The Best Private Schools in Post Falls, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Post Falls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy
The Oaks Classical Christian Academy is a premier private school located directly in Post Falls, offering a distinctive classical Christian education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school follows the trivium method of grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, integrating faith and learning across all subjects. Notable programs include Latin instruction beginning in elementary grades, formal logic, rhetoric training, and comprehensive fine arts. The academy features small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and a strong community atmosphere. Their college preparatory program consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education, with emphasis on critical thinking, eloquent expression, and moral character development.
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North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy is a highly-regarded public charter school serving the Post Falls area with a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum. Serving grades K-12, the school emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and college preparation. The academy features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science labs, robotics programs, and technology integration across all subjects. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high academic standards and strong parent satisfaction. Their comprehensive extracurricular program includes competitive robotics teams, science fairs, and mathematics competitions, preparing students for STEM careers and higher education.
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St. Thomas More Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Spokane
St. Thomas More Catholic School provides exceptional private education to families throughout the Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene region. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school combines rigorous academics with Catholic values and character formation. The classical curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and moral development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a chapel, science lab, and athletic facilities. The school offers comprehensive programs in fine arts, music, competitive sports, and community service. With strong parent involvement and high teacher satisfaction, St. Thomas More maintains a reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Post Falls, Idaho
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Post Falls, Idaho?
Post Falls offers a focused selection of private schools, each with a distinct educational philosophy. Your main options include faith-based institutions like St. Thomas More Catholic School (Pre-K-8), which provides a traditional Catholic education. For a classical curriculum rooted in Christian teachings, The Oaks Classical Christian Academy serves students from K-12. Alternatively, North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, while a public charter school, is often considered alongside private options due to its specialized, application-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program for grades 6-12. There are fewer large, independent preparatory academies compared to bigger cities, so these schools define the core private/choice landscape in Post Falls.
How does tuition for private schools in Post Falls, ID, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Post Falls is generally more affordable than in major metropolitan areas but is consistent with regional norms in North Idaho. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually for day schools. Idaho offers the "Idaho Opportunity Scholarship" for college, but K-12 private school specific state tax credits or voucher programs are limited. However, individual schools often have need-based financial aid, scholarships, or parish subsidies (for religious schools). It's crucial to inquire directly with St. Thomas More or The Oaks about their specific aid applications and deadlines, as funds can be limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Post Falls private schools offer that leverage the local North Idaho environment?
Schools in Post Falls often integrate the region's natural assets and community values into their programs. The Oaks Classical Christian Academy emphasizes outdoor education and stewardship, potentially incorporating field studies related to local forests and lakes. St. Thomas More includes community service projects that connect students with local charities and events in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene. While not a private school, the highly-regarded North Idaho STEM Charter Academy leverages the area's growing tech industry and proximity to natural resources for project-based learning in environmental science and engineering. This local connection provides a grounded, practical dimension to college-preparatory curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Post Falls, and are waitlists common?
The enrollment process in Post Falls private schools often begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and siblings. St. Thomas More and The Oaks Classical Christian Academy typically require an application, family interview, and student assessment or classroom visit. Due to their smaller sizes (often fewer than 200 students total), popular grades can fill quickly, leading to waitlists, especially in early elementary grades. It is highly advisable to initiate inquiries by November or December. North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, as a public charter, has a state-mandated open enrollment period usually in the spring, with a lottery system if applications exceed available seats.
For families moving to the area, how do the private school options in Post Falls compare to the public school district, particularly regarding class size and college preparation?
The Post Falls public school district is well-regarded, so the choice often comes down to specific educational approach and environment. The defining difference is class size; private schools in Post Falls typically offer classes of 15-20 students, compared to public school classes that can reach 25-30+. Academically, both sectors prepare students for college, but private schools like The Oaks offer a distinct classical, Great Books curriculum, while St. Thomas More provides integrated religious education. The public district offers broader elective choices and AP courses at the high school level. For parents seeking a specific religious foundation, a classical model, or a very small community feel, the private options fill a vital niche within the overall educational landscape of Post Falls.