The Best Private Schools in Firth, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Firth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Idaho Falls Christian School
Independent Christian School
Idaho Falls Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through high school. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong emphasis on character development, the school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and STEM initiatives. With small class sizes and a focus on college readiness, it consistently receives high parent satisfaction ratings and attracts families from Firth and the surrounding eastern Idaho region.
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Holy Spirit Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Boise
Holy Spirit Catholic School provides a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic values for students in pre-K through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic programs, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities, including technology-integrated classrooms and sports amenities. It offers a balanced curriculum with emphasis on liberal arts, faith formation, and extracurricular activities like music and sports. High parent satisfaction and a supportive community make it a top choice for families in Firth and the Idaho Falls region.
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Grace Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Grace Lutheran School offers a nurturing, faith-based education for students in pre-K through 8th grade. The school is celebrated for its academic excellence, experienced faculty, and well-rounded programs that include music, arts, and athletics. With a commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention, it fosters a strong sense of community and high parent involvement. Its reputation for quality education makes it a popular choice for families in Firth and the broader Pocatello area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Firth, Idaho
Are there any private schools physically located within Firth, Idaho, or do families typically commute to nearby cities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Firth itself. Families in Firth seeking private education typically commute to nearby communities, primarily Idaho Falls, which is about a 20-25 minute drive north. The top options, as you noted, include Idaho Falls Christian School, Grace Lutheran School, and Holy Spirit Catholic School, all located in Idaho Falls. This commute is a standard consideration for Firth residents, and many schools have families carpooling from the Firth and Shelley areas.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving Firth, Idaho, families, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
For the private schools in Idaho Falls that Firth families attend, annual tuition typically ranges from approximately $5,500 to $9,500 for elementary grades, with higher rates for middle and high school. It's important to note that Idaho has an Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which can significantly offset these costs for eligible families. For the 2024-2025 school year, the ESA provides up to $6,250 per student per year for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition. Most private schools in the area have financial aid processes and offer multi-child discounts, which are crucial for many families managing both tuition and commute costs.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Idaho Falls private schools cater to the interests of students from a more rural community like Firth?
Schools like Idaho Falls Christian School often provide a robust combination of college-prep academics and strong athletic/agricultural programs that resonate with students from Firth's rural setting. For instance, many offer FFA chapters, strong science programs, and sports like rodeo or wrestling that are popular in the region. Conversely, they also provide opportunities—such as specialized STEM labs, theater programs, or wider foreign language choices—that may be more limited in Firth's public school district. This blend allows students to maintain their community ties while accessing a broader range of specialized programs.
What are the key enrollment timelines and application steps for Firth families applying to private schools in Idaho Falls?
The enrollment cycle for these schools generally begins with open houses in January or February for the following academic year. Priority application deadlines often fall in early March, with rolling admissions thereafter until classes are full. For Firth families, a critical early step is scheduling a campus visit and a shadow day for your student, which requires planning for the commute. It is also highly recommended to apply for Idaho's ESA funding simultaneously with your school application, as the ESA approval is separate from school admission. Many schools host informational meetings in the fall, which is the ideal time to start the process.
What are the primary considerations when choosing between the Firth public school district and commuting to a private school in Idaho Falls?
The decision hinges on several Firth-specific factors. The Firth School District is a highly regarded, close-knit public system. Choosing a private school in Idaho Falls involves weighing the perceived academic, religious, or programmatic benefits against the daily commute time (45-50 minutes round trip), transportation logistics, and higher financial cost. Many families find the private school option worthwhile for a specific religious foundation, smaller class sizes, or a particular academic focus not available locally. However, staying in Firth public schools allows for deeper integration with the immediate community and its activities. It's a personal balance of educational priorities, family resources, and lifestyle.