Boise Schools Lead Idaho with 32 National Merit Semifinalists
Thirty-two Boise School District seniors have been named 2027 National Merit Semifinalists—the most of any public school district or public charter school in Idaho. They represent 37% of Idaho’s 86 semifinalists, even though District students account for only about 7% of statewide public school enrollment.
The honorees include 17 students from Boise High School, 14 from Timberline High School and one from Borah High School. They are among more than 16,000 academically talented seniors nationwide selected for the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Boise Schools Celebrate Record Growth in AP Capstone Achievement
Forty-four Boise School District students from all four traditional high schools earned prestigious AP Capstone distinctions during the 2025–26 school year. Thirty-four students received the AP Capstone Diploma—more than twice the 16 recipients recognized in the program’s inaugural year—while 10 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
Through advanced research, presentations and collaborative projects, these students developed critical-thinking and communication skills that will serve them well in college, their careers and beyond.
Boise High Senior Earns Prestigious National Honor
Congratulations to Boise High School senior Grady Noble, who has been named a 2026 Coolidge Senator by the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation. Grady is only the second student in Idaho history to receive the honor, selected among 95 students from more than 4,000 applicants nationwide for his academic achievement, interest in public policy and dedication to public service.
As a Coolidge Senator, Grady received a college scholarship and attended an all-expenses-paid summit in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, where he participated in academic seminars, debated national issues and connected with experts and fellow student leaders.
Boise High Senior Takes Science Research to the International Stage
Boise High School senior Scarlet Fields was one of only three students selected to represent Idaho at the 2026 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair—the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.
Scarlet joined approximately 1,700 young innovators from around the world in presenting her research on improving materials used in bone implants. She conducted the project through Boise State University’s Electrochemical Energy Materials Laboratory.
Your Voice Can Help Shape the Future of Boise Schools
Families, staff, students and community members are invited to help guide the future of Boise School District facilities. Attend one of four community feedback meetings on September 22 or 23—virtually or in person—to learn about preliminary recommendations, ask questions and share your perspective.
No final decisions have been made, and community feedback will help refine the recommendations before they are presented to the Board of Trustees.
BOARD CORNER: Andy Hawes to Be Sworn In as Boise School Board Trustee September 14
Andy Hawes received 2,430 votes to Kirt Naylor’s 2,341 votes in the September 1 election for a four-year term on the Boise School District Board of Trustees. Dr. Alejandro Necochea and Krista Hasler ran uncontested for two six-year terms.
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.
Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Boise School District joins communities across our nation in remembering those who lost their lives, honoring the courage of first responders and recognizing the lasting impact on survivors, families and our country.
Boise School District students and families are never alone. Students can turn to a trusted teacher, counselor, social worker, nurse or administrator for support, and parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact their student’s school with concerns.
A simple, caring check-in can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you know needs immediate support, call or text 988 to reach the free, confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
You matter. You belong. Help is available.
In Boise Schools, Everything’s Possible
Boise School District is more than classrooms and textbooks. It’s where students discover their passions, build skills, create, compete, connect and prepare for what comes next.
From academics and hands-on learning to arts, athletics and activities, every experience—and the support of our families and community—helps shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Watch the video, then follow Boise School District on Facebook and Instagram to see more of what makes our schools special.
🌟 Stay Connected with Boise Schools
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 💙
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.
September 14: Boise School Board Meeting, 6 p.m., District Services Center, 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise. Public is invited to attend. Agenda will be posted online.
October 9: End of First Quarter - Pre K-12 No School; Teacher Directed Day/Professional Development
October 14: No School Pre K
October 15: No Pre K-6 Elementary Parent Conferences
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...
