The Best Private Schools in Marsing, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Marsing. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Kelly High School
Catholic Diocese of Boise
Bishop Kelly High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Treasure Valley, including Marsing. With a rigorous academic program featuring 18 Advanced Placement courses, the school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates. The 58-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention. Bishop Kelly offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletics, robotics, drama, and music.
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The Riverstone International School
Independent
Riverstone International School is Idaho's only International Baccalaureate World School offering all three IB programs. Serving students from Marsing and throughout the Treasure Valley, the school provides a globally-focused education with small class sizes and individualized learning. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor education facilities. Riverstone emphasizes experiential learning, character development, and international mindedness. The school maintains a diverse student body with students from over 30 countries and offers comprehensive college counseling with graduates attending top universities worldwide.
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The Ambrose School
Association of Classical Christian Schools
The Ambrose School provides a classical Christian education serving families from Marsing and the greater Treasure Valley area. Following the trivium model of grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, the school integrates faith and learning across all subjects. The curriculum includes Latin instruction beginning in 3rd grade, Socratic discussion methods, and emphasis on great books of Western civilization. The school features a growing campus with dedicated science labs, music rooms, and athletic facilities. Ambrose graduates are well-prepared for college with strong critical thinking and communication skills, consistently earning acceptance to selective universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Marsing, Idaho
Are there any private schools located directly in Marsing, Idaho, or will we need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Marsing. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in the broader Treasure Valley area. The most accessible options from Marsing include Bishop Kelly High School (grades 9-12) in Boise, approximately a 30-minute drive, and The Ambrose School (K-12) in Meridian, about a 35-minute drive. The Riverstone International School in Boise is also an option but is a slightly longer commute. This commute is a significant factor for Marsing families to consider when evaluating private school options.
What is the average annual tuition for private high schools accessible from Marsing, Idaho, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the primary private high schools accessible from Marsing varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, Bishop Kelly High School tuition is approximately $11,000-$12,000, The Ambrose School is around $9,000-$10,000 for high school, and The Riverstone International School is significantly higher, often exceeding $20,000. Idaho offers the "Idaho Opportunity Scholarship" for higher education, but for K-12, the key state-specific aid is the "Idaho Education Tax Deduction," which allows a deduction of up to $4,118 per student for tuition and fees paid to Idaho private schools on your state income taxes. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
For a Marsing family interested in a classical Christian education, which private school is the most feasible option, and what does that curriculum entail?
The most prominent and feasible option for a classical Christian education from Marsing is The Ambrose School in Meridian. This school follows the classical "trivium" model (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric stages) integrated with a Reformed Christian worldview. The curriculum emphasizes great books, Latin, logic, rhetoric, and the sciences from a faith-based perspective. For Marsing families, this represents a distinct educational philosophy not found in the local public schools, but it requires a commitment to the daily commute to Meridian. It is the only school in the immediate region offering this specific, rigorous classical model.
How do the enrollment timelines and processes for Treasure Valley private schools differ from the Marsing public school district calendar?
Private schools in the Boise area have much earlier and more rigid enrollment timelines compared to Marsing School District. For example, Bishop Kelly and The Ambrose School typically have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with notifications sent by March. Riverstone International often has rolling admissions but encourages early application. This is crucial for Marsing parents to note, as you must plan and apply almost a full year in advance, unlike the public school system where enrollment is open throughout the summer. Many schools also require entrance exams, interviews, and student shadow days as part of the process.
What unique extracurricular or academic programs do these private schools offer that might justify the commute from a rural community like Marsing?
The private schools accessible from Marsing offer specialized programs not typically available in smaller rural districts. Bishop Kelly is known for its strong athletic programs (competing in the 4A Southern Idaho Conference) and extensive STEM electives. The Riverstone International School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and a global focus with outdoor leadership initiatives. The Ambrose School offers unique programs like competitive rhetoric and debate through the Classical Christian Schools League, and mandatory senior thesis defenses. For Marsing students, these provide access to a breadth of academic tracks, competitive sports leagues, and internationally recognized curricula that can enhance college applications.