Education
Quality education and school choice are criteria of utmost importance to most people considering a move to a new community. The Wood River Valley is proud to offer many excellent educational options—both public and private—from which families can choose.
Education Information and Resources
Recognized as one of the best public school systems in the state of Idaho, the Blaine County School District (BCSD) serves approximately 3,300 students at its four elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, one alternative high school, and a K–12 rural school serving the community of Carey. With its mission of inspiring, engaging, educating, and empowering every student, BCSD is known for its award-winning arts programs, preschool and all-day kindergarten classes, advanced opportunities, diverse student body, dual-immersion language program, and low student/teacher ratios in classrooms that feature state-of-the-art technology.
“There are plenty of choices here,” said Heather Crocker, Director of Communications for BCSD. “We have opportunities for success for every single student who walks through the door.”
Excellent educational options can also be found outside the traditional public system. Since its inception in 1973, Community School in Sun Valley has inspired its students to think critically, embrace challenges, and lead impactful, purposeful lives. The school serves more than 390 day and boarding students in grades PreK–12. Close student-faculty relationships and experiential, project-centered learning define the school’s distinctive educational experience. The Sage School in Hailey is an independent day school for grades 6–12 that honors adolescence and strives to create a dynamic learning environment through a curriculum centered on human ecology and engaging experiences that promote self-awareness, community responsibility, and a sense of place. Honoring the 110-year tradition of Montessori education, Pioneer Montessori School serves children 18 months to 12 years old in multi age classrooms that reflect the emotional, academic and social needs of children throughout their development. Pioneer’s small, urban campus in Ketchum provides a unique school experience. Hailey’s Syringa Mountain School is Idaho’s first public elementary school guided by the core principles of Waldorf education. The K-6 charter school offers a full music program, Spanish instruction and garden education. At Bellevue’s Waldorf-inspired Trinity School, students in grades 4–6 receive an independent education that incorporates music, handwork, and nature-based learning in a mixed-age classroom. For the youngest students of all, the Wood River Valley offers an abundance of high-quality private preschool programs, each with its own strengths and areas of focus.
On the other end of the educational spectrum, the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) operates a branch facility at the Community Campus in Hailey. Since 1985, CSI’s Blaine County Center has promoted higher education and lifelong learning opportunities for all ages. CSI students can work toward an associate degree, prepare to transfer to a four-year institution, gain skills for a career change, and explore new interests—all right here at home!
School Directory
Public Schools
ALTURAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL1111 Alturas Elementary Ln., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-5090
www.blaineschools.org/alturas BELLEVUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
305 Fifth St. N., Bellevue, ID 83313
(208) 578-5080
www.blaineschools.org/bellevue CAREY PUBLIC SCHOOL
20 Panther Ln., Carey, ID 83320
(208) 578-5040
www.blaineschools.org/carey COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO / BLAINE COUNTY COMMUNITY CAMPUS
1050 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 788-2033
www.offcampus.csi.edu ERNEST HEMINGWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
111 Eighth St. W., Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 578-5050
www.blaineschools.org/Domain/11 HAILEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
520 First Ave. S., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-5070
www.blaineschools.org/hailey SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
1060 Fox Acres Rd., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-5060
www.blaineschools.org/Domain/13 SYRINGA MOUNTAIN SCHOOL
4021 Glenbrook Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 806-2880
www.syringamountainschool.org WOOD RIVER HIGH SCHOOL
1250 Fox Acres Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-5020
www.woodriverhs.blaineschools.org WOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
900 Second Ave. N., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-5030
www.blaineschools.org/Domain/15
Private Schools
COMMUNITY SCHOOL1 Community School Dr., Sun Valley, ID 83353
(208) 622-3955
www.communityschool.org PIONEER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
211 Second Ave. S., Ketchum, ID 83340
(208) 726-9060
www.pioneermontessorischool.org THE SAGE SCHOOL
1451 Aviation Dr., Hailey, ID 83333
(208) 578-0120
www.thesageschool.org TRINITY SCHOOL
100 Mustang Ln., Bellevue, ID 83313
(208) 720-8784
www.facebook.com/TrinitySchoolIdaho
