Options beyond your assigned public school
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 202611 sources
You have four main options besides your neighborhood school: free public charter schools (admission by lottery), private schools (tuition), online public schools, and homeschool, which Idaho does not require you to register. Idaho's new Parental Choice Tax Credit can refund up to $5,000 per child for private school or homeschool costs, but 2026 funds ran out in July.
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Best for: Families in Eagle who want a K-12 charter in one system
Applicants living in its attendance zone get priority. Post-lottery applications go to the bottom of the waitlist.
Best for: Students who want an IB program
Best for: Canyon County families who want the Sage model closer to home
Best for: Meridian families wanting a long-running K-12 charter
Best for: Students drawn to visual and performing arts
Best for: Families who want a college-prep focus
Best for: Teens who want hands-on technical training
Idaho law (Idaho Code 33-5206) sets the order. Each school sorts applicants into priority groups by grade. Children of staff and founders usually come first, then siblings of current students, then kids who live in the school's attendance area, then everyone else. Names are drawn group by group.
Each school sets its own application window and lottery date, usually in the school year before the fall you want to start. Check every school on your list early. Applying after the lottery puts you at the bottom of the waitlist.
You go on a waitlist in lottery order. Seats open all year as families move. Once your child is enrolled, they do not have to re-enter the lottery each year, but you do need to register each year.
Some do and many don't. Ask each school. Plan for driving if you choose a charter across town.
Tuition for 2024-25 ranged from $18,800 (K-5) to $26,000 (grades 11-12).
Very little. You do not have to notify the state or district, give tests, or hold a teaching license. Idaho Code 33-202 says you must teach subjects commonly taught in public schools (such as language arts, math, science and social studies) for a period about equal to the public school year. If your child is enrolled in public school now, tell the school you are withdrawing so they are not marked truant.
Yes, through dual enrollment (Idaho Code 33-203). Homeschool students can take classes or join activities at their local public school. For activities, you show your child is at grade level with a standardized test or a portfolio review.
Yes. Statewide online charters include Idaho Virtual Academy (about 2,000 students), iSucceed Virtual High School and Inspire Connections Academy. Boise School District runs Boise Online School. The Idaho Digital Learning Alliance offers single online courses through your district.
Yes. Idaho's Advanced Opportunities program gives every public school student in grades 7-12 $4,625 to spend on dual credit college classes (up to $75 per credit), exams and workforce training.
A refundable state tax credit created by House Bill 93 in 2025. It repays families for private school tuition, curriculum, textbooks, tutoring and test prep for children not enrolled in public school. Homeschool curriculum covering the four core subjects qualifies.
Up to $5,000 per student, or $7,500 for a student with a disability. There is no income limit and no cap on students per household, but families at or below 300% of the federal poverty level get first priority.
No. The 2026 credit ran in two rounds (Jan. 15 to March 15, then a second round from late May). The $50 million cap was reached and the Tax Commission closed applications on July 17, 2026, after about 7,000 applications covering about 12,500 students. Watch the state's My School Choice site for the next window, usually starting in January. Past recipients get priority in later years.
Yes. The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the law unanimously on February 5, 2026.
Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.
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