The Best Private Schools in Felt, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Felt. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Teton Valley Community School
Independent
Teton Valley Community School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Teton Valley region, including Felt. The school emphasizes experiential, place-based education with a strong focus on outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, TVCS features small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a comprehensive curriculum that integrates academics with real-world experiences. The school's location near Grand Targhee and Grand Teton National Park provides exceptional outdoor education opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, nurturing environment, and the school's ability to foster both academic excellence and character development.
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The Sycamore School
Independent
The Sycamore School is a respected Montessori institution serving eastern Idaho, including families from Felt and surrounding communities. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, focusing on child-directed learning, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. The curriculum emphasizes academic foundation, practical life skills, and social-emotional development. With certified Montessori teachers and beautifully prepared environments, the school creates an atmosphere where children develop independence, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Parent reviews highlight the exceptional teacher-student relationships and the school's success in preparing students for future academic challenges.
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Mountain River School
Independent
Mountain River School provides a unique nature-based educational experience for students in eastern Idaho, serving families from Felt and the greater region. The school combines rigorous academics with extensive outdoor experiences, following an expeditionary learning model that connects classroom studies to real-world applications. Serving elementary through middle school grades, the curriculum emphasizes environmental science, sustainability, and community engagement. The school features small class sizes, personalized learning approaches, and regular field experiences that take advantage of Idaho's natural landscapes. Parents appreciate the school's focus on developing resilient, environmentally-conscious learners and the strong sense of community among families and staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Felt, Idaho
What are the private school options for families living in or near Felt, Idaho?
Families in the Felt, Idaho area have access to a small but distinctive set of private schools, all of which are located in the broader Teton Valley. The primary options include Teton Valley Community School (a Pre-K through 8th grade independent school), The Sycamore School (a micro-school with a project-based, outdoor-focused approach), and Mountain River School (a nature-based preschool and kindergarten). Due to Felt's rural setting, these schools are located in nearby towns like Victor and Driggs, typically requiring a commute. There are no large, traditional private high schools directly in Felt, so families often consider these local elementary/middle options or look toward boarding schools for later grades.
How does the tuition at private schools in the Teton Valley/Felt area compare to the Idaho state average?
Tuition for private schools serving Felt, Idaho families is generally higher than the Idaho state average for private education, reflecting the unique offerings and operational costs in the Teton Valley. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Teton Valley Community School ranges approximately from $12,000 to $16,000, while The Sycamore School and Mountain River School have varying tuition models. The Idaho state average private school tuition is closer to $8,000-$10,000. Importantly, all these local schools offer robust financial aid and sliding scale tuition programs, and Idaho's Advanced Opportunities program can provide some public funding for dual-credit courses even for private school students in later grades.
What unique academic or programmatic specializations do private schools near Felt, Idaho offer?
Private schools in the Felt, Idaho region are deeply influenced by the surrounding natural environment and community values. Common specializations include place-based and outdoor education, where the Teton Mountains, Snake River, and local farms become extensions of the classroom. Teton Valley Community School emphasizes experiential learning and community stewardship. The Sycamore School focuses on interdisciplinary, project-based learning tailored to small groups. Mountain River School is rooted in a Waldorf-inspired, nature-immersive early childhood model. Unlike urban private schools, these programs often integrate skiing, hiking, and environmental science as core components of their curriculum, leveraging the unique Teton Valley landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Felt, Idaho residents?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Teton Valley area typically begins very early, often in the January-February period for the following fall semester, due to high demand and limited seats. For instance, Teton Valley Community School usually has application deadlines in early spring. The process commonly includes a parent inquiry, a campus tour (highly recommended given the schools' unique environments), submission of an application, a family interview, and sometimes a student visit day. Given Felt's small population, these schools also enroll many students from Victor, Driggs, and even Wyoming, so applying early is crucial for Felt-based families to secure a spot.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Felt compare to the local public school options?
The defining difference between private and public school options for Felt families is class size and pedagogical approach. Felt is part of the Teton School District 401, with students attending elementary in Driggs. Public school classes can range from 18-25+ students. In contrast, private schools like Teton Valley Community School and The Sycamore School maintain very low student-to-teacher ratios, often with multi-age classrooms of 12-15 students. This allows for highly individualized instruction. The educational environment in the private schools is also notably more progressive and experiential, whereas the public schools follow a more traditional Idaho state standards-based model. For parents seeking an alternative, community-focused education deeply connected to the local environment, the private schools offer a distinct choice.