Idaho offers many excellent elementary schools that combine strong academic results, supportive teachers, and enriching learning environments. From urban areas like Meridian and Boise to smaller towns like Pocatello, parents have many choices. Below are ten of the best elementary schools in Idaho, each with what makes them stand out. These include high proficiency in reading and math, lower student-teacher ratios, and strong community involvement. For more details, check the links to moonpreneur or local district pages after each school.
1. Discovery Elementary School, Meridian
Discovery Elementary in Meridian is often considered among Idaho’s top choices, with strong academic performance and well-rounded student support. It serves grades PK-5, with about 463 students and a student-teacher ratio around 18:1. Reading proficiency there is ~78% and math ~76%, which is significantly above state averages of ~43% and ~52%.
Teachers are fully certified, and the school emphasizes inclusiveness and fair education. Parents appreciate both the academic success and the supportive learning culture. Learn more here Moonpreneur
2. Edahow Elementary School, Pocatello-Chubbuck
Edahow Elementary in Pocatello-Chubbuck School District 25 serves grades K-5 with strong focus on foundational reading and math skills. The school works closely with families and implements early intervention programs for students who need extra help. It is frequently ranked among the best performers in regional assessments.
Teachers at Edahow are known for attentive instruction and creating a welcoming environment. For parents wanting a school that supports both academic achievement and emotional growth, Edahow is a solid choice. More about Edahow
3. Ellis Elementary School, Pocatello-Chubbuck
Ellis Elementary is another standout in the Pocatello-Chubbuck district. The school focuses on small class sizes, personalized attention, and tracking student growth over time. Academics there are strong in reading, and math programs are improving steadily due to enhanced resources and teacher training.
Family engagement is high, with regular communication between staff and parents. Extracurriculars like art or music add to the learning experience. If you want consistent academic progress and caring environment, Ellis Elementary is worth considering. Check out Ellis Elementary
4. A. B. McDonald Elementary School, Moscow
A.B. McDonald Elementary in Moscow, Idaho, offers a nurturing learning climate, with strong teacher support and innovative programs for young learners. The school emphasizes literacy, hands-on science, and social emotional learning, helping students build confidence alongside academic skills. Lower student-teacher ratios allow teachers to meet individual learning needs.
The community is involved, and parents often praise how well students are supported both academically and socially. For families prioritizing well-rounded early education, A. B. McDonald is a compelling option. Learn more here
5. Westside Elementary School, Idaho Falls
Westside Elementary in Idaho Falls provides a balanced education with a focus on foundational skills, safety, and supportive staff. The school offers interventions for students lagging behind, as well as enrichment for those exceeding expectations. Teachers are well-qualified and work to ensure children feel seen and supported.
The school environment emphasizes belonging and growth rather than just test scores. For parents looking for a school that cares about student well-being as much as academic success, Westside is often on the list. Explore Westside Elementary
6. Popplewell Elementary School, Buhl
Popplewell Elementary in Buhl is known for its caring teachers, smaller community setting, and focus on reading readiness. While some metrics may lag behind urban schools, Popplewell’s strengths lie in close teacher-student relationships and steady improvement year over year.
Activities outside core academics help students engage in arts, physical education, and community events. For families in smaller towns wanting a school where each child is known and encouraged, Popplewell offers that personalized experience. More on Popplewell Elementary
7. Kimberly Elementary School, Kimberly
Kimberly Elementary in Kimberly, Idaho, combines robust academic expectations with strong community engagement. Teachers often report that parent support and partnerships help improve student performance. The school offers enrichment programs, extra help for struggling students, and a safe, welcoming environment.
Proficiency in reading and math tends to be above many comparable schools in rural or semi-rural areas. If you’re seeking a school that offers both challenge and caring, Kimberly Elementary is a good match. Check Kimberly Elementary here
8. Quest Academy North Idaho, Coeur d’Alene
Quest Academy North Idaho, a public charter elementary school, stands out for its innovative teaching and hands-on learning. It provides smaller class sizes and strong support for students in core subjects. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and student responsibility.
Parents often choose it for its charter model offering flexibility and specialized attention. For those willing to explore alternatives to standard public schools, Quest Academy can be an excellent option. Discover Quest Academy here
9. Ammon Elementary School, Ammon
In Ammon, Idaho, Ammon Elementary serves a diverse student population with a focus on foundational academics and community collaboration. The school emphasizes early reading success, positive discipline, and supports for students who need extra help. Class sizes are moderate, and teachers are known to be caring and invested.
For those placing importance on academic outcomes as well as character development and stable learning support, Argonne often ranks high in neighborhood comparisons. Learn more about Argonne here.
10. Hillview Elementary School, Ammon
Hillview Elementary is noted for its commitment to student growth and inclusive classroom environments. The school offers strong reading and math programs, with particular focus on helping students who are behind catch up through targeted instruction.
The teaching staff works to foster confidence and curiosity in young learners, and parents appreciate the open communication and school culture. Hillview tends to stand out in its community for improving outcomes and student support. More about Hillview Elementary
Conclusion
Idaho offers many great elementary school options with strong academic performance, supportive teaching, and community involvement. Discovery Elementary in Meridian stands out for its significantly higher reading and math proficiency compared to state averages. Schools like Edahow, Ellis, A. B. McDonald, and Kimberly also provide excellent environments depending on your location and priorities. When choosing a school, consider test scores, class size, teacher quality, and school culture. Visiting schools and talking to parents can help you decide which is the best fit for your child.
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FAQs:
Discovery Elementary in Meridian is often ranked among the very top. It shows reading and math proficiency significantly above state averages and strong teacher-to-student support.
Yes. Schools like Quest Academy North Idaho offer a charter alternative with smaller class sizes, innovative teaching, and strong support systems.
Important factors include student-teacher ratio, school culture, early interventions for struggling students, enrichment programs, and parent-school communication.
Many Idaho schools have early literacy or math intervention programs, dedicated support staff, and personalized instruction to help students catch up.
Often yes. Schools in urban or suburban areas like Meridian or Boise tend to have more resources, while rural schools may have fewer extracurricular options, though many still perform well depending on district support.
