The Best Private Schools in Cda, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cda. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Cathedral of St. John School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise
The Cathedral of St. John School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Coeur d'Alene. Established in 1959, the school provides a strong faith-based education combined with rigorous academics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes STEM education, music, arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic excellence, and strong community values. The campus includes modern facilities with technology integration while maintaining traditional educational values.
Programs:
St. George's School
Independent
St. George's School is an elite independent college preparatory school located in Spokane, Washington that serves many families from the Coeur d'Alene area. Founded in 1979, the school offers a comprehensive educational program for students in Pre-K through 12th grade. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum featuring numerous Advanced Placement courses, exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, and outstanding college placement records. The 120-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for academics, arts, and athletics. The school's unique outdoor education program and emphasis on character development make it a popular choice for North Idaho families seeking premium private education.
Programs:
Gonzaga Preparatory School
Jesuit Network
Gonzaga Preparatory School is a prestigious Jesuit college preparatory high school in Spokane that attracts many students from Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho. With a history dating back to 1887, the school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and outstanding arts and athletic facilities. The Jesuit educational philosophy emphasizes service learning, spiritual development, and intellectual growth. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its rigorous academics, dedicated faculty, and strong community values that prepare students for college success and lifelong leadership.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cda, Idaho
What are the primary private school options available in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and what are their educational philosophies?
Coeur d'Alene (CDA) offers a few established private school options, each with distinct characteristics. The Cathedral of St. John School provides a Catholic, faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing traditional academics within a religious framework. St. George's School is an independent, secular school serving students from preschool to 8th grade, known for its project-based learning and holistic approach. While Gonzaga Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Jesuit college-preparatory school, it is located in Spokane, WA, and is a common commute option for many CDA families seeking a rigorous high school program. The local private school landscape is defined by this blend of local religious, independent elementary/middle schools, and the regional draw of Spokane's secondary institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in Coeur d'Alene compare to the Idaho state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Coeur d'Alene is generally higher than the Idaho state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living and the specific offerings of the schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, local K-8 tuition ranges from approximately $7,000 to $10,000+ annually. Commuting to a school like Gonzaga Prep in Spokane involves higher tuition, often exceeding $15,000. Most CDA private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some have parish subsidy programs for affiliated families (e.g., Cathedral of St. John). Idaho also has the "Idaho Opportunity Scholarship" for college, but currently no state-funded voucher or tax-credit programs specifically for K-12 private school tuition, making local school aid and payment plans key resources for families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Coeur d'Alene private schools offer that leverage the North Idaho environment?
Private schools in CDA often integrate the region's natural and cultural resources into their programs. St. George's School, for example, emphasizes outdoor education and environmental stewardship, with activities that utilize nearby forests, lakes, and trails. The Cathedral of St. John School may incorporate service learning projects connected to the local community and diocese. While not in CDA, Gonzaga Prep's outdoor program is also popular with Idaho students. A unique local consideration is the proximity to the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course and Lake Coeur d'Alene, which can influence sports and science programs. These schools often provide smaller class sizes that facilitate field trips and hands-on learning specific to the Inland Northwest's geography and community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Coeur d'Alene, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for CDA private schools typically begins in the winter for the following fall, with many schools hosting open houses from October to January. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid requests often fall between January and March. Admission competitiveness varies: local elementary/middle schools like St. George's and Cathedral of St. John may have waiting lists for certain grades, particularly kindergarten, but often have more flexibility than larger urban private schools. Admission to Gonzaga Prep from Idaho is competitive and involves a separate application, entrance exam, and interview process. For CDA families, planning early, especially if considering a Spokane-based high school, is crucial due to differing timelines and the logistical factor of state-line commuting.
For a family living in Coeur d'Alene, what are the major practical and philosophical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision in CDA involves several local factors. Philosophically, families may choose private schools for specific religious instruction (Cathedral of St. John) or a progressive, project-based pedagogy (St. George's). Practically, the Coeur d'Alene Public School District (District 271) is well-regarded, with some schools offering advanced programs, which makes the value proposition of private tuition a key consideration. A major unique factor is the high school choice: families may compare the comprehensive offerings of Coeur d'Alene or Lake City High Schools with the option of commuting to a private high school in Spokane, weighing the college-prep intensity of Gonzaga Prep against the time and cost of a daily interstate commute. The sense of community, class size (often 15-20 in private vs. 25-30+ in public), and alignment with family values are decisive local considerations.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities