Boise School District is proud to celebrate Fairmont Junior High School’s revalidation as a National AVID Demonstration School, a distinction that recognizes the school’s strong implementation of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) College and Career Readiness System and its impact on student success.

Fairmont is one of only 213 AVID National Demonstration Schools in the United States, and the Boise School District is one of just two districts in Idaho with a school holding this designation. The recognition follows a rigorous revalidation process conducted every three years to ensure schools continue to demonstrate high-quality, schoolwide implementation of AVID strategies with strong fidelity.

This milestone is especially meaningful as the 2025–2026 school year marks 20 years of AVID in the Boise School District. The district first implemented AVID at Fairmont Junior High in 2006. Since then, the program has expanded to all 13 secondary schools and two elementary schools, with AVID strategies now supporting students across grade levels.

Today, students throughout the district benefit from AVID’s research-based approach, including strategies such as focused note-taking, binder organization, and WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading)  - all designed to strengthen academic skills and prepare students for success beyond high school.

“Fairmont Junior High’s revalidation as a National AVID Demonstration School reflects the dedication of our teachers, staff, and AVID leadership team to ensuring students are supported, challenged, and prepared for success beyond the classroom,” said Lisa Roberts. “As we celebrate 20 years of AVID in the Boise School District, this recognition highlights the lasting impact of AVID strategies in helping students build the skills and confidence they need for college, career, and life.”

As a National Demonstration School, Fairmont continues to serve as a model site where educators from across the region and nation can observe effective AVID practices in action.

Congratulations to the entire Fairmont Junior High community on this outstanding achievement and continued leadership in supporting student success! 🎉

Les Bois Junior High School proudly celebrated Improv, an auditioned choir of 31 students representing grades 7–9, for being selected as the only school from Idaho invited to perform at the Northwest Regional American Choral Directors Association (NW-ACDA) Conference, held March 4–6, 2026, in Tacoma, Washington.

This recognition reflected the ensemble’s high level of musical achievement and dedication. During the conference, the group performed a diverse and challenging repertoire that included folk music as well as selections in Haitian Creole and Swahili, alongside classical choral works—highlighting both musical excellence and meaningful cultural representation.

Their participation provided students with the opportunity to represent Les Bois Junior High, the Boise School District, and the state of Idaho on a regional stage among outstanding choral programs from across the Northwest 🌟.

Special recognition went to Cassie Horner, Les Bois Junior High choir and adaptive music teacher and piano instructor, whose leadership helped guide students to this exceptional accomplishment.

Boise School District students earned outstanding recognition at the 2026 HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC), demonstrating exceptional knowledge, leadership, and technical skills across a wide range of health science and medical career pathways.

Students from Boise High School, Borah High School (pictured), Capital High School, Timberline High School, and the Dennis Technical Education Center (DTEC) earned top placements in events including Pathophysiology, Medical Assisting, Biotechnology, CPR/First Aid, Biomedical Debate, Creative Problem Solving, Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Health, and many more.

Among the highlights:

In addition to competitive events, students were recognized for leadership, teamwork, and service through HOSA recognition programs such as the Barbara James Service Award and participation in Hilarity for Charity, supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

These achievements reflect the strength of Boise School District’s Career Technical Education programs and health science pathways, which help prepare students for success in college, careers, and the healthcare workforce.

👉 View the full list of Boise School District student results here:

Congratulations to all participating students and their advisors for representing Boise School District with excellence!

Students at Maple Grove Elementary School are helping lead the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable Boise.

On April 8, 2026, Maple Grove Elementary School’s student-led Green Team was recognized by the City of Boise with a Curb It Award, honoring the school’s strong commitment to waste reduction, recycling, and environmental stewardship. The award celebrates organizations that go above and beyond to support sustainable practices and help keep Boise a cleaner community for everyone.

Through their efforts, Maple Grove students have taken an active role in promoting recycling, encouraging responsible waste habits, and supporting sustainability initiatives across their school campus. Their work reflects the power of student leadership and demonstrates how even small daily actions can make a meaningful difference for the environment.

The recognition highlights Maple Grove Elementary as one of several Boise schools contributing to the City’s broader efforts to reduce waste and build a more sustainable future. By forming and supporting a Green Team, the school joins other local organizations working together to model environmentally responsible practices for the community.

Congratulations to the Maple Grove Elementary Green Team for this well-deserved honor and for helping set a positive example for schools across the Boise School District.

Longfellow Elementary students and staff recently gathered for a special Kindness Assembly celebrating ways students can make a positive difference in their community.

During the assembly, grade-level groups helped present donations to several local organizations, including Meals on Wheels, the Agency for New Americans, United Way, the Ronald McDonald House, and others.

Students shared thoughtful gifts such as books, hygiene items, blankets, placemats, pantry supplies, and even a monetary donation to help provide meals—demonstrating that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.

