All Six Boise School District High Schools Recognized in National Rankings
Boise School District is proud to announce that all six of its high schools have been included in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings.
The Boise schools recognized are:
Boise High School
Boise Online Secondary School
Borah High School
Capital High School
Frank Church High School
Timberline High School
The annual rankings evaluate public high schools using several measures, including college readiness, state assessment performance, graduation rates and how well schools serve students from different backgrounds.
The recognition reflects the wide range of high-quality learning opportunities available throughout Boise School District – from comprehensive high schools offering Advanced Placement, career-technical education, arts, athletics and other programs to flexible online learning and personalized alternative education.
Each of our high schools serves a distinct community and student population, but all share the same commitment: providing exceptional learning opportunities and preparing every student for success in college, career, citizenship and life.
Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, families and school communities whose dedication makes this recognition possible.
The video below celebrates highlights from the 2025–2026 school year and showcases the students, staff, programs and opportunities that make Boise School District a world-class educational community built on a foundation of success.
Boise School Board Trustee Election Is Next Week
The 2026 Boise School Board Trustee Election will be held next Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Three trustee positions will appear on the ballot: two six-year terms and one four-year term.
Early voting continues through Friday, August 28. Voters planning to cast their ballots on Election Day can find candidate information, polling locations and other important resources on the District’s 2026 Trustee Election webpage.
The Board of Trustees plays an important role in guiding the future of our schools and supporting opportunities for every student. We encourage all eligible Boise School District voters to learn about the candidates, make a plan to vote and participate in this important local election.
Boise School District Launches Eight New Electric School Buses
Boise School District celebrated the launch of eight new electric school buses during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the District’s Transportation Facility on August 26, 2026. Following the ceremony, attendees toured the buses and participated in a demonstration ride.
The buses and supporting charging infrastructure were made possible through $2.76 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program and partnerships with Durham School Services and Highland Electric Fleets.
The new buses produced no tailpipe emissions, helping provide cleaner air around students, schools and neighborhoods. With fewer moving parts than traditional diesel buses, they were also expected to reduce maintenance needs and operating costs over time.
The project reflected the District’s continued commitment to modernizing student transportation, responsibly managing public resources and creating a more sustainable future for the Boise community.
Boise Schools Helping Shape the Future of E-Mobility
Being a good neighbor means working together to make our community safer, stronger and more connected. Lanette Daw, Boise School District transportation supervisor, is putting that commitment into action as a member of the City of Boise’s new E-Mobility Task Force.
Established by Mayor Lauren McLean and the Boise City Council, the volunteer task force brings together representatives from education, healthcare, public safety, local businesses, the disability community, parents and youth.
Members will meet monthly through the end of 2026 to develop community-based recommendations for the Boise City Council focused on policies, public education and safety related to e-bikes and other emerging forms of transportation.
Daw will bring an important education and student transportation perspective to the group. Her participation is another example of how Boise Schools make good neighbors – sharing expertise and collaborating with community partners to help make Boise a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
It’s official: Les Bois Junior High School’s Hope Squad has earned a world record for the largest marshmallow battle!
The school’s record-setting event brought students together to toss 2,270 pounds—approximately 145,000 marshmallows—while promoting mental health awareness, connection and a stronger sense of community.
The achievement was the result of Hope Squad advisor JoBecka Thompson and her students thinking big and creating an activity in which the entire school could participate. While the marshmallow battle was fun, its larger purpose reflected Hope Squad’s commitment to fostering belonging and supporting student mental health through peer-to-peer suicide prevention.
Congratulations to the Les Bois Hope Squad, staff and students on this memorable—and now officially record-setting—achievement!
Watch the video below to learn more about this record-setting accomplishment.
13 Boise Schools Earn City of Boise Curb It Awards
Thirteen Boise School District schools have been recognized with 2026 Curb It Awards from the City of Boise for their commitment to reducing waste, recycling effectively and helping create a cleaner, greener community.
