The Best Private Schools in Eagle, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eagle. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverstone International School
Riverstone International School
Riverstone International School is a premier private institution offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from preschool through high school. Located just 15 minutes from Eagle in Boise, the school serves families throughout the Treasure Valley with a globally-focused education emphasizing academic rigor, character development, and outdoor education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from small class sizes, experienced international faculty, and a diverse student body with over 40 nationalities represented.
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The Ambrose School
The Ambrose School
The Ambrose School is a highly-regarded classical Christian private school located in nearby Meridian, serving Eagle families with a rigorous liberal arts education grounded in Christian values. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a classical trivium approach emphasizing grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Academic excellence is complemented by strong athletic programs, fine arts offerings, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities, with a focus on developing well-rounded students prepared for college and life.
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Sage International School
Sage International Network of Schools
Sage International School is a public charter school with private-school caliber academics that serves Eagle and the greater Boise area. As an authorized IB World School, Sage offers the International Baccalaureate program from elementary through high school levels. The school emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and academic excellence with a strong focus on STEM education. Located approximately 20 minutes from Eagle, the school features modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for competitive colleges and universities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eagle, Idaho
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Eagle, Idaho, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Eagle, Idaho, is served by several notable private schools, each with a distinct approach. **Riverstone International School** is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the full continuum from Primary Years to Diploma Programme, with a strong focus on global citizenship and inquiry-based learning. **The Ambrose School** provides a classical, Christian (Reformed) education rooted in the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and a Great Books curriculum. **Sage International School** (while a public charter, it's a frequent consideration for parents exploring alternatives) offers an IB-focused curriculum with a lottery-based enrollment. For strictly private options in the immediate area, Riverstone and Ambrose are the primary choices, representing international/college-prep and classical Christian models, respectively.
How does tuition at private schools in Eagle, ID, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Eagle/Boise metro area is generally above the Idaho state average for private education, reflecting the area's growth and the programs offered. For the 2024-25 school year, tuition at Riverstone International School ranges from approximately $20,000 to $24,000, while The Ambrose School's tuition is around $10,000 to $12,000. Both schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Idaho also has the **Idalo Opportunity Scholarship** for college, but K-12 private school tax credit or voucher programs are limited. Many families utilize payment plans, and it's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Eagle's private schools offer that leverage the Idaho environment?
Private schools in Eagle capitalize on Idaho's natural landscape for distinctive programs. **Riverstone International School** emphasizes outdoor education and sustainability, with programs like its "Outdoor Pursuits" that include local river kayaking, rock climbing in the Boise Foothills, and wilderness trips. Its CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component in the IB Diploma often involves environmental stewardship projects. **The Ambrose School** integrates the classical model with a strong emphasis on rhetoric and debate, and its location allows for outdoor physical education and historical field studies relevant to its curriculum. Both schools offer smaller class sizes that facilitate field trips to Idaho's scientific, historical, and cultural sites.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Eagle, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools in Eagle is competitive, and timelines are critical. Most schools (like Riverstone and Ambrose) begin accepting applications in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with priority deadlines often in January or February. The process usually includes a completed application, student assessments or shadow days, parent interviews, and submission of previous school records. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), **waitlists are common**. It is highly advisable for Eagle parents to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance and attend fall open houses to understand each school's specific requirements and deadlines.
For families moving to Eagle, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated West Ada School District public schools?
This is a key consideration for Eagle families. The **West Ada School District** is Idaho's largest and includes many high-performing public schools in Eagle. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy and individual fit. Private schools like Riverstone and Ambrose offer smaller, more intimate learning environments (often 15:1 student-teacher ratios or lower), specialized curricula (IB or Classical), and distinct value systems (global or faith-based). Public schools offer a broader range of extracurriculars, no tuition, and strong AP programs. For families seeking a specific pedagogical approach, a particular community, or a smaller setting, Eagle's private schools provide compelling alternatives to the excellent, but larger and more standardized, public options.