-making close to home. Parents deserve to be in the driver’s seat, ensuring every child—regardless of background—has access to an excellent education that aligns with their values and goals.”

MORE DETAILS

Overwhelming Majority of Americans Demand Bold Education Reform and Parent-First Policies, New Survey Reveals

A groundbreaking new survey reveals an urgent call for reform in K-12 education, with parents and voters nationwide demanding more school choice, greater accountability, and a return to traditional educational values. The findings underscore bipartisan dissatisfaction with the current state of education and overwhelming support for significant changes to the nation’s education system.

Americans Believe Education Is Off-Track

The survey, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research on behalf of Parents for School Options, found that nearly 8 in 10 voters (79%) believe K-12 education is on the wrong track. This sharp increase from 63% in 2022 cuts across political and racial demographics, highlighting the urgency for meaningful change. 

Americans Demand Choice and Transparency

School Choice is a Top Priority: 

• 75% of voters support President Trump’s 50-state school choice initiative, allowing public funds to follow students to schools of their parents' choice, whether public, private, or religious.

• Support cuts across racial demographics, with 68% of Black voters, 76% of Hispanic voters, and 75% of White voters backing the proposal.

Demand for Parental Rights: 

• 68% of respondents support the right of parents to know the curriculum being taught in schools and favor cutting federal funding for schools pushing critical race theory or gender ideology.

• This includes 65% of Democrats, 65% of Independents, and 74% of Republicans.

Support for Open Enrollment and Vouchers: 

• 62% of voters favor open enrollment policies, allowing parents to choose schools outside of geographic district boundaries.

• 61% support tuition voucher programs, enabling public funds to be used at public, private, or parochial schools.

A Call for Classical Education: 

• A staggering 86% of voters want a federal law requiring all public schools to teach a classic curriculum focused on history, math, science, and English.

Broad Support for the Trump Administration’s Education Agenda

Voters are also backing major proposals that could reshape American education:

• 47% support eliminating the Department of Education, and transferring responsibilities back to the states, with only 20% opposed. Among Republicans, this support rises to 62%.

• 45% believe eliminating the Department would improve the quality of K-12 education, compared to just 25% who believe it would have a negative impact.

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.

See All Idaho Charter Schools Here