Grace Jordan Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Horizon Elementary, Lincoln Early Learning Center, Longfellow Elementary, Maple Grove Elementary, Pierce Park Elementary, Riverglen Junior High, Riverside Elementary, Timberline High, Trail Wind Elementary and White Pine Elementary earned Champion-level recognition. Boise High School received a Pioneer-level award.
Among those recognized was Timberline High School, where Mr. Keith Barnes and members of the school’s Tree Club have helped promote sustainability and responsible environmental practices.
Timberline High School earned particularly strong praise. Following a visit to the school, Gabe Brenner, who oversees the City’s Curb It program and awards, described what he saw as “one of the most comprehensive recycling programs I have seen in all of Boise.”
Congratulations to the students and staff whose efforts are making a positive difference in our schools and throughout Boise! View the complete list of 2026 Curb It Award recipients.
Mr. Barnes and members of Timberline High School’s Tree Club, as well as Timberline Principal Chad Wright, celebrate the school’s 2026 City of Boise Curb It Champion Award, recognizing their commitment to sustainability and waste reduction.
Hands-On Training Helps Students Become Future Ready
What does it mean to be future ready? For students at the Dennis Technical Education Center, it can mean putting on a helmet, picking up specialized tools and learning alongside Boise Fire Department professionals.
Through hands-on vehicle extrication training, students gained firsthand experience while exploring careers in public safety. Opportunities like this demonstrate the power of Boise School District’s Career & Technical Education pathways, which help students develop practical skills, connect with industry professionals and discover potential careers—all while still in high school.
From public safety and healthcare to engineering, technology and skilled trades, CTE programs turn students’ interests into valuable skills and future possibilities. It’s the Boise School District Strategic Plan in action: creating meaningful learning opportunities that prepare every student for success in college, career, citizenship and life.
Titanic Project Brings History to Life at Dallas Harris Elementary
Sara Walsh, a teacher at Dallas Harris Elementary School, is bringing history off the page and into the classroom with support from the Idaho Lottery.
Walsh received an $811.17 Idaho Lottery Classroom Wishlist award to help her students explore the story of the Titanic through books, artifacts, hands-on projects, research, engineering challenges and creative activities.
The immersive project will help students experience history while strengthening literacy, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The new materials will also benefit future classes for years to come.
Congratulations to Sara Walsh and Dallas Harris Elementary!
A heartwarming surprise unfolded at Mountain View Elementary on August 19 when Sgt. Pennington of the Idaho Army National Guard returned home earlier than expected and reunited with his son, MJ.
Sgt. Pennington had been serving our country and away from his family since February. MJ’s excitement was unmistakable when he saw his dad – a touching reunion that brought plenty of joy to the school community.
Watch the video below to share in this special moment and help us welcome Sgt. Pennington home!
Boise High Counselor Selected for National & Regional Leadership Role
Congratulations to David Chehey, Boise High School College and Career Counselor, who has been elected president-elect of the Pacific Northwest Association for College Admission Counseling (PNACAC).
During the three-year leadership progression—from president-elect to president and past president—David will help guide the organization, promote ethical college admission practices and expand professional development and college-access opportunities across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. He has also been selected to present at the National Association for College Admission Counseling conference in October.
“I am honored and grateful to represent Boise High School, the Boise School District and our regional counseling community,” David said. “Helping students navigate their future paths is at the heart of what we do.”
David’s selection also reflects the important work of the College and Career Counselors serving students at each of the District’s five traditional high schools. Together, they help students explore postsecondary opportunities and confidently take their next steps after graduation.
Boise School District College and Career Counselors representing the District’s five traditional high schools at the PNACAC conference in May. Pictured left to right: I Sherise Porchia [Borah], Katie Omercevic [Frank Church], David Chehey [Boise], Jenni Kimball [Timberline], and Nicole Chojnacky [Capital]
David Chehey, Boise High School College and Career Counselor and newly elected PNACAC president-elect.
Fall Into Learning with Boise Schools Community Education!
