Challenger School - Meridian

Our two daughters were transferred from Chaparral Elementary in the rezoning last year. Our first year at Ponderosa we saw a fairly seamless transference in IEP goals and implementation. I love our teachers and so I say this more as a light criticism of our school district and our State: our teachers are over worked, underpaid, and the number of children to teacher ratio is insane. Based off what little resources these schools have, I'm continually impressed by teacher and staff knowledge of disabilities and their tools and their willingness to apply advice and tools provided by outside counsel and parents. Idaho, please make education a priority. Please. That said, there is a serious bullying problem at this school. My daughter's have come home in tears, with skinned knees, and bruised arms. An email to staff resulted in nothing. No response, either. My daughters both have ASD. It's been horrible. One daughter had a complete mental break down resulting in therapy. DO NOT go to this school if you have kids with disabilities or they are introverted. Fights happen in the school yard. It's a zoo. I believe, based on the positive experiences I've had with the IEP teams at this school, that staff simply don't have the resources to deal with the bullying. We are switching schools this year.

I absolutely LOVE how this school treats both my boys. 1 of my boys is in their special education program & they treat my son with thee most love & care I’ve ever seen a school treat him. My Nui for the first time in his life truly looks forward to going to school every day, it’s amazing. With in 1yr they have changed both my sons lives for the better. I’ve never seen a school go above & beyond like Hunter Elementary. Even the principal is by far the best principal I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. His attention to detail, & his daily attention to every single child, is above & beyond, he is on a level unseen in any school district I’ve ever seen across this beautiful nation. They also do keep all entrances to the school locked, forcing all who choose to enter, to enter through the front office. I do love their security protocols. But I do wish they had an armed guard, or the teachers where armed, but that’s just cuz children are precious & deserve more protection then politicians. Anyways, ya, absolutely love Hunter & all of the teachers & principal that makes this school the best in the nation in my opinion. Love them. The Royal’s will always support them as they support the kids in everything academic, as well as for the wellbeing of their day to day existence.

My children have been attending Prospect since 2011. We have had nothing but great experiences with teachers, administrators, office staff, PTA, and even crossing guards. They truly go above and beyond the basics. Of course mileage varies depending on the teachers your kids get, but overall, we have found them friendly and caring, with enough backbone to hold off chaos in the classroom. There are several activities throughout the year that parents and families can participate in. Thanks to all the amazing people who keep this neighborhood school running smoothly!

Love this school and neighborhood. Paramount usually has a police presence and the children feel safe there. It’s in the middle of the paramount subdivision which is a super safe neighborhood as well. Neighbors always looking out for children. The school counselor and principal are great - so sweet and helpful.