Top Middle schools in Boise, United States

This is THE BEST school and community. Our daughter has attended for 5 years and will continue until 9th grade (the last year offered). It's a supportive, inclusive environment that nurtures kids who LOVE learning.

Academically, they're flying through incredible books (The Giver in 5th/6th grade, read in two weeks), doing units on chemistry and physics before 6th grade, and doing complex math that they truly understand. Imagine my surprise when we were flying in bad turbulence and my 11 year old turned to me and said, "We're completely safe... it's physics!"

Socially, the kids are confident, independent, and encouraged to share their ideas and curiosities. They form deep friendships with their peers and there aren't the typical cliques seen in many other schools. There is extra (exceptional) support for kids who need it.

We can't say enough about what a caring, warm community this is. Our family is forever grateful!

Our children are excelling at this IB school, benefiting from a rigorous curriculum and a supportive community. We've made great connections with other families in the elementary school and look forward to many more successful years.

We’ve had our children at Riverstone from preschool onward (they’re now in 4th and 7th grade). The education and educators are great. We value particularly the outdoor program (one fifth of the curriculum is focused there), as well as the flexibility the teachers have to tailor learning uniquely to a child. They’ve fostered a culture of learning at Riverstone, and since learning is never done, our kids are in an environment that encourages trying new things, exploring pathways to different ideas and new discoveries for themselves. And yet, for us all the growth and challenging learning our kids have received over the years, it’s second to how happy they are everyday to go to this school. I can’t underestimate the value we as parents get from seeing our kids wake up excited to go to Riverstone International School.

I have been fortunate to be a student, a staff member, and now a parent at Riverstone. The school has evolved over its almost 30 years, but the same small community that deeply cares about the success of its students continues to be at the heart of everything.

I am thrilled to have my kids attending now. I love that their teachers get to know them so well and see the care afforded to them in the small classes. I look forward to them gaining the same experiences at Riverstone that I did as a student. The international diversity and the outdoor education are two of the most important aspects of the Riverstone experience to me. My kids get to know students from around the world and gain a better understanding of different cultures. They also learn important outdoor skills through exciting and empowering outdoor experiences, I know that they will develop the same appreciation for nature and our world that was instilled in me.

This school is a gem and we are lucky to have such world class academics a d programming here in Boise.

Riverstone has been an amazing experience for our two daughters. The academic standards are excellent, and the school’s ability to connect and foster growth within each child is something we hadn’t experienced at previous schools. The teachers are highly qualified, caring, and motivated to push each child to achieve their personal best.

We moved to Idaho from another state, and Riverstone has truly helped us to find a caring and supportive community within Boise.

We absolutely love Riverstone International School! This year has been incredible for our son, and we’ve already seen so much progress thanks to the personalized attention and the small class sizes. The teachers really get to know each student, which has made a huge difference in his confidence and learning. The supportive and nurturing environment helps him thrive, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. Highly recommend Riverstone for anyone looking for an amazing, individualized education experience!

I have had two children attend Riverstone International School from elementary school through middle school and into high school. Both have benefited greatly from the school's academically rigorous IB program, its unique outdoor experiences, and its incredibly kind and supportive student body. The faculty have been very accessible and helpful in personalizing education for each child, and I have seen the results of the education when my children have participated in programs outside the school and received recognition for outstanding performance. I would recommend Riverstone highly and without reservation to anyone looking for an outstanding academic education within a supportive environment that helps them develop a range of important life skills including critical thinking, community involvement, and communication skills.

I’ve been teaching at Riverstone for the past five years and I’ve seen first hand the energy, compassion, critical thought, and love that our faculty pours into our students and community! 😊 I’m grateful to work alongside such stellar educators and such motivated students. The culture at Riverstone is unmatched - social-emotional learning is prioritized, as are transferable skills like self-management and communication. Our rigorous, real-world applicable, inquiry-driven approach to academics sets our students up for success in higher education pursuits. Our outdoor education program offers incredible opportunities to raft, climb, bike, and pack across gorgeous areas while fostering leadership and independence. We truly believe in our mission to enable students to lead purposeful lives. I love this school community!

The primary years and elementary school programming that we have experienced so far have helped both my children learn and grow with confidence socially, emotionally, and academically. The teachers are thoughtful in their approach and individualize learning to meet the child where they are. The growth in reading that occurred in Kindergarten was amazing to see. The staff genuinely cares about how they can support any needs or concerns related to life outside school as well. Additionally, the outdoor programming has really challenged my kids and has encouraged them to want to try new things.

Foothills offers the most progressive approach to education in the Treasure Valley. The school utilizes hands on experiential learning, encouraging students to ask questions and guide themselves to critical thinking while still offering traditional math and science and language instruction. Each year builds on the next and I've witnessed my two kids blossom into independent thinkers and doers. It's wonderful to watch their confidence bloom. My "left brained" math and science boys' favorite classes are performing and visual arts, PE and history. The faculty and staff are the most amazing people I've ever met. They meet each child where they are with no judgement and curate an individual learning plan that keeps the right pace for that individual child. They are masters at their craft.

My experience with Foothills School in Boise has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment you step onto the campus, you can feel the warmth and dedication that permeate every aspect of the school.

One of the most impressive aspects of Foothills School is its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The faculty and staff go above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Foothills School truly caters to the diverse needs and interests of its students.

As a parent, I couldn't be happier with the education my child is receiving at Foothills School. The positive impact it has had on their academic and personal growth is truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend Foothills School to any family seeking an exceptional educational experience in Boise. It's more than just a school; it's a nurturing community where students thrive.

