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Boise, ID 83713

We’ve had our children at Pioneer School of the Arts for two years now, and our experience has been nothing short of amazing. The teachers truly go above and beyond — they care deeply about every student, communicate often, and consistently welcome parent involvement in so many ways. Whether it’s volunteering in class, helping prepare materials, or participating in events, they make families feel part of a real community.Both my girls are part of the Gifted and Talented programs that are now offered in-house starting in 2026. The accelerated placement process wasn’t the easiest (it never is anywhere), but the staff listened, improved the process, and kept us informed every step of the way. Bureaucracy is rarely fun, but Pioneer handled it with transparency and care.The teachers are wonderfully communicative and visible, regularly sharing photos and updates that help parents stay connected to daily classroom life. The principal, Mr. Jakious, is approachable, engaged, and supportive — he sets a wonderful tone for the school community. The admin team, including Mrs. Jill Barton and Liz Ramsey, is exceptional — always kind, patient, and ready to help with anything from a forgotten coat or lunch box to scheduling and general inquiries. Their friendliness and efficiency make such a difference in daily school life.Starting fourth grade, students can choose a music elective — Orchestra, Band, CPAL, or Choir — while k-3rd graders experience both music and CPAL, which includes learning keyboard skills. These creative programs are a highlight and beautifully align with the school’s arts-based mission.The school also offers enriching programs like Pumathon during recess and countless community-based events that bring everyone together. Like in every school, parents have to advocate for their kids — that’s our job — but here, you truly feel supported in doing so.We made the transition from a Montessori-style private school after five years, initially apprehensive about public schools in Idaho after hearing some horror stories. But our worries disappeared almost immediately. Pioneer stands out for its creativity, arts integration, engaged teachers, wonderful staff and a fantastic PTA that brings it all together. We’re so grateful to be part of this community and can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Lowell Scott promotes itself as high achieving academic school with strong test scores, the reality behind those numbers tells a very different story. The environment is anything but conducive to learning for many students. A strong sense of exclusion, favoritism and social division that makes it nearly impossible for students outside of certain religious circles and groups to truly feel welcomed or succeed. Racism is ignored. Success here seems far more dependent on outside resources than anything the school itself provides. Many of the students performing well are doing so because their parents are paying for tutors, extensive extracurricular support or homeschooling, not because of exceptional teaching, staff support or administration. The school is decades behind with outdated cinder track, lack of investments in student athletics and facilities. The school markets itself as elite academically and athletically, but its clearly 30 years in the past. It seems to look and feel a certain way but many families will find the school culture, inequities and outdates systems disappointing once they experience the school first hand.

Joplin is a great school. The staff and students are welcoming and inviting. It's not a new, fancy school, but it is a special neighborhood school with caring, compassionate teachers. I have been lucky to have had two children attend Joplin. The teachers have high standards and both have made progress academically. They have also made long-lasting peer friendships. This school has a small-town feel that is unique in this day and age.

For context, I’ve already graduated. I don’t know why you’d pick this school given that there’s not much that stands out. A large portion of the student body here is also involved in marijuana usage. There’s few good teachers and a portion of them seem to have trouble maintaining composure—I’ve noticed that the front desk staff in particular seem to have trouble with this. On a side note, I wouldn’t be surprised if the school gets highlighted in the press for misconduct related to the special needs students. I’ve had conversations with some of them and they don’t seem to be getting treated too well behind closed curtains.If you want an alternative, you’d probably be better off at a public charter school (a publicly funded school that has more flexibility in its curriculum which also attracts a stronger body of staff).