The Best Private Schools in Star, Idaho
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Star. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Ambrose School
Classical Christian Education
The Ambrose School is a highly-regarded classical Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located in nearby Meridian, the school draws families from Star and throughout the Treasure Valley. The school follows the classical trivium model with a strong emphasis on rigorous academics, character formation, and biblical worldview integration. The comprehensive program includes competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts, and extensive college preparatory courses. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and dedicated arts facilities, providing a well-rounded education in a nurturing Christian environment.
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Riverstone International School
Independent School
Riverstone International School is a prestigious independent day school offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool through 12th grade. Located in nearby Boise, the school serves families throughout the Treasure Valley, including Star. Known for its rigorous academic program, the school emphasizes global citizenship, outdoor education, and character development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Riverstone consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities worldwide.
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Cole Valley Christian Schools
Cole Valley Christian Schools
Cole Valley Christian Schools is a comprehensive Christian school system serving students from preschool through high school. With campuses in Meridian, the school serves families throughout the Treasure Valley, including Star residents. The school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, athletics, and fine arts. The high school features Advanced Placement courses, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes, providing a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Star, Idaho
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Star, Idaho, and what are their key characteristics?
While Star itself is a growing residential community, the most prominent private schools serving Star families are located in nearby Boise and Meridian. The top options include Riverstone International School (Boise), offering an International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from preschool through 12th grade with a global focus; The Ambrose School (Meridian), which provides a classical, Christian liberal arts education; and Cole Valley Christian Schools (Meridian), offering a comprehensive, faith-based education from preschool to high school. Many Star families commute to these schools, valuing their specialized curricula and smaller class sizes compared to the expanding public school district in Star.
How does tuition for private schools in the Star, Idaho area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Treasure Valley private schools serving Star varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Riverstone International School's tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 for lower grades to $24,000 for high school. The Ambrose School and Cole Valley Christian are generally lower, often in the $8,000 to $12,000 range for secondary grades. Idaho offers two key financial aid programs: the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for high school graduates and, more notably for K-12, the Idaho Education Tax Credit. This tax credit allows donors to redirect up to $2,500 of their state tax liability to a qualified "Educational Improvement Organization" that provides scholarships, which can directly benefit families at participating private schools like Cole Valley Christian.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Star, ID, that differ from local public schools?
The private schools in the region offer distinct specialized programs. Riverstone International School is the only school in Idaho to offer the full IB continuum, including the Diploma Programme, which is highly regarded for college preparation, especially for international universities. The Ambrose School features a Socratic teaching method and a "Great Books" curriculum centered on classical literature and Latin. Cole Valley Christian emphasizes STEM integration and vocational pathways alongside its biblical worldview. For Star families, these represent alternatives to the standard Idaho Content Standards followed by public schools, often with more emphasis on specific pedagogical philosophies, world languages starting earlier, and distinctive athletic or arts programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Riverstone, Ambrose, and Cole Valley Christian for a family moving to Star?
The enrollment process for these competitive private schools often begins nearly a year in advance. Key timelines include: application openings in September/October for the following fall, with priority deadlines typically between January and March. The process usually involves a campus tour, submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, student assessments/interviews, and often a family interview. For Star residents, it's crucial to apply early, as spaces are limited and some grades have waitlists. Unlike Star's public schools, which are based on residency, admission to these private schools is selective. We recommend contacting admissions offices by the fall prior to your desired enrollment year, as rolling admission after priority dates is subject to availability.
For a family living in Star, what are the major considerations when choosing between the expanding Star public school district and a private school in the Treasure Valley?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Star's public schools (West Ada School District) are growing rapidly, which can mean newer facilities but also larger class sizes and potential overcrowding during peak growth periods. Choosing a private school like those in Meridian/Boise involves a commute of 20-40 minutes, which is a significant daily logistics consideration. Academically, private options offer curated curricula (IB, Classical), often with more consistent class sizes and specific religious or philosophical alignment. Financially, it requires weighing tuition costs against potential property tax burdens. Extracurricularly, large Star public high schools like Star High may offer more extensive sports programs, while private schools may offer niche arts or clubs. Ultimately, it's a choice between a community-centered, tax-funded system and a mission-driven, tuition-based education that may require a commute.