The Best Private Schools in Laclede, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laclede. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George's School
Independent School
St. George's School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the broader North Idaho region including Laclede. Located about an hour from Laclede in Spokane, this prestigious school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Notable for its strong college placement record and comprehensive extracurricular programs including outdoor education that leverages the natural environment of the Idaho-Washington border region.
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Northwest Christian School
Northwest Christian Schools
Northwest Christian School is a respected Christian private school located approximately 45 minutes from Laclede, serving families throughout the Idaho-Washington border region. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with strong academic foundations and Christ-centered values. Features include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Known for its strong community atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, with many families commuting from North Idaho for the quality education and values-based environment.
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Riverstone International School
International Baccalaureate World School
While located further from Laclede in Boise, Riverstone International School is one of Idaho's top-ranked private schools and serves as a boarding option for students from rural areas. As Idaho's only International Baccalaureate continuum school, it offers exceptional academic rigor and global perspective. The school emphasizes outdoor education and experiential learning that aligns well with Idaho's natural environment. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and outstanding college acceptance records, it represents a premium private education option for families seeking the highest academic standards available in Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laclede, Idaho
What are the private school options for families living in or near Laclede, Idaho?
While Laclede itself is a small unincorporated community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Sandpoint/Ponderay area. The top options include St. George's School (a private, independent day school in Spokane, WA, which some families commute to), Northwest Christian School (a local Christian school), and Riverstone International School (an International Baccalaureate World School in Boise, ID, representing a significant commute). For daily attendance, Northwest Christian School is the most geographically accessible private option. It's important to note that the selection within Laclede's immediate vicinity is limited, so many families consider schools in nearby towns like Sandpoint or evaluate commuting possibilities.
How does tuition at private schools serving Laclede, Idaho, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools accessible to Laclede families varies widely. Northwest Christian School, as a local option, typically has tuition below the state average for private schools, often ranging in the $5,000-$8,000 per year range. In contrast, schools like Riverstone International School in Boise have tuition that is significantly higher, aligning with elite preparatory schools. Idaho offers the "Idaho Opportunity Scholarship" for college, but K-12 private school specific aid is limited to individual school programs. Crucially, Idaho does not have a tax-credit scholarship or voucher program, so financial aid is primarily offered directly by the schools themselves based on need. Families should inquire directly with each school's admissions office about scholarships and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Laclede residents?
The programs reflect the distinct missions of each school. Northwest Christian School, being local, integrates faith-based learning with a standard curriculum and may offer smaller class sizes and local outdoor education leveraging North Idaho's environment. For families considering a commute, St. George's School offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and arts programs. Riverstone International School is notable for being the only school in Idaho offering the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Primary Years through Diploma Programme, which is a major draw for families seeking a globally-focused education. Laclede's proximity to nature means many schools, even those farther away, may incorporate outdoor and environmental science into their programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Laclede, Idaho area?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific. For the most local option, Northwest Christian School, the process often begins in early spring (January-March) for the following fall, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. Given the limited seats in local private schools, applying early is strongly advised. Schools like St. George's or Riverstone have more formalized timelines, with application deadlines often in January or February for the next academic year. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and for some, an entrance assessment. For Laclede families, an important part of the process is realistically evaluating commute logistics to schools located in Sandpoint, Spokane, or beyond.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Laclede compare to the public schools in the West Bonner County School District?
This is a key consideration. The public schools in the West Bonner County district (which serves Laclede) offer a traditional, community-based education with broader extracurricular offerings like sports teams that smaller private schools may not match. The local private school option, Northwest Christian School, provides a distinct environment with typically smaller class sizes, a specific religious affiliation, and a potentially more uniform disciplinary and value system. The choice often hinges on priorities: public schools offer no tuition cost and a wide peer network, while local private schools offer a tailored, mission-driven community. For specialized programs like IB or advanced college prep, families would need to look at private schools outside the area, weighing the academic benefits against the significant commute time from Laclede.