2062 E Best Ave
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814

I absolutely loved this school and I still do! It is my forever home because they are my Viking Family! The staff truly care about the student’s futures and the students are so outstandingly smart! I have a disability and the staff really stepped up to help me when I needed it! They didn’t know I had autism back then but they really tried hard to figure out what was going on with me! I love my Viking Family to the moon and back!

My oldest daughter is a successful former Lakes student, and now my youngest is in the process of making her middle school memories at Lakes! We love Lakes for the community feel, the talented staff, and all of the choices provided to our children for elective courses, clubs, and extra curricular activities.

Starting with the office staff, everyone is competent and involved. They know my child by name, are well organized, and somehow make everyone feel at home. We were initially given a tour by Mrs. Franklin. She loves her job and the children she works with. She is committed to providing a safe place for children to express themselves and understand right from wrong, either in their behavior or how they are being treated. My child often shares the 'Never Never' safety rules Mrs. Franklin taught them, which establish great life-long safety habits. I also had the privilege of meeting with Mr. Rutherford who took the time to personally talk with me and answer all of my questions. He sets an incredible example of how to run a school. He is very professional and loving. He acknowledges good behavior and the achievements of his students. His staff, students, and parents alike, have great respect for his example.My daughter has Mrs. Hall this year. She has made my daughters classroom feel like family. They learn so much in a week academically and she always takes the time to provide wisdom in life and social lessons as well. One example that we all use at home know is, "Great thinkers, think before they do." She leads by example by being an intelligent, kind, respectful teacher my daughter looks up to. Not to mention the fact my girl is now reading books, constantly making up mathematic equations, and she is on fire for science and experimenting. The students have special learning activities daily such as library, computer/tech lab, music, PE, and art. Fernan provides fun family activities for the whole family to join in and learn such as the STEM night we recently attended.I cannot speak highly enough about the learning environment Fernan STEM Academy has provided for my child. My daughter is learning how to love learning from successful, kind life-learners. We are lucky to be a part of this school and all they have to offer!