A Letter from Our Board

Dear Idaho families,

What kind of adult do you hope your child will become?

Of course, we want our children to read well, write clearly, understand mathematics and science, and discover meaningful opportunities after graduation. We also want something more: young people who think for themselves, keep learning when life changes, stand by their values, manage real responsibilities, and contribute confidently to their families and communities.

That is why we are building Idahome Academy, a proposed tuition-free, statewide K–12 public charter school planning to open in fall 2027, pending approval by the Idaho Public Charter School Commission.

Our conviction is simple: teacher-led, not computer-led. Technology can deliver content, but it cannot replace a teacher who knows a student, notices confusion, asks a thoughtful question, explains a difficult idea, and offers the feedback that helps a young person grow. Families participate as Learning Partners, not substitute teachers.

We are building an education that respects family flexibility without leaving students to learn alone at a screen. Much of the academic work will happen through purposeful, teacher-directed lessons students can complete with flexibility. Short, interactive live lessons will focus on the subjects and needs that benefit from direct instruction. Students will have opportunities to talk with classmates, collaborate, and learn from one another. Live Advisory will help students build community and develop practical skills. Virtual daily labs, feedback, and teacher outreach will provide support when students need it.

We want learning to move beyond the screen, too. Mathematics might become a household budget. Science might turn into observing a seed grow or investigating an Idaho water issue. Writing and research might help a student develop a business idea. Students will learn to use AI and other technologies thoughtfully while still explaining their own decisions and reasoning. These examples illustrate the kinds of age-appropriate, standards-aligned projects our teachers will develop; families will not need acreage, expensive tools, or a business of their own to participate.

We call the broader framework The Idahome Six: Six Pillars of Independence: Character, Learning, Work & Wealth, Food & Self-Reliance, Physical Capability, and Technology. Independent judgment runs through every pillar. We want students who can stand firm on principle, listen respectfully, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions even when life changes around them.

To us, independence does not mean going it alone. It means having the knowledge, competence, character, and sound judgment to direct your own life while caring for, working with, and learning from others. Idaho families may come from different backgrounds and traditions, but we believe we share something important: the desire to raise capable, principled young people who can think for themselves, contribute to their communities, and build meaningful lives.

Friendship and belonging matter. We envision welcoming clubs, creative activities, hands-on projects, and appropriate opportunities for students to connect with fellow Eagles across Idaho. Younger students deserve chances to build, draw, read, and play constructively with peers; older students deserve the chance to collaborate, lead, create, and explore interests. Actual activities will depend on the school’s final program, staffing, and resources.

If this vision resonates with your family, we invite you to help us build it. Our free, non-binding interest list helps us understand what Idaho families want and lets us share future updates. It is not an enrollment application, and it does not reserve a seat.

Raising Capable Kids. Preparing Independent Adults.

With gratitude and anticipation,

Idahome Academy Board President

Download the Printable Letter (PDF)Join the Interest List

School status: Idahome Academy is a proposed tuition-free Idaho K–12 public charter school, pending Idaho Public Charter School Commission approval. Joining the interest list is free and non-binding; it is not enrollment and does not reserve a seat.