The Best Private Schools in Placerville, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Placerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Ambrose School
Association of Classical Christian Schools
The Ambrose School is a highly regarded classical Christian school serving the greater Boise area, including families from Placerville. Founded on the classical education model, the school offers a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, rhetoric, and moral development. The curriculum integrates faith and learning across all subjects, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Students benefit from comprehensive athletics programs, fine arts offerings, and college preparatory courses that consistently produce graduates accepted to top universities. The school's beautiful campus features modern facilities while maintaining a traditional educational approach.
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Bishop Kelly High School
Catholic Diocese of Boise
Bishop Kelly High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from throughout southwestern Idaho, including the Placerville area. With a 60-year history of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum featuring Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities supporting championship sports teams. Bishop Kelly emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, creating well-rounded graduates prepared for top colleges and universities. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks for teacher quality and student outcomes.
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Riverstone International School
International Baccalaureate World School
Riverstone International School offers a unique educational experience as Idaho's only International Baccalaureate World School serving all grade levels. The school attracts families from Placerville and surrounding areas seeking a globally-focused education with outdoor learning components. The IB curriculum provides rigorous academic preparation while emphasizing international-mindedness and community service. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized learning plans, and extensive outdoor education programs that leverage Idaho's natural environment. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces, while maintaining a commitment to developing compassionate, globally-aware graduates prepared for top universities worldwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Placerville, Idaho
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Placerville, Idaho, given its rural location?
While Placerville itself is a small, unincorporated community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools within a reasonable commuting distance to the Boise area. The most prominent options include The Ambrose School in Meridian (a classical Christian K-12 school), Bishop Kelly High School in Boise (a Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12), and Riverstone International School in Boise (an IB World School for grades PK-12). Commutes from Placerville typically range from 60 to 90 minutes, so transportation and scheduling are significant considerations for Placerville residents. Some families form carpools to manage the drive.
How does Idaho's school choice legislation, like the Idaho Launch and Idaho Advanced Opportunities programs, impact private school students from Placerville?
Idaho's school choice landscape is evolving. While the state does not have a universal voucher or ESA (Education Savings Account) program, the Idaho Advanced Opportunities program provides public funding for dual credit, career technical education, and exams, which can sometimes be accessed by private school students in partnership with public institutions. More impactful for some families is the Idaho Child Tax Credit, which offers a deduction for educational expenses. For Placerville families, it's crucial to consult directly with schools like The Ambrose School or Bishop Kelly about any state-funded partnerships for advanced coursework and to understand that most tuition is covered privately, with financial aid offered directly by the schools.
What unique educational philosophies or programs are offered by the private schools accessible from Placerville, ID?
The schools within reach offer distinct, mission-driven approaches. **The Ambrose School** provides a rigorous classical, Christian liberal arts education rooted in the Western tradition. **Riverstone International School** is Idaho's only independent, full-continuum International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, emphasizing global citizenship and inquiry-based learning. **Bishop Kelly High School** offers a comprehensive college-prep curriculum within a faith-based community, with strong athletics and arts programs. For a Placerville family, choosing between these models involves aligning educational philosophy with the commitment to a substantial daily commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bishop Kelly or Riverstone International for a family relocating to Placerville?
Planning is essential due to competitive admissions and your remote location. Most Boise-area private schools have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with decisions released by March. The process typically includes an application, student assessments, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Placerville families, we strongly recommend initiating contact with admissions offices the prior fall (October-November), attending virtual or in-person open houses, and discussing logistics like commute and potential late arrival due to distance. Some schools may have rolling admissions for certain grades if space remains.
For a Placerville family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options (likely through the Garden Valley School District) with a long-commute private school?
The decision hinges on balancing educational philosophy with lifestyle. The local public schools offer a close-knit, community-centered environment with no commute. In contrast, commuting to a Boise-area private school means 2-3 hours daily in the car, which impacts family time, extracurricular participation, and costs (fuel, vehicle wear). The trade-off is access to specialized curricula (Classical, IB, faith-based), often smaller class sizes, and different peer environments. Families should honestly assess their child's needs, the value they place on a specific educational model, and their capacity to sustain the commute long-term before committing to a private school from Placerville.
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