Events like this reflect Longfellow’s strong commitment to kindness, service, and caring for others both inside and beyond the school community.

Boise School District is proud to recognize Jessica Johnson, a computer science teacher at North Junior High School, who was recently featured as a Skill Struck Ambassador Spotlight educator for her innovative work engaging students in hands-on computer science learning.

In her classroom, Jessica helps students build confidence as problem-solvers through experiences with robotics, coding tools, and real-world connections with technology professionals. She also supports computer science education beyond her classroom by collaborating with educators across Idaho to expand access to innovative learning opportunities.

Congratulations to Jessica on this well-deserved recognition and the positive impact she continues to make with students.

👉 Read the full feature

Boise School District recently welcomed community members and regional leaders to two important events launching the District’s Long-Range Facilities Master Planning process—an effort that will help guide school facility investments and improvements over the next decade.

On April 2, 2026, families, staff, students, and community members gathered at Timberline High School for a public feedback meeting focused on the future of our school facilities.

The following morning, on April 3, the District hosted a Futures Conference at the District Services Center, bringing together community leaders, business partners, civic representatives, and education stakeholders for a deeper conversation about long-term planning priorities and emerging educational trends.

Both sessions were led by nationally recognized K–12 facilities planning expert Tracy Richter of HPM Planning, who has worked with the Boise School District for more than 20 years supporting demographic analysis, facility condition assessments, and long-range planning strategies.

During the meetings, participants reviewed the current state of district facilities, explored enrollment and demographic trends, and discussed how evolving instructional programs, student needs, and community priorities should shape future facility investments. The planning process considers multiple factors—including educational programming, facility condition, demographics, and funding—to help ensure decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and aligned with student success.

The District’s school facilities average approximately 48 years in age, making long-range planning especially important to ensure buildings continue supporting high-quality learning environments while remaining safe, efficient, and adaptable for the future.

The April meetings mark the beginning of a multi-month engagement process that will include community task force participation, additional public meetings, surveys, and Board work sessions throughout 2026 before a final Long-Range Facilities Master Plan is presented this fall.

Community voice is central to this effort. The Boise School District has undertaken this type of comprehensive facilities planning process only twice in the past 20 years, each time resulting in meaningful improvements that continue benefiting students today.

To learn more about the Long-Range Facilities Master Planning process and review the presentation shared during the April meetings, please view the Educational Futures Conference presentation here:

We thank everyone who participated in these important conversations and encourage continued community involvement as we work together to shape a plan that supports students today and prepares our schools for tomorrow.

Boise School District is proud to join the Idaho National Guard Child & Youth Program in recognizing Purple Up Day on April 10, a day dedicated to honoring military-connected students in our schools and community.

Many Boise School District students have parents or guardians serving in the military. Purple Up Day is a meaningful opportunity to show appreciation for their strength, flexibility, and the important role they play in supporting military families.

Students, staff, and families are encouraged to:

Together, we’re proud to celebrate and support the students and families who serve. Please see the attached letter for additional ways your school can participate.

Students across the Boise School District will have opportunities to take learning outdoors on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of the District’s annual Take It Outside Day.

Held during Earth Week and on Arbor Day, the day encourages teachers to move lessons outside for all or part of the school day - whether on school grounds or through short walking field trips - to help strengthen students’ connection to nature. As part of the effort, Idaho Power will also track whether schools are able to “unplug” during portions of the day to help conserve energy, with results shared by quadrant.

Families are encouraged to help students come prepared for outdoor learning by dressing appropriately for sun or possible precipitation.

If a class is unable to participate on April 24, teachers may choose another day or incorporate nature-connected learning activities in the classroom.

For questions or to learn more, community members may contact the District Sustainability Team at sustainability@boiseschools.org.

Boise School District’s Spring 2026 Community Education session is now open for registration at www.boiselearns.org.

Classes run April 13–May 7 and are offered at Riverglen Junior High, Timberline High, West Junior High, multiple community locations, and online.

Choose from hundreds of affordable classes in arts, cooking, fitness, gardening, technology, career skills, languages, and more - perfect for trying something new or building your skills.

👉 Browse classes and register today at www.boiselearns.org

Boise School District is pleased to announce graduation dates and locations for the Class of 2026. Families and community members are invited to join us in celebrating this important milestone as students from across the district prepare to walk the stage.

May 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Capital High School Auditorium

May 15 at 5:00 p.m.

Borah High School Auditorium

May 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Extra Mile Arena

May 19 at 7:00 p.m.

Extra Mile Arena

May 20 at 7:00 p.m.

Extra Mile Arena

May 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Extra Mile Arena

We look forward to celebrating our graduates and wish the Class of 2026 continued success as they take their next steps.