Registration is now open for Boise School District’s Fall 2026 Community Education session! For 55 years, Community Education has provided high-quality, affordable lifelong learning opportunities throughout the Treasure Valley.
Classes run September 8 through October 22 at Riverglen Junior High, Timberline High, West Junior High, several offsite locations and online. Choose from hundreds of courses covering arts and crafts, cooking, fitness, gardening, career development, languages, technology and more.
Explore a new hobby, build your skills and connect with others this fall. Browse classes and register today at www.boiselearns.org.
There’s always something worth sharing in Boise School District—from classroom learning and student achievements to school celebrations, important updates and inspiring stories from across our schools.
Follow Boise School District on Facebook and Instagram to see more of what’s happening and stay connected throughout the school year.
When you see a story that makes you proud, give it a like, share it with friends and family, and help us spread the word about the great things happening in Boise Schools! 💙
Join our online community and celebrate the people and programs that make Boise School District a place where students thrive. #BSDProud 💙
Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor Ali Ward Featured on Radio Boise Podcast
Boise School District Sustainability Supervisor Ali Ward was recently featured on Radio Boise’s Do Good Conversations podcast.
In the August 18, 2026 episode, Ward discussed her work supporting sustainability efforts in the Boise School District and the importance of creating practices that benefit students, schools and the broader community.
Ward plays a key role in advancing the District’s sustainability initiatives, including efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and support projects such as the District’s transition to electric school buses.
The Boise School District Parent Advocacy Group is vital link between families and district leadership, ensuring parent voices help shape the future of our schools and support every student's success. The group includes parent representatives from each of the District’s four high school attendance areas, Boise, Borah, Capital, and Timberline, as well as at-large members representing elementary, junior high, and high school families across the district.
While the majority of our dedicated Parent Advocacy Group members are returning for the upcoming school year, we are excited to invite new voices to fill a limited number of open seats. If you are interested in serving, please take a few moments to complete our Parent Advocacy Group application by September 1st, 2026.
Help Shape Idaho’s First Kinship State Plan
Are you caring for a relative’s child or another child who is not your own? The Idaho Caregiver Alliance wants to hear from you as it develops Idaho’s first statewide Kinship State Plan.
The plan will identify ways to strengthen support for kinship families across Idaho. Caregivers who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a thank-you gift card.
Boise School District families may purchase optional K–12 student accident insurance through K&K Insurance. Plans are available for accidents occurring at school, 24-hour accident coverage, extended dental coverage and football-related injuries.
Families can review plan details, rates, benefits, exclusions and limitations and apply online at studentinsurance-kk.com. Enrollment takes only a few minutes, and coverage may be purchased using a credit card or electronic check.
Help Protect Your Bicycle or Scooter with Bike Index
Each year, bicycles and scooters are stolen from schools. Boise Police Department encourages students and families to register their bicycles and scooters with Bike Index, a free online registry.
Bike Index allows owners to document important identifying information—including the make, model, serial number and photographs—before an item is lost or stolen. Having these details readily available can help law enforcement accurately document a theft and return a recovered bicycle or scooter to its rightful owner.
ParentSquare makes it easy to stay informed about what’s happening at your child’s school—while giving you control over how and when you receive updates.
With the free ParentSquare app, families can customize their notification preferences. ParentSquare’s Smart Notification Delivery helps reduce duplicate notifications by sending most routine updates through the app first. Urgent alerts and direct messages will continue to be delivered through your selected notification methods.
Download the free ParentSquare app from the App Store or Google Play, then review your settings to select the notification options that work best for your family.
Want to know more about how our schools work behind the scenes? Beyond the Bell is a new publication from the Boise School District that offers an inside look at the financial, operational, and policy decisions shaping public education in our community.
Each issue dives into key topics like budgeting, strategic planning, student safety, and our instructional approach—providing timely insights for parents, employees, business leaders, elected officials, and anyone invested in the future of our schools.
Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...
