HISTORIC MERGER OF IDAHO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS

North Star Charter School is proud to announce a historic merger between North Star Charter and Rolling Hills Charter —the first of its kind in the state of Idaho. Set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, this merger positions North Star as the lead organization, enhancing the charter school choice movement by merging resources and expertise to benefit students and families across the region.

North Star’s current campus would serve as a joint elementary and middle schools, and North Star high school will be in their new location at 8900 N. Horseshoe Bend road. This location will offer the HS students their own space as well as access to the amazing campus adjacent to the Optimist sports fields.

For RH records requests, please email Tara Handy at  thandy@northstarcharter.org. 

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Press Release: HISTORIC MERGER OF IDAHO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN THE TREASURE VALLEY

Eagle, Idaho – April 21, 2025

North Star Charter School, a leading K-12 school located in Eagle and Rolling Hills Charter K-8 school located in Boise, are proud to announce a historic merger between the two charter schools —the first of its kind in the state of Idaho. Set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, this merger positions North Star as the lead organization, enhancing the charter school choice movement by merging resources and expertise to benefit students and families across the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HISTORIC MERGER OF IDAHO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN THE TREASURE VALLEY
Eagle, Idaho – April 21, 2025
North Star Charter School, a leading K-12 school located in Eagle and Rolling Hills Charter K-8 school located in Boise, are proud to announce a historic merger between the two charter schools —the first of its kind in the state of Idaho. Set to take effect in the 2025-26 school year, this merger positions North Star as the lead organization, enhancing the charter school choice movement by merging resources and expertise to benefit students and families across the region.
Key Highlights of the Merger:
The opportunity for the merger emerged when Rolling Hills faced significant budget concerns due to declining enrollment. As with all public charter schools, funding is tied directly to student enrollment, and without a sustainable student base, long-term viability becomes difficult. With a strong waitlist and a shared commitment to high-quality education, North Star was well-positioned to merge with Rolling Hills—creating room for growth while also preserving the community of Rolling Hills families and staff. This merger represents a win-win for school choice and the many families seeking a North Star education known for its academic excellence, strong culture, and proven results.
The current North Star site will be home to just under 1,000 K-8th grade students.
The Rolling Hills site will transition to North Star High School and will be home to 220 9-12th grade students.
Importantly, this merger will reinforce North Star Public Charter School’s commitment to providing a safe, structured environment where every student is known and challenged to reach their highest academic potential.
Elementary School (K-5): Expanding Enrollment & Opportunities
With the addition of new 4th and 5th grade classes, North Star’s highly sought after elementary program will expand its enrollment with more opportunities for Treasure Valley children to be a part of North Star’s accelerated learning environment, which puts a strong emphasis on character development.
Middle School (6-8): Enhanced Curriculum and Electives
The merger will allow for expanded enrollment of grades 6-8. Through the merger, North Star will be introducing new electives and leadership opportunities for middle school students. Students will be challenged to meet their full potential in a safe and structured learning environment.
Unique High School Experience (9-12):  Intimate Environment & Specialized Programs
North Star High School will expand its enrollment while maintaining the benefits of a small school environment. The school’s new location next to the Optimist Fields and proximity to the foothills enables unique extracurricular opportunities like cross country and mountain biking. The high school will continue to offer an accelerated curriculum, with opportunities for students to earn an Associate degree in Business or Liberal Arts. All students may receive a general education certificate at the conclusion of their time at North Star.
Under this merger, current Rolling Hills students will have the opportunity to join North Star at the K-8 site in Eagle, while high school students (grades 9-12) will transition to the Rolling Hills site which will be named North Star High School. Through this transition, North Star will ensure all students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a comprehensive, tailored educational experience.
“This merger enables North Star to extend our educational programs to more families while expanding our offerings and maintaining our high standards of education,” stated Andy Horning, Head of School at North Star. “We are proud to continue serving as pioneers in the charter school and school choice movement in Idaho.”