The Best Private Schools in Iona, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Iona. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Summit School of the Teton Basin
Independent
The Summit School is a highly-regarded independent private school located just minutes from Iona in Sugar City. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes experiential, project-based learning with a strong outdoor education component. The curriculum integrates STEM education with arts and humanities, featuring small class sizes and personalized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its innovative approach to education and strong community involvement, with many families from Iona and surrounding areas choosing this school for its academic excellence and holistic educational philosophy.
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Compass Academy
Independent Charter School
Located in nearby Idaho Falls, Compass Academy serves students throughout the region including Iona families. This public charter high school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education and career technical pathways. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science labs, technology centers, and collaborative learning spaces. Students benefit from dual credit opportunities with local colleges, personalized learning plans, and extensive extracurricular programs. With a focus on preparing students for college and careers, Compass Academy has earned recognition for its academic excellence and innovative educational approach, making it a popular choice for families seeking high-quality secondary education.
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Watersprings School
Christian School
Watersprings School is a respected Christian private school located in Idaho Falls that serves families throughout the region, including Iona. Offering education from preschool through 12th grade, the school provides a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values and biblical worldview. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs are complemented by strong fine arts offerings, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Watersprings emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth, making it a top choice for families seeking faith-based education in the greater Idaho Falls area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Iona, Idaho
What are the private school options for families living in Iona, Idaho, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Iona itself is a small city, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader eastern Idaho region. Directly serving the area is **Watersprings School** in nearby Idaho Falls, which is a popular K-12 Christian option. A short commute also provides access to **Compass Academy** (Idaho Falls), a public charter school that functions like a tuition-free private school with a rigorous STEM and liberal arts focus, and **The Summit School of the Teton Basin** in Driggs, which offers a unique, expeditionary learning model. Most Iona families consider schools in Idaho Falls due to proximity, making transportation an important factor in the decision.
How does tuition for private schools near Iona, Idaho, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Iona/Idaho Falls area is generally below the national average but aligns with regional costs. For the 2024-25 school year, Watersprings School tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 to $8,500 annually. The Summit School's tuition is similar. Importantly, Idaho has the **Empowerment Scholarship**, a state-funded program that allows eligible families to use a portion of state education funds for approved private school expenses, including tuition, fees, and materials. Most local private schools participate in this program, and they also offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Iona offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region carve distinct niches. **The Summit School of the Teton Basin** emphasizes place-based, expeditionary learning, often utilizing the Teton Mountains for outdoor science and leadership programs. **Compass Academy** (while a public charter) offers a unique "University-Model" with a collegiate-style schedule and deep dual-enrollment opportunities with the College of Eastern Idaho. **Watersprings School** provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and strong fine arts programs. For Iona families, these specialized approaches offer alternatives to the standard public school model, often with smaller class sizes and specific pedagogical philosophies not available in the Bonneville Joint School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Iona, Idaho, and when should parents apply?
Enrollment timelines are crucial due to limited seats. Most private schools in the area, like Watersprings and The Summit School, begin accepting applications in **January or February** for the following fall. The process often includes a parent interview, student assessment (for certain grades), and submission of past records. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students and church members (for faith-based schools). We recommend Iona families begin researching and touring schools the fall prior to desired enrollment, as some grades (particularly kindergarten and middle school entry points) may have waitlists. Compass Academy holds an annual public lottery in the spring for any open seats.
For a family in Iona, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Bonneville District) and a private school?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, logistics, and cost. Iona's public schools offer proximity, no tuition, and robust extracurriculars. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Idaho Falls or Driggs (15-30+ minutes), so transportation is a daily factor. Parents typically opt for private options for a specific religious foundation (Watersprings), a particular pedagogical approach like project-based learning (The Summit), or an accelerated academic model (Compass). The use of Idaho's Empowerment Scholarship can significantly offset tuition costs. Ultimately, Iona families should assess the value of a specialized educational environment against the convenience and community aspect of the neighborhood public school.