The Best Private Schools in Naples, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Naples. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Public Charter School
Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy is a nationally recognized public charter school that serves students from throughout North Idaho, including the Naples region. While technically a public charter, it operates with private-school level selectivity and academic rigor, consistently ranking among Idaho's top schools. The academy offers a classical education model with strong emphasis on college preparation, featuring extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, competitive STEM programs, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities. With exceptional test scores, high college acceptance rates, and outstanding faculty credentials, this institution represents one of the premier educational options in the region. Families from Naples often commute for this top-tier educational opportunity.
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Mountain View School
Independent
Mountain View School is a highly-regarded private school located in nearby Bonners Ferry, serving the entire Boundary County region including Naples. This small, community-focused school emphasizes individualized education with an average class size of 12 students. The school features a comprehensive K-8 curriculum with strong emphasis on foundational academics, character development, and outdoor learning opportunities that leverage the natural beauty of North Idaho. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teaching staff, personalized attention, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has built a reputation for academic excellence in the region.
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St. Dominic's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Boise
St. Dominic's Catholic School in Sandpoint serves families throughout North Idaho, including the Naples area, with a comprehensive PreK-8 education program. As an established Catholic school with nearly five decades of operation, it offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with faith formation. The school features modern facilities, dedicated STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive sports teams. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its strong community values, experienced faculty, and well-rounded educational approach. The school has maintained accreditation and serves as a regional educational option for families seeking private education with moral foundation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Naples, Idaho
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Naples, Idaho, given the small size of the town?
Due to Naples's small population, there are no private schools physically located within the town limits. However, families typically look to neighboring communities for options. The most accessible and notable schools include Mountain View School (a private K-12 in nearby Bonners Ferry), St. Dominic's Catholic School (a Pre-K-8 in Priest River), and Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (a 6-12 charter school in Coeur d'Alene, about a 90-minute drive). Your choice will heavily depend on your commute tolerance and the age of your child, as the daily travel time is a significant factor for Naples residents.
How does Idaho's school choice legislation, like the Idaho Launch and Empower Idaho scholarships, impact private school affordability for Naples families?
Idaho has made strides in school choice, which can help offset costs for Naples families. The **Empower Idaho Scholarship** (tax-credit scholarship) and the **Idaho Launch** program for career training can provide financial assistance, though Launch is primarily for post-secondary. Importantly, the newer **Idaho Education Scholarship** (voucher-style program) provides state funds that can be used at participating private schools. However, eligibility is income-based and availability is limited. Families should directly contact schools like Mountain View or St. Dominic's to see if they accept these funds and to understand the full picture of tuition, which can range from $4,000 to $10,000+ annually, plus transportation costs from Naples.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Naples offer that address the region's rural character and interests?
Private schools in North Idaho often integrate the local environment into their programs. **Mountain View School** emphasizes outdoor education and hands-on learning reflective of the Selkirk Mountain region. **St. Dominic's** incorporates faith-based values with a community-focused approach suitable for small-town life. **Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy**, while farther, offers a rigorous classical liberal arts curriculum that appeals to families seeking a highly structured academic challenge not always available in small rural public districts. These schools may offer specialized clubs or projects in environmental science, forestry, or agriculture, connecting education to the local landscape and industries.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools serving Naples, ID, and how early should we apply?
Given the limited seats in these sought-after regional schools, planning is crucial. **Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy** holds an annual public lottery in March for the following fall, with an application period in February. **Mountain View School** and **St. Dominic's** typically have rolling admissions but prioritize early applications, often by January or February for the next school year. For Naples families, it's recommended to initiate inquiries the fall before desired enrollment (e.g., October-November). A key step is scheduling a visit, which requires a substantial time commitment due to travel, so advance planning is essential. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so inquire about those policies.
For a family in Naples, what are the primary trade-offs between the local public school (Boundary County School District) and commuting to a private school?
The decision hinges on community, commute, and curriculum. The local public school in the Boundary County District offers the convenience of no daily long-distance commute and deep integration into the immediate Naples community. Opting for a private school like those in Bonners Ferry, Priest River, or Coeur d'Alane means a significant daily drive (20 minutes to over 90 minutes each way), impacting family time and extracurricular participation. In return, you may find smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction, or a more rigorous/alternative academic curriculum. For many Naples families, the choice isn't just about education quality but about whether the family's values or a child's specific needs justify the substantial investment in time and transportation logistics.
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