We have loved being in the foothills community for the past 5 years. Our kids are thriving academically as well as socially emotionally. The school has high quality teachers and staff, smaller classrooms and learning that starts with the children's ideas and interests. We all love this school!

Ncie

Foothills School of Arts and Science is a special place.
Our child has continued to thrive each year through the school’s inquiry based learning curriculum. The progressive education approach has helped him stay curious and challenged academically. Each teacher has taken extra care to understand our son as
a learner and person. He enjoys the variety in the school day, as no day is like the other with well rounded arts and academic programs that keep his creative juices flowing. Another important piece for us is the schools focus on social emotional growth. He has learned so much about collaboration, diversity, acceptance and contributing to the world. He is becoming a passionate critical thinker at the the young age of 11.
Overall the staff and teachers make this school a warm, friendly and incredibly talented community. A huge bonus is the Foothills guardian/parent community. I love that Foothills takes full advantage of its downtown location by visiting local businesses and participating in Arts, Literature and cultural events. Our family feels lucky to have found this amazing school!

My daughter has attended Foothills School of Arts and Science for 10 years. And even before we thought to enroll her there I had met students from this school. There was something amazing about the way these kids held themselves as well as interacted with you. A confidence and security in who they where was very evident. I wanted my daughter to grow up to be one of those people. In the 10 years at this school I have seen why these students act this way. They are allowed to make their own choices and learn in a way that suits their style. Teachers challenge them to be problem solvers and think critically. There is a sense of community at the school that goes beyond the students. The parents, faculty, and staff all are involved in the school in a way that draws you in and makes you want to be a part of this amazing experience. I'm proud to say I see all the attributes I hoped for blossoming in my daughter. And I know I have Foothills School to thank in part for that.

For oyr family the more important is our children feel confident, happy, comfortable is a small school with huge heart, we really like it the village

This school is by far the best decision we have made for our children and their education! The 7 Healthy Habits that are embodied at this school should be the foundation at EVERY school, and I am so fortunate that my family was introduced to this amazing life long concept! The staff is always on top of everything, informative, and know every child and parent by name. Ms. Daigle at the front office makes me feel like an old friend every time I call or go in. This school really, truly cares and always goes above and beyond for the students and families! I am beyond proud of my children and their effort to reflect good 'citizenship' in their daily lives and it is all thanks to such an amazing school, staff, teachers and the absolute love they are shown every single day while attending this school!

We couldn’t be happier at VLA. We moved our daughter here from a private Christian school, after several years of extreme bullying.
We have watched our daughter gain confidence, excel in her academics, and make quality friendships. The teachers are excellent, dedicated and passionate. We love the small family community. Our only regret is that we didn’t place our daughter here sooner.

We love this school! Each year is about growth and each child is different! I see this school embracing this! Love their schedule at school 4 days a week instead of five; and last year with Covid this school was on top with their model of learning. My son did not fall behind because of the pandemic! I appreciate the front desk and all they do for us every time I ask for help, Andrea is there doing what she can! Our third year here! It just keeps getting better and better!

Petra Christian Academy is the best school where my son had to study. Every day he goes to school with joy and does not stop talking about how wonderful teachers working there. In our daily joint prayer he thanks God that he has a school. I am grateful to God that we have the opportunity to study at this school.

Great school and great people. My girls love going to this school!

We have been here for about 4 months and are very impressed!

I have kids I work with that came from the Village or currently go here. Most kids that I've worked with from this school are behind where they are supposed to be. Also, the teachers or office attendants never answer their phones, and as a parent that is really concerning. They are very disorganized as well and lack communication. Surprised they have a decent rating from others. GreatSchools gives them a 3 out of 10... that should say something if nothing else does.

My kids have been coming here for a while now. We all love it!

i love it

Wonderful school. Good schools are hard to find.

BECAUSE ITS BIG

cool

The only progressive education school in Boise! My daughter just finished her first year at Foothills and I cannot say enough about how incredible this school is! The faculty, learning environment, and cirriculum are all fantastic. I cannot think of a better school to entrust my daughters education with. s

The Village Charter School provides an excellent education that far surpasses traditional public schools. Their focus on Singapore mathematics, the 7 habits and developing leaders is what makes the program exceptional. I moved my daughter from a private school to this school precisely because of these educational focuses. The teachers and staff are extremely committed and adaptive in their teaching styles. I also appreciate the focus on learning through experience. I wish I'd have been able to go to a school like this.

This is my second year at The Village and I love it. My 8 year started his school career in one of the public schools and HATED it! Stomach aches every morning, lots of anxiety. I tried everything to get him to like school. I moved him to The Village for second grade with Mrs. Borjian and his attitude about school changed. She built a relationship with him and earned his trust. She worked with him to figure out how he learns and was able to get him to do his work. Now he is in 3rd grade with Mrs. Brock and again same result. He loves going to school everyday and she works very hard at keeping the kids in the class learning. My son finally developed a love for reading and is eager to tell me about what he reads and well as what he does during his classroom day.
I look forward to getting to know his future teachers and seeing how his learning develops.

The school is like no other, it has everything you would want in a school! The school functions like a close community, the school is very safe, the education is beyond any other public school. There is a dress code, 4 day school week, 2 teachers to a classroom during instructional times, they teach character values, no tolerance for bullying, differentiated learning, elective programs for all ages, Spanish hour, art hour and the opportunities for parent involvement are far greater than other schools. The group of parents and students are unlike any other I promise you, the families that have put their children in this school all have the same values and standards of education.

Engaging, unique, and a hands on approach to education. Our childs interest, follow through, and desire to learn has far exceeded my expectations.

my school best school