The Best Private Schools in New Plymouth, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Plymouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverstone International School
Riverstone International School
Riverstone International School is a premier independent school offering the full International Baccalaureate continuum from preschool through high school. Serving students from across southwestern Idaho, including New Plymouth area families, the school emphasizes global citizenship, outdoor education, and academic excellence. The 14-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With students from over 30 countries, Riverstone provides a diverse, internationally-focused education with outstanding college placement records and personalized learning pathways.
Programs:
Nampa Christian Schools
Nampa Christian Schools
Nampa Christian Schools is a highly-regarded private Christian school system serving the Treasure Valley region, including New Plymouth families. With over 70 years of educational excellence, they offer comprehensive programs from preschool through high school. The school features strong college preparatory curriculum, advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Their modern campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community values.
Programs:
Bishop Kelly High School
Catholic Schools of Boise
Bishop Kelly High School is a highly-respected Catholic college preparatory school serving students from throughout the Treasure Valley, including New Plymouth. With a 60-year tradition of academic excellence, BK offers rigorous curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics across 20+ sports. The 40-acre campus features modern academic facilities, performing arts center, multiple gymnasiums, and athletic fields. The school maintains strong community values with high parent satisfaction and exceptional college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Plymouth, Idaho
Are there any private schools physically located within New Plymouth, Idaho, or will we need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of New Plymouth itself. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in larger nearby communities. The most common destinations include Nampa Christian Schools (in Nampa, about a 30-minute drive), Bishop Kelly High School (in Boise, about a 45-60 minute drive), and Riverstone International School (in Boise). This commute is a significant factor for New Plymouth families, influencing daily schedules and transportation logistics.
How does Idaho's school choice landscape, like the Idaho Advanced Opportunities program, benefit private school students from New Plymouth?
Idaho's Advanced Opportunities program, which provides public funding for dual credit, Advanced Placement exams, and workforce training, is primarily for public school students. However, private school students in Idaho, including those commuting from New Plymouth, can still access some state resources. Notably, the "Strong Families, Strong Students" grant program (if reactivated) and tax-advantaged 529 savings plans can help with costs. It's important to note that Idaho does not have voucher or education savings account (ESA) programs, so private school tuition is largely borne by families, with potential aid directly from the schools like Nampa Christian or Riverstone.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from New Plymouth offer that address both rural and global perspectives?
Schools serving New Plymouth families offer programs that bridge local and global contexts. Nampa Christian, with a strong faith-based foundation, often integrates agricultural science, reflecting the region's farming community. Riverstone International School in Boise offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from preschool to grade 12, emphasizing global citizenship—a unique offering for Idaho. Bishop Kelly High School provides a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with robust STEM and arts programs, along with competitive sports leagues that draw students from a wide geographic area, including rural communities like New Plymouth.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Nampa Christian for a family relocating to or starting in New Plymouth mid-year?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Nampa Christian Schools are often more flexible than public school boundaries allow, which is advantageous for families in New Plymouth who may move outside traditional public school cycles. While priority application periods often end in early spring for the following fall, these private schools frequently accept applications and conduct placements on a rolling basis throughout the year, space permitting. The process typically involves an application, student records review, family interview, and assessment. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as space in specific grades, especially at the high school level (like Bishop Kelly), can be limited.
For a New Plymouth family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with commuting to a private school in Nampa or Boise?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The New Plymouth School District (#372) offers the convenience of proximity, a strong community-centered environment, and no tuition. Commuting to a private school involves significant daily drive time (30-60+ minutes each way), fuel costs, and tuition ranging from approximately $6,000 to over $20,000 annually. Families must weigh this against desired factors such as a specific religious education (Nampa Christian), the IB curriculum (Riverstone), or a particular competitive academic/athletic environment (Bishop Kelly). The community and class size difference—small-town public vs. larger private school communities drawn from across the region—is also a major consideration.