Childrens School Of Boise Inc
About Childrens School Of Boise Inc
At The Children’s School of Boise, the classroom doesn’t stop at preschool. Children move through toddler years, preschool, kindergarten, and into second grade in a small, relationship-centered setting built around teacher-guided play and real skill development. For donors, that means supporting a school that treats social and emotional growth as part of the lesson, not something extra on the side.
What sets this school apart is the continuity. Children stay in the same developmentally grounded environment through age 8, with small classes and strong teacher-child ratios that help staff really know them. The Developmental-Interaction approach keeps the work rooted in play, open-ended materials, and projects that feel age-appropriate without feeling thin.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Developmental-Interaction early childhood program
Play-based, teacher-guided learning using open-ended materials, content projects, and skill development.
Part-time preschool classes
Younger Part-Time Class for ages 2-3 and Older Part-Time Class for ages 3-4.
All-day preschool classes
Youngest All Day, Younger All Day, Older All Day, and Oldest All Days classes for young children.
Continuity through second grade
Developmentally appropriate education for children through age 8, including kindergarten-age children and continuation through second grade.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The Children’s School of Boise enhances human development by supporting children as they experience themselves as capable learners. It provides a developmentally and educationally sound program for children through age 8 and serves as an advocate for the whole and healthy development of children and families.
Who they serve
Children ages 2 through 2nd grade and their families in Boise.
Their impact
- The school served approximately 90 students.
- In the last 20 years, the school awarded half a million dollars in tuition assistance.
- In 2019, 10 children received tuition assistance awards totaling just over $30,000 from the annual auction.
- The 2023-24 school year achieved 100% lead teacher retention.
- In 2024, 100% of parent survey respondents said they felt respected by staff and connected to other families.
How your donation helps
- tuition assistance
- instructional resources
- special projects
- specific maintenance tasks
- the Education Endowment
- the Mary Clagett Smith Founders Fund
- playground remodel efforts
Our story
The Children’s School of Boise began in 1980, when Mary Clagett Smith founded it as an independent nonprofit school. She built it around Developmental-Interaction, an approach that treats emotional development and cognitive development as inseparable and helps children see themselves as capable learners.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Childrens School Of Boise Inc’s services.
Families can contact the school to arrange a tour and submit an application at any time. Children are kept on an age-appropriate waiting list through second grade, and enrollment priority goes first to current families, then alumni families, then new families based on application date.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
My kids learned so much more than letters and numbers.
They went into elementary school with a high level of self confidence, creativity, and problem-solving ability.
The school will create and sustain those conditions which reflect our commitment to diversity; we seek families from different socio-economic, racial, religious and cultural backgrounds.
Events
Annual Benefit for Tuition Assistance, The Auction
annualThe school’s annual fundraiser for tuition assistance.
Annual Board of Directors Meeting
annualA yearly meeting where the school presents its State of the School address and goals for the coming year.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Childrens School Of Boise Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Tuition assistance support
- Instructional resources
- Special projects
- Specific maintenance tasks
- Playground remodel campaign support
Volunteer opportunities
- Board of Directors service
- Parents for The Children’s School event and fundraising support
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- NAEYC accreditation, 1989
- Grow Smart Award from Idaho Smart Growth, 2011
- Boise’s first LEED Certification, 2011
- Recognized as one of Idaho’s Best Places to Work, 2023
- Mayor Bieter proclamation honoring the school’s 30-year history, 2011
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages does The Children’s School serve?
It serves children from age 2 through 2nd grade, with classes that start in toddler years and continue through age 8.
What is the classroom ratio?
Classes are small, with teacher-to-child ratios in the 1:5 to 1:8 range.
How does the curriculum work?
The program uses open-ended play, content projects, and skill development within a Developmental-Interaction approach.
How do families apply for enrollment?
Families can contact the school for a tour and submit an application at any time. Openings are filled from the waiting list according to the school’s priority rules.
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