The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Sycamore School
Independent Private School
The Sycamore School in Idaho Falls serves as a regional private school option for families throughout southeastern Idaho, including Georgetown area residents seeking exceptional private education. While located approximately 90 minutes from Georgetown, many families choose this school for its innovative project-based learning approach and outstanding academic reputation. The school features a comprehensive curriculum that integrates hands-on learning, outdoor education, and arts across all subjects. With small student-teacher ratios and personalized learning plans, students receive individual attention and support. The school's modern facilities include science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces, complemented by strong college preparatory programs and high acceptance rates to selective universities.
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Bear Lake Academy
Independent Christian School
Bear Lake Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Georgetown and greater Bear Lake Valley region. Located just 15 minutes from Georgetown in Montpelier, the academy offers comprehensive K-12 education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school emphasizes college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community values, dedicated faculty, and excellent college acceptance rates, making it a top choice for families throughout southeastern Idaho.
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Preston Seventh-day Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Located approximately 30 minutes from Georgetown in Preston, this established Seventh-day Adventist school serves students throughout Franklin County and surrounding areas. The school provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic foundations and character development. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, music instruction, agricultural studies, and outdoor education utilizing the nearby natural environment. The school features small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a family-like atmosphere that has earned high parent satisfaction ratings. Their holistic approach to education addresses academic, physical, social, and spiritual development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, Idaho
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in or near Georgetown, Idaho?
Georgetown itself is a very small, rural community, so private school options within the town limits are limited. However, families in the Georgetown area typically look to nearby communities in the broader Bear Lake Valley and southeastern Idaho region. The schools you mentioned—Bear Lake Academy (in Montpelier), Preston Seventh-day Adventist School (in Preston), and The Sycamore School (a private online micro-school based in Preston)—are the primary options. Transportation is a key consideration, as commuting 20-45 minutes to Montpelier or Preston is common for Georgetown residents seeking private education.
How does the tuition at private schools in the Georgetown, Idaho area compare to the state average, and are there any Idaho-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the schools serving Georgetown tends to be below the national private school average, reflecting Idaho's lower cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, Bear Lake Academy's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500, while Preston SDA School is around $5,000-$6,000. The Sycamore School, as a hybrid model, has a different fee structure. Idaho offers the "Idaho Opportunity Scholarship" for college, but K-12 private school specific aid is limited to individual school scholarships and potential tuition discounts for multiple children. Importantly, Idaho does **not** have a tax-credit scholarship or education savings account (ESA) program, which limits state-funded financial assistance compared to some other states.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Georgetown, Idaho offer that address the rural lifestyle and local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the rural and agricultural context into their programs. Bear Lake Academy, for instance, may offer agricultural science projects or outdoor education that leverages the nearby mountains and Bear Lake itself. Preston Seventh-day Adventist School emphasizes a faith-based curriculum with a strong community service component, resonant with the area's values. The Sycamore School’s flexible, project-based model is specifically designed for rural families, allowing for deep dives into local history, environmental science of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and flexible scheduling for family agricultural commitments. These programs are distinctly tailored to the southeastern Idaho experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bear Lake Academy or Preston SDA School for a family from Georgetown?
Enrollment timelines in this region are generally more flexible than in urban areas but have key deadlines. Most schools begin accepting applications in January for the following fall. Rolling admission continues if spaces remain, but popular grades can fill by spring. The process typically involves an application form, student records, a family interview (often in-person or via video call), and a placement assessment. For Georgetown families, the interview is a crucial time to discuss the logistics of the commute. It's highly recommended to initiate contact by early winter, as classes are small and waiting lists can form. Some schools also host open houses in the late fall.
For a Georgetown resident, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (likely in the Bear Lake County School District) and a private school option requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Georgetown-specific factors. The local public school offers proximity and deep integration with the immediate community. Choosing a private school like those in Montpelier or Preston involves a significant daily commute (30+ miles round trip), which impacts family logistics and costs. In return, private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), specific religious or pedagogical approaches (e.g., Adventist education or Montessori-inspired projects at The Sycamore School), and potentially more individualized attention. Parents must weigh the value of a specialized educational philosophy against the time and expense of transportation, as well as consider how after-school activities in a distant town will work for their family.